Teacher Training and Technologies Conference 2013"Delivering FETT through Blended Learning

Dr Denise Robinson

University of Huddersfield

imag

e so

urce

htt

p://

farm

3.st

aticfl

ickr

.com

/277

7/40

7873

8436

_6d3

31ab

1b6_

o.jp

g

FETT and IT• Slow but gradual shift towards incorporation of

more elements of IT• As an aid to T&L• To demonstrate how trainees can use with their

learners• Expectation/pressure from BIS & LSIS that we

incorporate blended learning• Misunderstanding of the cost implications of using

blended learning?

Background to tablet project• Consortium for PCET – Capital expenditure

distributed across the partnership; shift to tablet PCs

• Spring 2011 – distributed one of each (i-pad + Galaxy Samsung) per centre

• Asked to explore use of the tablets• Steering Committee required an evaluation of use

The Study• Outcomes of the initial survey revealed a clear

distinction in the use of the technology that seemed to be related to perception of the advantages and limitations rather than the actual facilities.

• These ranged from those who :1) responded to the challenges of technology and were

able to harness it; 2) were interested in using the technology but needed

considerable support; 3) used the technology for personal use only; 4) were overwhelmed by the actual or perceived

barriers and resigned themselves to non-use.

Survey 2013• Initial survey from 2011 - results used to

determine focus of questions. • Interviews – semi-structured. Undertaken by 2

people (one joint). Pilot interview. • Total of 9 – 2 not centre managers

Summary of results

1. Use of tabs – small hesitant steps. 2. No evidence of technological determinism3. Evidence of aspirations for future use4. Support from institutions – varied but improvements c.f to 20115. Laptops – used differently; smartphones – becoming accepted as a learning tool6. IT in FETT – essential to use with trainees for the course and to prepare them to use with their learners7. Guide on use of Tablet PCs for FETT

ExplosionThe metaphor of the explosion - the experience of most of those interviewed.

imag

e so

urce

htt

p://

farm

3.st

aticfl

ickr

.com

/277

7/40

7873

8436

_6d3

31ab

1b6_

o.jp

g

Further thoughtsTeacher educators to:• Develop a personal strategy alongside the

institutional vision / strategy • Support for innovation beyond direct training• Consider issues when introducing an initiative to a

teaching and learning system

Introducing our Keynote Speaker• Julie Hughes is the PL in PCET teacher education

at Wolverhampton University. • Julie is recognised as a leader in the application of

e-learning and has significant publications on e-portfolios and blogging

• She is a Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellow (2005) and a member of the JISC Learning and Teaching Practice Experts Group.