PAL PacksPeter Kilcoyne

ILT DirectorWorcester College of

Technology pkilcoyne@wortech.ac.uk

PAL Packs(Personally Accountable Learning)

• Background to the defined model and PAL Packs

• How we have implemented PAL Packs

• Meeting the challenges

• Examples of PAL Packs

• Invitation to work with us

Background to the defined model and PAL Packs

Why?•Need for efficiency. The continued reduction in the overall level of funding. Traditional model of delivery not sustainable.•The learner taking greater ownership of the learning process. Developing crucial independent learning skills.•The need to drive up quality across the college through use of blended learning.

The PAL Solution

• Reduction in teaching hours by 15% across all full time level 2 and level 3 course.

• Delivery of 15% of these courses through online Moodle based PAL Packs.

Process• Course teams meet with ILT and Study Centre

staff to discuss process and support.• Course teams decide on which parts of which

modules will be delivered through PAL Packs.• Develop a plan with a PAL Calendar.• PAL Packs written by course teams with support

of ILT and Study Centre team.

Developing a Model for PAL Packs

• Self study• Normally delivered in Study

Centres with Study Centre Staff supporting learners

• Personalisation, differentiation, learning styles

• Active Learning• Engaging• Minimise work load for

course teams

Roles• Course Teams – planning and writing of PAL

Packs• Study Centre Teams – supporting creation

especially finding resources. Supporting timetabled sessions.

• ILT Team – training and supporting teams.• Curriculum Managers – ensuring effective

implementation.

• Quality Team – quality assuring PAL Packs.

Moodle Based PAL Packs

“Structure” – recommended not prescriptive

• Instructions• Learning Objectives• Learning Content – esp

OER/OCW, NLN, Video, tutors own resources,

• Learning Activities – e.g. forum, glossaries, wikis, journals etc

• Assessment – quizzes and or assignments

Quality Assurance of PAL Packs

• Annual review by SSA

• Sample of PAL Packs evaluated

• Learner survey• Meeting of key staff• Action plan for

improvement

Meeting the challenges

• Resistance from some staff

• Resistance from some learners

• Staff skills in creating online learning packs

• Time for building PAL Packs

• Management and communication

• Explaining benefits of independent learning

• CPD and support

• Support and model designed with easy building in mind

PAL Examples

• Hospitality Workplace Skills

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

• Carpentry• Marketing

Some example PAL Activities using Moodle learning tools

• Glossary – Sports Injury

• Quiz – Social Care

• Assignment – Personal Development

• Forum – English Lit

• Journal – Performing Arts

Invitation to work with us

• Visits

• Advice on change management

• Advice on implementation

• Staff development

• Partnerships between curriculum teams

• Sharing content

• Sharing documentation