Technology is increasingly used to support blended and flexible pedagogical approaches and to enhance learner engagement.

Scotland’s Colleges offer a variety of approaches to the development and enhancement of personal and institutional capabilities in this area.

Action Learning Sets

Action Learning Sets are small groups of individuals who support one another in learning and development in an area where they have an interest and wish to increase their expertise. We act as facilitators for the Action Learning Sets, manage the processes involved in this collaboration and develop a framework that meets the needs of individual and group aims.

The Action Learning Sets can support colleges in the development and implementation of eLearning. Each set would meet six times over a six month period. The option to video conference would be available where possible.

Target Audience

The format of the Action Learning Sets programme is suitable for all staff at the beginning of the ‘blended/eLearning journey' as well as those with experience of using technology to support learning.

Theme

Sets will be focused around the overarching theme of: ‘Identification and implementation of strategies to achieve transformation in learning and teaching through the use of Information and Communications Technology and blended learning'. Action Learning Sets support participants in:

• Learning from each other and engaging in shared learning.
• Learning more about other institutions and institutional practices.
• Reflecting on current practice - but encouraging action.
• Highlighting challenges/areas where they have special interest, strength or weakness.
• Dealing with the kind of challenges that cannot be easily resolved through lectures/seminars.
• Engaging with technologies and tools to support blended/eLearning.
• Building up strong relationships and networks.
• Writing action plans for implementing within their colleges.

Action Learning Sets are a mechanism of securing change through external mentoring, peer support and provision of any necessary specialist assistance. Participants not only achieve change but their understanding of the change process is enhanced and their capability as change agents is increased.

Methodology

Information provision for Participants.

A range of information will be provided for participants. It will include:

• A pack of single A4 size pages presenting case studies of successful eLearning/use of ICLT activity drawing out the key staff development issues. Copies of the pack will be provided to stakeholders.
• Signposting to resources available from other agencies eg. JISC, Becta and NCSL.

Structure

• Participants will be organised into groups.
• Each group will meet six times in the course of the Action Learning Set programme.
• Meetings will be scheduled every 4-6 weeks.
• Each participant will bring a real issues or challenges to the set and will agree achievable change that they wish to implement in their own teaching or college.
• Time will dedicated by the group to each issue identified by members of the set.
• The facilitator will help the group to set up explicit ground rules for the set.
• Opportunities will be provided to investigate and use tools in support of blended learning. These tools will include Blogs, Wikis, voting sytems and interactive whiteboards.
• The facilitator will provide support at meetings and through an online collaborative environment.
• Action points will be determined at each meeting and this is the prime mechanism for achieving progress.
• Online collaboration tools will be used to support the group.
• Video conferencing will be used where appropriate.

The Role of Participant

Participants will work together on their chosen topics, listening and supporting their colleagues, and helping them to decide on courses of action. Through questions, discussion and sharing of experience, participants will be supported to move on in their understanding of an issue or problem, and to come to see potential ways forward.

Estimated Time Commitment from Participants

* This is an estimate and would include any actions agreed at meetings and online discussion and collaboration.

Over a 6 month period the total time commitment would be 12 days.

eInstitute

The eInstitute aims to support colleges and their staff in addressing the challenges associated with the effective use of eLearning and associated pedagogical approaches.

The eInstitute will prepare college staff to share their knowledge and experience with colleagues in their own and other colleges.

eInstitute is a significant area of development and change within education and impacts on pedagogy, skills, resources and tools used to support learning and teaching.

At its heart, the Institute is about learning - not technology and as such the focus will be on understanding the pedagogy for eInstitute although opportunities for ‘hands on' experience are included in the programme.

The opportunity for practical evaluation of tools and resources will be provided, together with ongoing support throughout the programme for the individual needs of delegates and college eInstitute strategies.

In summary, the programme will include:

• Pedagogy to support eInstitute
• The Learning Process and Learner Motivation
• Mentoring skills
• Identification and use of existing electronic resources
• Repurposing and development of resources for use in blended learning
• Reviewing and using a selection of tools for supporting blended learning including voting systems, blogs, wikis, interactive whiteboards
• eAssessment - Assessment is for Learning
• College-based activities using an Action Learning methodology.

The eInstitute will be supported through an online environment that will provide delegates with an opportunity to share experience, knowledge and skills as well as access support from us throughout the length of the programme.

It is suitable for staff at the beginning of the ‘blended learning journey' as well as those with some experience but would benefit from further support.

To discuss this opportunity further please contact:

Gerry Dougan
Tel: 01786 892000
E-mail Gerry Dougan