Dr. Gemma TowleDr. Gemma Towle

Structure of the presentationStructure of the presentation

Project background

Proficient e-communicators

Methodology

Emerging results

Interactive case studies

Project backgroundProject background

To investigate learners' opinions and experiences

Core themes: transitional periods, use of shadow technologies and light bulb moments

Adult and Community Learners (ACL), Further Education (FE), Higher Education (HE)

Proficient e-communicatorsProficient e-communicators

Participants who were sampled needed to be proficient e-communicators

Determined through the use of tasks completed in a virtual learning environment

Mapped according to a modification of Salmon’s 5 step model

1. Access and motivationSetting up system Welcoming &

& accessing encouraging

2. Online socialisationSending & retrieving Familiarising &

messages providing bridges

4. Knowledge construction

Conferencing Facilitating Process

5. DevelopmentProviding links to Supporting

outside closed conferences responding

1. Access and motivation

2. Online socialisation

3. Information exchange

4. Knowledge Construction

5. Development

Pro

fici

ency

acc

ord

ing

to

sta

ge

Tasks

Sign into the virtual learning environment (VLE).

Explore the site.

Complete questionnaire.

Post on the discussion board.

Entry to the wiki including external links.

Email answers to structured feedback.

3. Information exchangeSearching, personalising Facilitating tasks &

software supporting use of learning materials

Proficient e-communicatorsProficient e-communicators

MethodologyMethodology

Educational FlowchartEducational Flowchart

Mandarin Chinese

Hardware

Desktop computerLaptop computer

Software

Moodleemail

Hardware

Desktop computerLaptop computer

CDsInteractive penMusic player

Software

Internet site

Hanban Chinese

Learning

Hardware

Desktop computerLaptop computer

CDs

Software

Internet site

Cambridge University Language

Project

Hardware

Desktop computerLaptop computer

IT whiteboardDVDs

TV

Software

Microsoft Word, Excel, Access &

PowerPointEmail

International Baccalaureate

Card sortingCard sorting

MS Office

Facebook

Yahoo m

ail

Desktop computerPDATele

visi

on

Created in focus groupsCreated in focus groups

Used in interviewsUsed in interviews

Card sortingCard sorting

Mandarin Chinese

(ACL)

Hardware

1) Desktop2) Laptop

3) USB memory stick4) IT whiteboard

5) Portable Hard Drive6) TV

7) Webcam

Software

1) Microsoft Excel2) Hotmail

3) Microsoft media player4) Microsoft Publisher

5) Google Map6) Microsoft Word

7) Open Learn8) Microsoft PowerPoint

9) Skype10) Microsoft messenger

11) YouTube

Emerging resultsEmerging results

Many learners tend to use what their tutors recommend and don’t deviate.

The majority of learners who participated are audio-visual.

Learners need choices and options.

Emerging resultsEmerging results

Proficient e-communicators have had little problems with transitions.

One stop shop.

E-learning is not just computers.

What are Interactive Case Studies?What are Interactive Case Studies?

Themed and categorised video and audio of learners talking about their experiences with technology and learning

Available freely online complete with transcripts

With the facility for you to leave comments, reflections and recommendations

www.northampton.ac.uk/e4l/icswww.northampton.ac.uk/e4l/ics

Thanks for listening!Thanks for listening!

Any questions?Any questions?

Interactive Case StudiesInteractive Case Studies

www.northampton.ac.uk/e4l/icswww.northampton.ac.uk/e4l/ics

E4L project wikiE4L project wikihttps://mw.brookes.ac.uk/display/e4L/E4L+Homehttps://mw.brookes.ac.uk/display/e4L/E4L+Home