Trends in Technology Enhanced Learning
Peter Chalk
Associate Dean
Faculty of Computing
London Metropolitan University
London Met is…
• Distributed
• International
• Widening participation
• Developing Blended Learning:– Technology Enhanced Learning– Supporting face-to-face learning– Not (yet) distance learning
RLO-CETL – London Met in partnership with Universities of
Cambridge and Nottingham
• Interactive, graphic – fun!
• http://www.rlo-cetl.ac.uk:8080/open_virtual_file_path/i1967n2922t/muscle_mechanics_load_arm.html
• http://www.rlo-cetl.ac.uk/joomla/index.php
Download to students’ mobiles
• http://www.rlo-cetl.ac.uk/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=98
• Diversion: introducing Carl Smith and Debbie Holley from London Met’s RLO-CETL… [virtually]
For learning programming
• http://learning.north.londonmet.ac.uk/java1/lm_jav1_basrep/lm_jav1_whileloops_x/lm_jav1_whileloops_1.htm
• Blended learning with RLOs improved pass rates & student satisfaction
• Increased opportunities to learn, obtain feedback and be assessed…
Keep it simple!
Consider cross-cultural implications:
Diversion: Introducing Mei Qi, working on her PhD at London Met [virtually]
Note taking RLO
• Produced by study skills ‘experts’
• Based on research & student experience (in Learning Development Unit)
• http://learning.londonmet.ac.uk/LMBS/study/files/noteTaker.htm
Second Life
• Towards virtual reality…
• Examples: role play, research supervision at a distance, on-line learning (eg OU owns a building)
• http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=qOFU9oUF2HA&NR=1
Computer Games
• Games ideal for e-learning:• Performing Hands – educational software
for deaf children• My Future (video 2) – support for special
needs• http://www.gamelablondon.com/• http://www.gamelablondon.co.uk/
work.html
BSc Computer Games @ London Met
• Various courses now based on technologies developed for e-learning, such as BSc Computer Games
• http://www.thinkmakeplay.co.uk/• http://www.thinkmakeplay.co.uk/portfolio.h
tm• …and Multimedia Solutions (e-Learning)
Distributed e-Portfolios – Reflection & Showreels…
• PDP integrated into most university courses
• Consisting of:– Reflective writing & action planning– Using specific tools, or…– Showcase of evidence & CV:
• http://www.thinkmakeplay.co.uk/portfolio_showreel.htm
• Using web 2 services…
Examples of reflective writing in Google Blogger
E-Portfolio research findings at London Met
Web 2 blogs are hard to manage
Learn about students’ identity & transformation
Students can relate to us with their achievements ‘as equals’?
Distributed e-portfolios are very powerful expressions of identity…
…and allow personalised learning environments
Far more entries than in Blackboard journal (similar number of students)
Therefore, Google generation more confident, web 2 pioneers, ‘digital natives’, happy to dwell (& therefore build) in web 2 cloud? (Heidegger, M. (1971) Poetry, Language, Thought)
Conclusions
• Modern students:– Digital natives– Technology rich
• Modern university– (Blended) Technology Enhanced Learning
essential, but..– Must maintain interest, motivate, integrate,
enthuse, make it fun!