The VLE vs. PLE debateGráinne Conole, University of Leicester

PLE Conference, Aveiro13th July 2012

@gconole, #pleconf

Outline

• E-Pedagogies• The essence of good learning• The VLE/PLE continuum• The problem of lack of uptake• Using the VLE as a Trojan horse• The benefits of VLEs• A VLE/PLE comparison• Crystal gazing

(Un)keynote - the process• Questions, prompts on Twitter and fb• Experts invited to provide short videos• Space to aggregate resources and for

discussion on Cloudworks

A

AssociativeFocus on individualLearning through association and reinforcement

ConstructivistBuilding on prior knowledgeTask-orientated

SituativeLearning through social interactionLearning in context

ConnectivistLearning in a networked environment

Pedagogies of e-learning Mayes & De Freitas, 2004Conole 2010

E-trainingDrill & practice

Inquiry learningResource-based

Experiential, Problem-based Role play

Reflective & dialogic learning, Personalised learning

What is the essence of learning?

Essence of learningReflective Dialogic

Authentic Applied

A focus on pedagogy

We are all potential teachers and learners

We learn well through the act of creating

We learn by observing the activities of our peers

By understanding the contexts of others, we can teach in more transformative ways

A learning environment needs to be flexible

Dougiamas, Athens, 2nd October 2010

PLE

VLE

Informal Formal

Accredited courses +

Accredited courses

MOOCs

Study guides & resources

Tools

Pedagogy Context

The problem

Social and participatory media offer new ways to communicate and collaborate

Wealth of free resources and tools

Not fully exploited

Replicating bad pedagogy

Lack of time and skills

The solution

Using the VLE as a Trojan horseNew approaches to design for learning:

Conceptual design viewsFrameworksWorkshopsSocial media

Using the VLE as a Trojan horse

• VLE as a safe nursery slope• Help to:– Shift focus from content to

activities– Promote reflection and

collaboration– Create pedagogically effective

learning pathways

Blackboard audit

• Data– Online survey (260 returns)– Departmental visits

• Key findings– Used as content repository and

administration– Pockets of innovation– More support needed on

effective design strategies– Tension between teaching and

research– Usability issue

Blackboard+ at Leicester

BB plus Google+Maths video-lets

Prof-casts

History conundrum Voicethread

Benefits

• Guided learning pathway• Structured and timed• Formal accreditation• A cohort of peers• Tutor support• Consistent interface• Good accessibility• Management buy-in• Back end monitoring tool• Databanks of good practice

MSc in Learning Innovation

Technology-Enhanced Learning

Learning Design

Research Design and Methods

Case Studies of Innovation

Dissertation

A comparison….

• Formal course in VLE cf. informal MOOC

• Questions– Tools used– Learners’ perceptions– Challenges– Design issues

Learning Design MOOC

Crystal gazing

• Blurring of boundaries• Mix of institutional and

cloud-based tools• Spectrum of formal and

informal offerings• More sophisticated

learning analytics tools • Learning design tools to

guide practice