Earning while learning - implementing work-based learning within the Foundation Degree in ICT

Neil Murray, Lecturer in work-based learning inICT, Faculty of Technology

Contents• Foundation Degrees• Foundation Degrees at the OU • The Foundation Degree in ICT (GO4)• Work-based learning• T121/T226 WBL courses• Potential benefits and issues

What are Foundation Degrees?• First new HE qualification in 25 years• Degree level qualification designated as Intermediate on

the FHEQ• Self-standing qualifications, but with clear routes for

progression• Part of government’s strategy to up-skill the workforce

and widen participation in HE• Aimed at learners wishing to enter a profession as well as

those seeking continuing professional development• Workplace focus

Design of Foundation Degrees• Integrate academic and work-based learning• Use external reference points• Have clear ILOs for academic and work-based

components• Provide innovative and authentic WBL (minimum

20% of FD)

Defining characteristics of Foundation Degrees• Employer involvement and partnerships

• Accessibility

• Articulation and progression

• Flexibility

Foundation Degrees at the OU• G04: Foundation Degree in Information and

Communication Technologies• G06: Foundation Degree in Computing and its

Practice

Foundation Degrees: collaborating parties

The two Foundation Degrees: components• ICT

– T175, M150– MT127– MU120, MST121– T121 (WBL)– T226 (WBL)– Other specific T courses– T228 (CISCO)– TM227

• Computing & its Practice– T175, M150– MT127– MU120

– M226 (WBL)– Other specific M courses

– TM227

Vendor

How do they differ?• In both degrees learners cover the basics of data, information,

communication and computers • Computing and Its Practice will primarily appeal to learners interested

in using and programming computers. • Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) will appeal to a

wider audience of learners who want to explore the theory and practice of ICTs in a variety of different contexts.

Foundation Degree in ICT• 240 CATS points at HE1 and HE2 • 60 points of work-based learning:

– T121 ICTs at Work– T226 ICTs, Change and Projects at Work

• vocationally relevant and valued • a framework for integrated personal and

professional development • a pathway to honours

What is work-based learning?• Setting up the framework for learning at work• Recognising opportunities to learn at work• Being able to apply learning at work• Reflecting on, and learning from, experiences at

work• Taking responsibility for own career development

COBE WBL MODEL

WBL Courses within the FD in ICT At level 1, ICTs at Work (T121) was launched in October

2005 and covers:• learning how to learn• exploring ICTs in the workplace• personal and career development planning • the organisational context• national standards and frameworks• professional bodies and professionalism

WBL Courses within the FD in ICT• At level 2, ICTs, Change and Projects at Work (T226),

continues the personal and career development strand and also covers:

• ICTs as drivers and enablers of change at work• project working as a way of implementing change• developing ideas for real work-based projects• developing plans and a business case for work-based

projects.

Skills and knowledge development• Key transferable skills and knowledge

• Employability skills and knowledge

• Practical and professional skills and knowledge

• Cognitive skills and knowledge

Professional development

• National occupational standards

• Assessing occupational skills

• Personal and career development planning

• Continuing professional development

T121 Materials/Resources• Reader: Manager’s Good Study Guide• Course Study Guide• Course Companion• Worksheets + binder • Promises eDesktop• Conferences

Tutor support model

• 4 f2f tutorials (each of 2 hours).

• Assessment of 3 TMAs/Marking of ECA

• Support up to 15 students

• 25 hours online support

• Note that there is no workplace visit

Evaluation of T121• COBE funded evaluation of ‘pilot’ presentation• 2 Consultants appointed• Evaluation from student, tutor and employer

perspective• How is it going so far?

Benefits for students Students can:

• ‘earn while they learn’

• gain up-to-date professional certification and a nationally recognised qualification

• enhance their employability

• progress to Honours and beyond

Benefits for employers Staff can:• study for academic qualifications while

working• gain professional skills and academic

knowledge relevant to their work• enhance their contribution to the workplace as

a result of personal and professional development

Benefits for us • Potential new markets• Collaborative partnerships• Creating new professional programmes

and pathways• New ways of thinking about our

curriculum

Issues • How coherent is the FD in ICT as a

programme of study?• Is WBL sufficiently integrated?• Employer involvement• Problems/complexity of collaborative

working• FD marketing/recruitment

Over to you!