The WebLearn Portfolio and HEO Pilot: implications for a blended learning approach

LondonMet T&L Workshop, July 07

Peter Chalk

Undergraduate Centre tb2

A copy of these slides will be available at the end of the workshop

Workshop means work…

• Please arrange yourselves into groups, possibly by HEO module/ course/ subject areas– In September, will you be using WebLearn?– Will you be using the ePortfolio in a pilot?– Do you have special PDP requirements (eg

professional body)?– Have you taken part in any WebLearn training?

A WebLearn HEO module, showing a PDP learning module to support the ePortfolio

In a ‘WebLearn module’ a PDP ‘learning module’ can help…

• Guide students in how to use the Portfolio: if so, what should be in this learning module?– PDP framework, if so, how to present it?– Links to learning resources, if so, which?– Existing PDP documents like the ugstudy/pdp

web site?– Something else…?

WebLearn artefact ‘Save to Portfolio’ tool

In your WebLearn module, students can save to Portfolio…

• MyGrades, assignments, assessments and discussion topic discussions - – So how would you use this facility?– How would you encourage students to use it?– How should the artefact be reflected upon? (eg

blog, new document, in module or in portfolio?)

– How would you know they have done it…?

What’s in the WebLearn Portfolio

• Integration with WebLearn modules– Artefact saving (file storage area)

• Binders, including a multimedia gallery• Blog/ discussion & calendar (not integrated)• Goal setting & recording, evidence linked• Guest reviewer facility (can track guests,

eg module leader, tutor – who else?)• CV (resumé) tool

Portfolio ‘Full’ Template or ‘aim’

If we use the full template…

• Does it match the first semester HEO structure?

• Should it include further binders for future semesters/ years?

• Is it helpful, or overwhelming?

• Should we expect students to be more creative…?

The ‘blank’ template…

…plus a link to an external Portfolio

The blank template

• Does this allow the student to be more creative?

• Or is it scary?

• Could we include any helpful material…?

The ‘resources only’ template

If we use the resources only template in the 0708a pilots…

• What should go in the resources binder?

• What files should go in the my files area?

• What goals should be pre-populated?

• What links should be made…?

Reusable learning object (RLO) embedded in Portfolio

RLO task

• For your subject/ course, consider what RLOs might be embedded in the– Portfolio?– WebLearn module?

• Should we be developing any more RLOs– If so, which?

So, how did the HEO Spring semester pilot go, then?

• Why I can’t show you a student example…– Started late– Did not integrate into module learning and

teaching– Presented as an add-on– Not linked to PDP related assessment– Students did not use it by choice– A few added me as guest, but did not create

new content

So, how can we…

• Encourage students to use Portfolio?

• Know that they have started?

• Give them tasks that might persuade them to use it?

• Get them started…?

A Getting Started File…

• The following HTML file, with links, could form the basis for a ‘getting started’ link in the main Portfolio window

– for now, but could be a portlet in the Student Portal, or a Reusable Learning Object…

Modified E Portfolio resources-only template with a personalised ‘Getting Started’ HTML file

Showing personalised links to PAA photo, course learning outcomes, and a textual explanation of the PDP purpose

‘Getting Started’ links to RLOs, PDP tools, Me & My Course etc

‘Getting Started’ can also link to module information & regs etc

And finally, what I concluded from my pilot in 0607b…

Conclusions from pilot

• Essential to– Integrate ePortfolio into L&T strategy

– PDP-related assessment must involve creating and sharing content in WebLearn Portfolio

– Spend time showing students how to use tools

– Encourage artefact saving in all modules

– Use blog to engage student with tutors

– Use CV tool with Careers Service etc etc

• Template – minimal to encourage engagement?