University of Aberdeen
School of Education
Outline Project Proposal 2004-2005
Learning Technology Unit Programme
The School of Education has
an ongoing programme of online course development which is based round a well
coordinated Learning Hub concept.
All courses offered on an online basis are accessed through the Hub.
To facilitate further
innovation and development within this area the School of Education wishes to
provide as many staff as possible with an opportunity to have expert support to
design, create and author new courses for online delivery. This requires continued development of
the existing schedule and plan for training and support to enable staff to
engage effectively and efficiently with the processes of design and production.
It is also essential that the
School of Education develops and is seen to be developing online methodologies
and practices to ensure that practice is current, innovative, developmental,
and is based on the best supporting research evidence.
For various reasons it is
essential that a range of new courses are developed within the period in
question to ensure that:
In addition to extending the
range of courses it is also important that the form and the style of the
courses developed reflect best practice.
The School of Education has thus a need to provide a range of new tools
and facilities to supplement and to complement what is already available to
course developers. It is hoped
that through this bid a range of tools will be investigated and/or developed to
match aspirations outlined in enclosed papers. These tools can then be rolled-out to developers through an
appropriate education and training schedule.
The enclosed bid, which has
been compiled from a set of innovative responses from staff, as a result of a
request for project proposals, is fully consistent with the C&IT Policy and
C&IT Strategy of the School of Education and its Academic Plan. These
individual responses have been included here (LTU4/5.2 to LTU4/5.16) for
information and to provide additional details. The School of Education outline bid is however summarised in
the form numbered LTU4/5.1.
The enclosed bid is large and
complex but there are several themes which run across the projects
submitted. Identification of these
common themes within the suite of projects is essential to effective planning
for implementation of the proposal and this will only be possible through a
comprehensive analysis of the individual projects. Once themes are identified ÔgeneralisationÕ of tools
developed should thus be possible to avoid further duplication in design and
development effort. An overall
project management role is thus key to the development of the suite of
individual projects. It is hoped
that the LTU will undertake this project management role to maximise the impact
of developments across the complete range of projects proposed.
It is hoped that the LTU will
be able to provide support for the complete set of bids, however, if this is
not feasible the School of Education will be pleased to receive support for as
many of the identified projects as is possible. If required School of Education prioritisation of bids can
be provided.
Terry Allan
School of Education
2 March 2004
1 Including
the Chartered Teacher Programme.
2 Exemplified through the continued
development of a distance learning PGCE(P) course
3 Nationally funded initiatives including
Masterclass, NGfL and Spark set standards and expectations which require to be
matched.
4 The MEd, PGCE(S) and PGCE(P) programmes are
all supported by developing online environments. These require continued development along with other
programmes where an online presence is as yet not significant.
UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
Learning Technology Unit Programme
Outline Project Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: School
of Education Learning Hub 2004-2005
Department/School/Faculty: School
of Education
Contact Name: Terry
Allan
Tel no: 01224 274573 E-mail: t.allan@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
This
submission incorporates bids from staff representing a number of areas and all
programmes within the School of Education. The bid is also fully consistent
with the School of Education C&IT Policy and with the C&IT Strategy for
2002-2006.
Number of students affected by this project:
All
students who participate in any of the programmes offered by the School of
Education including those offered on a part-time and on a distance learning
basis will thus be affected.
Proposed date of use with students if applicable:
Rolled out a available
What
are the aims of the project?
á
to give practical expression to the School of Education C&IT
Policy through a range of well planned implementation projects;
á
to further develop a rich, coherent and extensive virtual learning
environment to:
o
enable wider access on flexible bases through a high quality
provision;
o
maintain our professional credibility and competitiveness;
o
facilitate different modes or learning and styles of teaching;
o
incorporate relevant research and developments findings into
courses.
á
to facilitate and encourage involvement of a wider range of
academic staff in the development and use of the virtual learning environment;
á
to have all programmes actively engaged in the developing virtual
learning environment strategy;
á
to provide development opportunities suitable for staff consistent
with the requirements of the developing virtual learning environment;
á
to make as full use as possible of University facilities and
services to facilitate the development and maintenance of an environment which
is technologically and pedagogically forward thinking;
á
to take advantage of appropriate technological developments as
they occur;
á
to ensure that our programmes and courses are not merely
conforming with professional requirements regarding the application and use of
C&IT and matching the expectations of students, staff, and the professions
we service but that the School of Education is seen to be providing an
education which is providing direction to the professions in this area;
á
to ensure that the professional practice adopted by academic staff
in their teaching is not only consistent with the expectations of their peers
but is providing direction to others in the use of C&IT in learning and
teaching.
More
specifically the intention is:
á
To build on and
consolidate School of Education approaches to the design and use of online
learning environments centred on collaborative and Ôcommunities of practiceÕ
approaches to learning through the development of new courses, tools and the
wider involvement of academic staff
á
To provide an opportunity
for the exploration of a range of interactive approaches to learning in online
settings
For details of aims for each project see
enclosed proposal forms.
What will be the outcomes of the project?
1 Update
and development of the existing Learning Hubs and the Learning Hub provision
through the addition of new online courses, materials, resources and
facilities;
2 A
range of generic modules and resources which can be accommodated within the
Common Resources areas of the Learning Hub and can be made be available for use
across the whole University;
3 A
range of new online course development tools/resources to enable more active
and collaborative and well supported learning and research to occur;
4 Integration
of current research findings and observations into online course design and
provision to enhance course provision and to facilitate and encourage ongoing
research activity and publication.
5 Systems
to facilitate the addition of Ôcommunities of practiceÕ models of learning into
programmes;
6 Staff
with increased skills in the design and production of online courses using a
range of tools and methodologies;
List the relevant learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the introduction of this project would help to achieve them:
Course
descriptors with learning outcomes are available on request, the intention is
to exploit the interactive features of the WebCT environment and other
available online facilities as fully as possible to support learning outcomes
consistent with a model of learning which stresses participative, exploratory,
active and reflective activities.
Further
details area also available in the attached proposal forms.
What benefits will result
from this project:
For the students:
1 Greater
range of online courses and resources
2 More
flexible learning opportunities
3 Greater
support for leaning and research
4 More
interactive courses
5 More
opportunities for collaborative learning
For your Department/School/Faculty/the University:
1 Greater
range of online courses and resources to be used by undergraduates and
postgraduates
2 Potential
for increased use of flexible learning within courses
3 Exploitation
of new markets: for example by distance delivery of Chartered Teacher Programme
4 A
range of tools will be available for course developers to enable more
interactive and collaborative learning environments to be created.
5 Materials,
tools and resources will be produced which can be used/deployed by staff
throughout the University
For you:
Not applicable
Estimation of magnitude of project (to be completed by LTU):
Long Ð 3+ months
This proposal has been discussed with a member of the Learning
Technology Unit. I understand that if the project proposal goes ahead it will
be a collaborative effort with the LTU, with my school or faculty being
responsible for the academic content, and the LTU providing pedagogical support
and design and technical input.
Signature of applicant(s): Date:
Signature of Head of School or Dean: Date:
Signature of LTU Manager/Support Officer: Date:
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: Building and Sustaining a Community of Enquiry in
Educational Research
Unit/School/College: School of Education
Contact Name: Norman Coutts Douglas Hay
Tel no: 274584 Email:
n.coutts@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
MEd (Taught Masters Dissertation) and Research Degrees
Number of students affected by this project: 140
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: October
2004
What are the aims of the project?
Over the last two sessions, with the help of the LTU, we have made
significant progress in the use of online resources hosted in WEB CT to deliver
courses within the MEd. While we
need to consolidate and enhance our existing practice using a
socio-constructivist approach to the delivery of materials and activities
within individual courses, we also need to expand our practice to encompass the
use of shared approaches and materials across courses and between
programmes. This represents good
learning practice and will delivery efficiency gains.
The idea of the Ôcommunity of practiceÕ (Wenger 1999 2002) provides an
interesting and timely conceptual starting point for such an initiative. This project will aim to provide a test
environment in which the LTU and the School of Education can experiment with
ideas associated with building and sustaining a form of community of practice
(enquiry) focused on educational research. The community will aim to meet the shared needs of School of
Education MEd students engaged in the research phase of their studies and full
and part time research degrees students.
Ideas associated with the community of practice include co-working of
experienced and less experienced practitioners as the latter are inducted into
the community or practice and its discourses, through the joint development of
cultural tools and resources Ð in this case related to the purposes of
educational research and study.
A secondary aim is to provide a vehicle to support participation of
School of Education and LTU colleagues in the Applied Educational Research
Scheme (AERS) nationally.
A third aim is to provide a focus and vehicle for groups of
practitioner researchers in schools who would work with University tutors on a
collaborative participatory practitioner research model. It is anticipated that this model would
attract external funding and support from a number of Education Authorities.
This will allow coordination of the efforts of Research Degrees,
Chartered Teacher, Scottish Qualification for Headship, and other Masters
participants in the shared development of materials and resources. The materials resources to be developed
would be the equivalent of 8 PG Masters modules.
What will be the outcomes of the project?
The project will allow us to develop:
Understanding of the design principles that can help create a vibrant
and successful community of practice (enquiry) within full and part time
research students studying on and off campus.
Shared tools and resources to support student wider interaction and
participation and so reduce the isolation of (meantime relatively few) full
time PhD students on campus and those practitioner researchers who study off
campus and part time.
A sustainable forum for practitioner research in local schools centred
on a School of Education hub.
Practice informed insights into the successful operation of online
learning on an innovative supra-course level to support research and
publication.
List the relevant
learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of
this project would help to achieve them:
Not appropriate at this point
- as Ôcultural toolsÕ produced within the community of practice and the
design and shape of the must emerge from the practice and discussions of the
community members.
At the appropriate point in the design specification these would be
precisely matched to learning outcomes of validated courses/programmes
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
Richer learning opportunities designed and developed with the active
participation and engagement of leading practitioners and research students.
Cross sector and cross phase interaction on issues and projects of
agreed common interest and the experience of collaboration in the
implementation of shared solutions.
Better learning materials which reflect the realistic and authentic
priorities and interests of the community of practice.
For your Unit/School/College/the University:
Participation in innovative practice
Economies of scale in materials production and teaching group sizes
Opportunities for research and publication
A lead position in the
development of participatory practitioner research with local schools and EAs.
Piloting of an online model with wider application across the
University.
For you:
Opportunity to work with a wider community of students and colleagues.
Extension of existing research and development interests related to
research and publication.
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Unit/School/College: School
of Education
Contact Name: Gillian Anderson / Lynne Shiach
Tel no: (01224) 274837 Email:
g.m.anderson@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
All courses that are run within the BAECS degree
Number of students affected by this project:
75 currently onboard the degree -
46 students on waiting list
Proposed date of use with students if applicable:
As soon as is available
To
create an online environment that will support distance-learning students
undertaking the BAECS by fostering learning communities where peer and tutor
support can be sought.
To
provide opportunities for distance learning students to establish support
networks where professionally relevant issues can be discussed with a view to
challenging thinking, improving practice and the ensuing benefits this may hold
for quality of written work.
To
minimise studentsÕ feelings of isolation when undertaking a distance learning
degree, sustain motivation and work levels and decrease instances where
students drop out.
To
maximise tutor time by enabling many students to access advice or suggestions
given within specific courses.
It
is hoped that the learning hub can be used to facilitate communities of
learning where students working on a particular course can give and receive
support, discuss related issues and work collaboratively sharing knowledge and
expertise. Through these exchanges, support networks will be established and
maintained. At present, there is
no way that students can take the initiative in contacting another working on
the same course. This environment
would enable that to happen, minimising the feelings of isolation that students
at an extreme distance (e.g. Qatar) often feel. Although tutors can and do support students, opportunities
to contact peers are frequently requested.
Tutor
time may also be maximised, where common questions or issues arising can be
discussed within the online environment, enabling many more students to benefit
from advice or suggestions given than traditional organisation allows. This may be a productive route forward
in reducing overload.
Creation of this online facility could also be a productive first step
in moving towards online delivery of the BAECS degree following
revalidation. Familiarising
students with an online environment in this way could prove to be a useful
scaffold for making this transition to online delivery.
List the relevant
learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of
this project would help to achieve them:
Throughout
the BAECS degree students are asked to reflect on their competence within 4 key
areas that are generic to all courses, these being Knowledge and Understanding,
Skills, Attitudes and Professional Development. Although all learning outcomes (or characteristics of these
key areas) will be enhanced through the collaboration we envisage, those that
are most relevant to this project would be:
Skills:
-interaction
skills for working with young children and adults
-communication
and observations skills when working with children and adults
-articulation
of practice and thinking
-effective
advocacy skills
Professional
Development
-learning
is a life long process
-encouraging
training and development of others
-being
self-analytical and reflective
The
projects main role in helping to achieve these learning outcomes is by
facilitating opportunities to engage in professionally relevant discussion with
a range of peers and providing access to support networks as and when required.
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
Increased
opportunities to access support from peers and tutors when undertaking a
particular course.
Opportunities for interaction with a wider range of peers than has
previously been possible.
Opportunities to discuss and debate alternative views on professionally
relevant matters with other early years practitioners.
For your Unit/School/College/the University:
The
provision of this online environment will significantly enhance the provision
of support for our distance-learning students. It will enable us to provide alternative points of contact
that as well as enriching the learning process for students through interaction
with other practitioners, may help to alleviate some pressure on main tutors
who are presently the primary source of support and feedback on studentsÕ
learning.
For you:
As
a tutor on this degree, I greatly value and respect the time and effort that my
students dedicate to their studies and I recognise their need for contact with
peers. At particular points within
the semester, time can be at a premium, and it can be difficult to respond to
requests for help immediately. The
creation of this online environment would ensure that my students (and all
others) have access to an alternative source of support. Furthermore, my time could be maximised
further by addressing commonly raised issues within a specific course online,
thus enabling many students to access this simultaneously.
This
environment will also provide the opportunity to continue to develop my own
skills in supporting studentsÕ continuous professional development utilising
Personal Construct Theory, as has been the focus for a small-scale research
project with a similar group of early years practitioners.
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: Learning and the Young Child
Unit/School/College: School
of Education
Contact Name: Morag
Russell/Anne Valyo
Tel no: 274648/274558 Email:mo.Russell@abdn.ac.uk; a.h.valyo@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
Learning 3.1 CR3040 Learning 3.2 CR3501
Number of students affected by this project: Year
Groups of 94
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: October
2004
What are the aims of the project?
To enable students and academic staff to share resources, ideas, and
outcomes of open learning activities.
To have a central reference point for the community of learners to
engage in developing knowledge and understanding of young childrenÕs learning.
What will be the outcomes of the project?
á Increased
knowledge and understanding of early child curriculum on learning
á A
bank of high quality learning and teaching strategies to be used by student
teachers involved in early stages practice
á A
bank of high quality resources to be accessed by field professionals
List the relevant
learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of
this project would help to achieve them:
á Successful
student attainment of the standard for entry into the teaching profession in
relation to Nursery and Early Years Practice
á Identification
of stimulating and enabling learning contexts for use with young children
á Demonstrating
confidence in making personal contributions to a community of learners
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
á Immediate
access to key research articles
á Immediate
access to models/exemplars of best practice
á Engaging
with a process of personal and professional development which will continue
through their induction year and beyond
á Peer
and tutor support in ensuring best use and optimal learning of open learning
tasks
For your School/College/the University:
á Academic
staff development in sharing best practice research
á Wider
access across college schools/courses to this shared resource
á Developing
a shared understanding of student experience and attainment with field
professionals who support their placement
á Potential
for sharing effective learning/teaching strategies with the wider community and
raising the profile of university with parents and families. (Continues with wider access in
catchment areas).
For you:
á Effective
use of time
á Insights
regarding the practice, philosophy and research basis of colleagues
á Potential
for further enhancing a shared understanding of course philosophies and
approaches
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: Supporting Collaborative Learning on and off campus
Unit/School/College:
School of Education
Contact Name: Yvonne Bain
Tel no: Hilton 4548 Email:
y.c.bain@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
PGCE(Primary) full-time
PGCE(Primary) part-time
Number of students affected by this project: 130
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: From September 2004
To further develop and enhance the student learning experience through
the use of collaborative online learning experiences.
To create two distinct learning environments Ð one suitable for
supporting and enhancing campus-based learning for the full-time PGCE(Primary)
cohort and the other to review and build-on existing opportunities for
PGCE(Primary) by part-time distance learning to offer peer-support through
collaboration.
A new WebCT course which will reflect the soon to be re-validated
PGCE(Primary) programme for the full-time student cohort. Much of this may be influenced by and
will overlap with existing WebCT courses for the part-time Programme.
A reviewed set of WebCT courses for further collaborative and support
of autonomous learning for the PGCE(Primary) by part-time and distance
learning.
List the relevant
learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of
this project would help to achieve them:
Within PGCE(P) Programme there are relevant, specific programme aims
that will apply:
¤
1.2 Provide an ethos
where collaborative endeavour promotes effective use of each participantÕs
subject specialism and previous experience
¤
1.4 Prepare participants
to work as team members with colleagues, parents, carers and other
professionals within and outwith the school setting.
¤
D2 Develop and manage
effective relationships with others for example, through collaborative working
with peers, staff and colleagues within the School of Education and within
schools and local education staff
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
Guided support and improved access to collaborative learning
opportunities.
For your Unit/School/College/the University:
Enhanced use of online learning to provide best possible learning
opportunities for students on and off campus.
For you: N/A
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: TQ(FE) Online
Unit/School/College: School
of Education
Tel no: 274849 Email: c.a.gordon@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
Teaching, Learning and Assessment LL3010
Learning, Teaching and Evaluation LL3013
Wider Professional Role LL3014
Teaching Experience in Further Education LL3018
Number of students affected by this project: 50
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: January 2005
What are the aims of the project?
We would like to extend the project undertaken last year with the help
of LTU. At that time, at the
expense of the LLS Department, course material for 3 TQ(FE) courses was placed
into a WebCT environment. We would
like to make these courses fully interactive and collaborative online
experiences.
In addition, a small further course needs to be added to WebCT.
What will be the outcomes of the project?
Interactive and collaborative online activities built into the course
material.
List the relevant learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of this project would help to achieve them:
Outcomes include:
o
Analyse critically the
contribution made by course participants in their wider professional role.
o
Engage in reflective
practice.
o
Distinguish between
different approaches to managing behaviours and relationships with individuals
and groups of learners.
In all these cases, interactive discussion with fellow students would
enhance the achievement of these outcomes.
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
As an alternative to physical attendance on a TQ(FE) programme,
students would be able to engage in a fully online, interactive and
collaborative learning experience.
For your Unit/School/College/the University:
We could market this online version country-wide as a viable
alternative to face-to-face delivery, with great resource benefits.
For you:
Personally, the satisfaction of co-creating a good online set of
resources, and an in-depth knowledge of the material in preparation for
tutoring the programme online.
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: SQH
Participant Support Network
Unit/School/College:
Education
Contact Name: Dr Michael
Cowie
Tel no: 274662 Email:michael.cowie
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
All courses within the SQH programme
Number of students affected by this project: 90
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: as
available
á
To develop a learning
environment to support collaboration for learners at a distance.
á
To provide opportunities
for learners who are apart to work together.
¤
In improved learning
environment that supports constructive and collaborative learning.
¤
An enhanced learning
experience for learners
List the relevant
learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of
this project would help to achieve them:
Virtually all of the learning outcomes for the courses within the SQH
programme would be involved as local network support to share progress and aid
reflection is an integral part of the design of the SQH programme. For a variety of reasons participants
in some areas are disadvantaged and cannot meet together on a regular
basis.
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
Greater confidence in the use of WebCT
Increased use of the communication and collaboration facilities.
Enhanced learning through communication and collaboration
Completion rates in the SQH for those in isolated areas are lower than
for those in the urban areas. It
is important that we provide as much opportunity for learners at a distance to
be part of a community of learners.
This project proposal will benefit the learners by:
¤
Reducing the isolation
that may be felt as a distance learning through encouraging active and regular
participation
¤
Enhancing the learning
experience through a social constructivist approach
¤
Encouraging professional
development through collaboration with peers
For your Unit/School/College/the University:
Learning opportunities need to be designed to facilitate discussion
between learners rather than between a learner and a tutor. This approach will help reduce the
pressure that can arise from online tutoring when students expect continuous
one-to-one communication by return email.
This project will raise our level of expertise in design and delivery
of distance learning and this expertise will be applicable in other areas and
in other learning environments.
In doing so it will increase the schoolÕs capacity to develop a more
interactive electronic learning environment
For you:
Involvement with this project will enhance my capability to make
productive use of an on-line environment.
UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
Learning Technology Unit Programme
Outline Project Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: Chartered
Teacher Programme
The
conversion and development of 6 modules (demand lead) for the Chartered Teacher
Programme (Advanced Professional Studies within the MEd degree) to e-learning
format using WebCT.
Department/School/Faculty:
School of Education.
Contact Name: Leila Holm
and Norman Coutts
Tel no: H3506 E-mail:
l.holm@abdn.ac.uk; n.coutts@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
1.
To be defined
2.
To be defined
3.
To be defined
4.
To be defined
5.
To be defined
6.
To be defined
Number of students affected by this project: Approximately 300 in the first 18 months.
There are an estimated 30,000 in Scotland who are likely to undertake
Chartered Teacher modules. over the next 5 years.
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: commencing October 2004.These modules are likely to
form part of the Chartered Teacher Programme and other APS programmes for a
number of years.
To develop in e-learning format a set of option modules for the
Chartered Teacher Programme.
To facilitate access to the module for teachers undertaking the
Chartered Teacher Programme. There
is an expectation that all modules should be offered in e-learning format.
To develop innovative ways for teacher to become involved in
interactive and collaborative activities when undertaking learning at a
distance.
To ensure that we are in a position to honour partnership agreements
with the local authorities who have signed up to deliver the Chartered Teacher
Modules in partnership with the School of Education.
What will be the outcomes of the project?
The development of a set of option modules which are accessible to
teachers working at a distance or who are unable to attend in-centre delivery;
Support for students studying part-time in the workplace to augment
in-centre contact sessions;
The recruitment of increased numbers of participants which will
generate income for the School of Education and increase the national profile
of the School of Education;
The strengthening of partnership agreements with the local authorities
for the delivery of the Chartered Teacher Programme;
The impact of innovative features within the online courses on
teachers' participation and interaction will be evaluated and reported;
Research will be conducted into innovative e-learning approaches.
List the relevant learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the introduction of this project would help to achieve them:
Detailed learning outcomes can be supplied for each individual
module. The following is a summary
of the learning outcomes:
The demonstration of a critical understanding of:
Current approaches to teaching and learning
Educational assessment and its interpretation
Responses to pupil differences and to pupils experiencing barriers to
learning
ICT and its importance in teaching and learning
The school curriculum, its knowledge base, and how the curriculum
relates to life in the community, including citizenship and the world of work
Current policy debates
Current research on teaching and learning
Professional and Personal Attributes
Communicate effectively
Demonstrate resourcefulness and adopt a problem solving approach
Demonstrate creativity and an open attitude to change
Professional Action
Effect further progress in pupils' learning
Use strategies which increase pupils' learning
Evaluate practice and reflect critically on it
Ensure that teaching is informed by reading and research
Contribute to enhancing the quality of the educational experience
provided by the school and to the wider professional context of teaching
Relate teaching to wider school aims and social values
Articulate a personal, independent and critical stance in relation to
contrasting perspectives on educational issues, policies and developments
What benefits will result
from this project:
For the students:
The opportunity to access a range of option modules within the
Chartered Teacher Programme and thus gain Chartered Teacher status;
Gaining ownership, though the use of ICT, of increased flexibility as
to where and when their learning can take place;
Gaining an understanding of the value of learning and teaching methods
that make use of ICT. This should
come about through their own active participation in the e-learning
modules. Participants are required
to demonstrate knowledge and professional action in relation to ICT to meet the
Chartered Standard.
For your Department/School/Faculty/the University:
The generation of increased participant numbers and subsequently income
for the department through adopting a more flexible approach to delivery.
The development and conversion of the e-learning modules should enable
the School of Education to respond to a major national CPD initiative, namely
the Chartered Teacher Programme, and should help us to satisfy the demands of a
changing and expanding market.
The development of the use of ICT in learning and teaching in line with
Departmental, School of Education, University and National policies.
For you:
Members of the team
Gaining an increased knowledge and understanding of the use of ICT,
multi media and e-learning in learning and teaching through developing and
redesigning module materials.
Development of ICT skills and related pedagogies through discussion
with and support of LTU staff in the creation of materials.
Increased networking through working collaboratively with other
University departments and colleagues.
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: On-line Music Listening Resource Bank
Unit/School/College: School of Education - WebCT
Contact Name: Laura Jarret, Part Ðtime Lecturer in Music
Tel no: 01224-274534 Email: l.jarret@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
Knowledge Options 1.2: CR1502
Bed Learning 3.1 CR3040
BEd Learning 3.2 CR3501
PGCE (P) Full-time Part-time
Intro. Module ED3051 ED3051
Module 1a (Middle Stages) CR3090 CR4046
Module 2a (Upper Stages CR3091 CR4501
Module 3a (Early Stages) CR3052 CR4045
Number of students affected by this project: 250
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: As
soon as available
To provide
on-line listening resources for all students that can be used within the
University and on placement. When discussing concepts of Music within WebCT
there could be midi-files of examples provided.
What
will be the outcomes of the project?
By doing
this, all students will be able to identify and use targets outlined within the
5-14 guidelines and have direct examples Ôat their fingertipsÕ to refer to.
This would be much easier when discussing ideas within in class and on-line
which at the moment is difficult because of copyright!
List the
relevant learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the
outcomes of this project would help to achieve them:
BEd
Primary Year 3:
o
knowledge and
understanding of the informal school curriculum and the contribution that the
student might make to it through their involvement in music
o
evaluate and select a
range of music to support learning and teaching programme
o
develop skill in
facilitating pupil appreciation and critical evaluation of music
o
justify what is taught
from knowledge and understanding of the learning process in relation to music
PGCE (P) Part-time and Full-time Programmes:
o
increase skills in
evaluating and appreciating outcome using a wide range of materials suitable for
listening.
o
access and utilise the
growing range of current materials (music resources) available through the use
of the ICTs
What benefits will result from this
project:
For the
students:
As in the
Ôoutcomes of the projectÕ, it would provide direct resources for all students/
lecturers
For your
Unit/School/College/the University:
As WebCT is
a new tool in itself, this idea maybe seen as a resource, not only for use
within the University but also within the teaching profession.
For you:
It would
make my delivery of the listening/ appreciating and evaluating strand of Music
within Expressive Arts much more effective.
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: Working with Families/Staff, Management Supervision
and Team Development
Unit/School/College: School of
Education
Contact Name: Norma
Hart
Tel no: 283682 Email: n.m.hart@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
In this project we will develop 4 x 20 credit courses to be located
within the School of EducationÕs BA Undergraduate Programmes
This project will support development of two of these courses
á Working
with families
á Staff
management supervision and team development
Number of students affected by this project:
This is a development project numbers and so numbers will eventually
benefit cannot as yet be estimated.
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: As
available from October 2005
Develop flexible electronic learning materials for 2 courses within the
School of Education Undergraduate BA Programmes.
Pilot these materials with partner agencies and evaluation of their
use.
A. Interaction
sequences on DVD, with reflective commentary and questions in relation to
practice in:
(i) Work with
families or
(ii) Staff management supervision and Team
development
B. Wrap
around supporting materials uploaded on Web CT sites and the setting up of
discussion forum to compliment contextualise and support reflection on practice
C. Pilot
of materials with partner agencies
D. Evaluation
of materials and their use
List the relevant
learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of
this project would help to achieve them:
This project will enable students at a distance to access materials via
Web CT and DVD and interact with peers and tutors.
Consequently students will have increased opportunity to access these
courses regardless of their location.
The learning outcomes will include:
Working with families:
á Communicate
effectively with family members taking account of power issues and dynamics
á Develop
ability to empower
á Develop
problem solving strategies
á Manage
conflict
The project will enhance students ability to achieve the learning
outcomes of the courses by:
Providing flexible learning opportunities
Providing opportunities to view experienced professionals in practice
Provide opportunities to rehearse skills in responding to situations
recorded on DVD
Consider their responses to issues raised and
Share responses with tutor and fellow students using Web CT
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
Flexible mode of delivery
For distance students, access to practical experience through
considering and formulating responses to the scenarios shown on DVD and
participating in related online learning situations through discussion forums
and exercises
For School of Education based students, enrichment of face-to-face
teaching through use of the DVD materials. These will be the focus of practice development
sessions and subsequent reflection
For your Unit/School/College/the University:
Improved flexible learning opportunities for the students
Enhancement of face-to-face learning materials
Development of opportunities that promote and encourage wider access
For you:
As above
The
outcome(s) of the project will be in line with the aims of the Scottish
Executive for flexible delivery of training and staff development to enhance
wider access to training and staff development for people in rural areas and
progressing online learning in the early years field
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Unit/School/College:
School of Education
Contact Name: Joe McDowall
Tel no: 274515 Email:j.m.mcdowall@abdn.ac.uk
Name
and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:PGCE(S), PGCE(P)
and BEd(Hons)
Number of students affected by this project: 400
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: As available from August 2004
To develop, interactive materials which might be shared across ITE
Programmes.
Common materials for a range of major courses
List the relevant
learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of this
project would help to achieve them:
To develop professional knowledge and practice
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
Students will have access to a range of high quality resources
For your Unit/School/College/the University:
There will be a sharing of staff expertise and a focussing of resources
which will promote team work and efficiency
For you:
AQ quality enhancement of the PGCE(S)programme
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Unit/School/College:
School of Education
Contact Name: Joan Fisher
LTU/Terry Allan
Tel no: 01224 273765 Email: joan.fisher@abdn.ac.uk
Tel no: 01224 274515 Email:
t.allan@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
All Programmes in the school of Education
Number of students affected by this project: All prospective students
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: As available from August 2004
To provide a WebCT showcase with a
sample of online activities and resources which can be viewed by prospective
students.
The
following is indicative of possible outcomes:
o
Cut-down copies of WebCT
sites from the School of Education Learning Hub
o
Selected video
presentations from tutors and/or existing students
o
Example online
collaborative activities
o
A discussion forum
hosted by existing students
o Links to study skills materials; the Library Web site; support services
o Generic and/or sample online self-tests and quizzes (eg on local/campus information that can be found on the University Web site)
List the relevant
learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of
this project would help to achieve them:
See benefits for students,
below.
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
The proposed project will foster student engagement and retention in
the following ways:
o
Students would be given
a clearer idea of what Aberdeen University has to offer prospective students in
terms of learning and teaching.
o
In being able to sample
the content of a course prior to choosing it, prospective students would be
more likely to select the appropriate course for their needs.
o
In exploring and
interacting in the online environment in which the courses are delivered or
supported, the prospective students will be encouraged to feel that they are
part of the institution before their arrival on campus
o
Prospective students
will gain technical confidence in accessing online materials and navigating
within the WebCT environment.
o Prospective distance students would gain a clearer idea of what they can expect of an online course, and of what will be expected of them.
For your Unit/School/College/the University:
o
Improved recruitment of
students who are undecided about where to study.
o Improved student engagement and retention.
For you:
N/A
UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
Learning Technology Unit Programme
Outline Project Proposal
2004 - 2005
Title of project: Generic Resources and Facilities
Department/School/Faculty: School of Education
Contact Name: Terry Allan
Tel no: 01224 274573 E-mail: t.allan@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
All
students who participate in any of the programmes offered by the School of
Education including those offered on a part-time and on a distance learning
basis may be affected.
Number of students affected by this project:
Proposed date of use with students if applicable:
Rolled out as available
What are the aims of the project?
á
To further develop the School of Education Learning Hub concept
through the provision of a range of materials which may be used by students
from all programmes;
á
To facilitate and encourage involvement of a wider range of
academic staff in the development and use of the virtual learning environment;
á
To have all staff from all programmes actively engaged in the
developing virtual learning environment strategy.
á
More specifically: to have LTU assist staff with the planning
process for these modules.
What will be the outcomes of the project?
á
Procedures and templates for generic modules which exemplify
quality design of online courses to support further design and development;
á
6 online course modules which are ÔgenericÕ in nature;
á
Increased staff expertise;
á
An online environment which will enable students to engage with
courses on a more efficient and effective basis.
List the relevant learning outcomes for the course(s) involved,
indicating how the introduction of this project would help to achieve them:
N/A at this point. Details
can be supplied once generic modules identified
What benefits will result
from this project:
For the students:
Greater range of ÔgenericÕ resources available within
the Hubs
For your Department/School/Faculty/the University:
á
Greater range of online
resources available
á
Staff development
á
Resources which can be used/deployed
by staff throughout the University
For you:
N/A
UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
Learning Technology Unit Programme
Outline Project Proposal 2003 - 2004
Title of project: Supplementary
Tools for the Learning Hub
Department/School/Faculty: School of Education
Contact Name: Terry Allan
Tel no: 01224 274573 E-mail: t.allan@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
All
students who participate in any of the programmes offered by the School of
Education including those offered on a part-time and on a distance learning
basis will be affected. Also all
staff who tutor on these programmes.
Number of students affected by this project:
All
students and staff within the School of Education.
Proposed date of use with students if applicable:
Rolled out a available
What are the aims of the project?
1. To investigate the currently available range of online
facilities which could be used to enhance the capability of the Learning Hub
and to choose the ÔbestÕ of these for incorporation into the Learning Hub.
2. To
enable course designers to make use of a range of online tools to facilitate
the development of a community of learners, student reflection, writing,
communication, collaborative engagement with peers and staff, and research.
3. To
further enhance the range of Learning Hub-based online tools.
4. To
provide a further opportunity for the exploration of a range of approaches to
learning and teaching in online settings.
More specifically
the tools could include wiki wiki and swiki swiki, online blogging and Ôjournal
writingÕ software, conventional Bulletin , online Forum facilities and other
tools which will facilitate the development of Ôcommunities of practiceÕ.
What will be the outcomes of the project?
1 A
range of Learning Hub-based online tools/resources to enable more meaningful,
collaborative and active learning to occur
2 Tools
which can be set up automatically and easily by the course designers and course
tutors without intervention and help from systems administrators.
3 A
system/process to facilitate the incorporation of the above into course
provision
4 More
interactive, interesting and professionally appropriate online courses
5 More technologically proficient staff
List the relevant learning outcomes for the course(s) involved,
indicating how the introduction of this project would help to achieve them:
N/A
What benefits will result
from this project:
For the students:
1 Courses
will be more active, interactive, collaborative and ÔcommunityÕ based.
2 Greater
range of modes of delivery to suit styles of learning and course requirements.
3 Greater
use of modern technology.
For your Department/School/Faculty/the University:
1 Greater
range of online resources available
2 Greater
potential for the design of Ôcommunity
of practiceÕ models of learning.
3 Staff
will have Ômoved forwardÕ in a technological sense and in relation to the
development of online learning environments
4 A
range of tools will be available for course developers to enable even more
innovative learning environments to be created.
5 Tools
and resources will be produced which can be used/deployed by staff throughout
the University
For you:
N/A
UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
Learning Technology Unit
Programme
Outline Project Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: Personal Learning Profile
Department/School/Faculty: School of Education
Contact Name: Lynne
Shiach
Tel no: 274670 E-mail: l.shiach@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
BEd Programme initially but most Education School of Education
programmes
Number of students affected by this project:
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: As available
What are the aims of the project?
á
To enable students and
tutors to work in partnership to facilitate and enhance continuity and
progression of student learning throughout the BEd programme.
á
To
support students in taking responsibility for personal and professional
development towards the profile for entry into the teaching profession and
thereafter as a basis for continued professional development.
á
To
act as a basis for a profiling system for individuals intending to participate
in the Chartered Teacher programme
á
Development
of courses Professional Studies 2.2 and Education
2.1 for piloting purposes.
What will be the outcomes of the project?
á
A Personal Learning
Profile database
á
An
Electronic Reflective Journal Portfolio for students to record work done in
respect of professional development
á
A cohesive profiling system where all student goal
setting including from school experience, personal learning plans in academic
work, and suggested next steps from tutors are recorded across all four years.
á
A structure to enable collaborative reflective work
á
Piloting
with Professional Studies 2.2 and Education
2.1 These courses will require to be developed concurrently with the profiling
system for piloting purposes.
List the relevant learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the introduction of this project would help to achieve them:
á
The development of good
quality reflection and self-evaluation skills
á
Identification of next
steps for development
á
Development of an
awareness of aspects of the standards for entry into the teaching profession
á
Further development of
skills including: analysis and synthesis in a professional context
What benefits will result
from this project:
For the students:
á
Acquisition of the above
skills,
á
Support in achieving
continuity and progression
á
A profile which is
continually updated and is available for subsequent professional use
For your Department/School/Faculty/the University:
This system could be developed at a generic level, and would then be
applicable to most EF courses and also courses across the university
For you:
A central facility will
become available for all tutors to obtain information about strengths and
developmental needs of students and be aware of studentsÕ targets for
improvement
UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
Learning Technology Unit
Programme
Outline Project Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: Gaelic Learners
in the Primary School
Department/School/Faculty:
Contact Name: Christina Walker
Tel no: E-mail:
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
B.Ed. Hons Primary and PGCE(P)
Number of students affected by this project:
All
Gaelic students within the BEd Programme (materials will also used with PGCE(P)
students)
Proposed date of use with students if applicable: Session 2004-2005
á
To train student teachers to deliver Gaelic language in the primary
school
á
To raise awareness of Gaelic culture
á
To enhance the Continuing Professional development of primary staff
What will be the outcomes of the project?
Widening access to the
learning of Gaelic in primary schools within our partnerships
List the relevant learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the introduction of this project would help to achieve them:
1.
Supporting students in an online learning environment
2.
Raising awareness of the value of collaborative online learning
3.
Encouraging peer support in an online learning environment
What benefits will result
from this project:
For the students:
á
Collaborative online
learning
á
Continuing professional development
For your Department/School/Faculty/the University:
Demonstrating commitment to
inclusion and widening access to learning
For you:
á
Continuing Professional Development
á
Practical use of mixed mode delivery
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN
Learning Technology
Unit Programme
Outline Project
Proposal 2004 - 2005
Title of project: Formative
Assessment in Mathematics
Unit/School/College: School of Education
Contact Name: Helen Martin
Tel no: 274769 Email:
h.martin@abdn.ac.uk
Name and code of course(s) which will be affected by this project:
BEd Mathematics 1.2 (CR1503) 100 students
BEd Mathematics 2.1 (CR2040) 100 students
PGCE (Primary) CR3090, CR 3091 100 students
PGCE (Primary) part time code unknown 23 students
Number of students affected by this project:
Approximate numbers of students are given above.
Proposed date of use with students if applicable:
Session 2005/2006 or possibly the second half session of 2004/2005.
What are the aims of the project?
To provide a set of formative assessments which students of Education
could use to practise, improve and assess their numeracy skills. A wide variety
of question types will be used to demonstrate a range of skills from mental
arithmetic to interpreting statistical data. The questions will provide
examples of mathematical problems they could come across as a professional as
well as problems which students will meet once they are assessing pupilsÕ
work. The assessments will be
similar to those which are currently provided by the English Teacher Training
Agency (http://ww.tta.gov.uk/php/read.php?articleid=219&sectionid=132)
but include a greater range of questions as well as examples relevant
to their training in Scotland.
This project also aims to be a case study of these type of
questions/assessments and provide a template for similar types of formative and
self assessment in other areas within the School of Education.
What will be the outcomes of the project?
A
set of assessments created in Perception which can be used for students in the
School of Education to improve their mathematical skills and be used as a
template and exemplar for assessments which improve other skills.
List the relevant
learning outcomes for the course(s) involved, indicating how the outcomes of
this project would help to achieve them:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mathematics relevant to
teaching in a Primary School and as a member of the teaching profession.
Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on their own learning and
act on this to improve the effectiveness of their teaching.
Demonstrate a responsibility for their own professional learning and
development.
(These outcomes are linked to the Standards for Initial Teacher
Education (SITE) set by the GTCS)
What
benefits will result from this project:
For the students:
An opportunity for self assessment using questions relevant to the
course they are studying.
Increased confidence as their performance improves over time.
To highlight any weak areas and receive immediate and meaningful
feedback in these areas.
To develop a level of independence and responsibility for their own
professional development.
A resource which may reduce the number of assessments students
encounter.
Flexibility as the tests can be returned to whether they are within the
University, at home or on placement.
For your Unit/School/College/the University:
An example of how CAA can be used to provide an assessment of studentsÕ
core skills.
A template for use within the School which demonstrates how different
question types can be used effectively.
A possible reduction in staff/student contact time whilst maintaining a
high level of educational value.
A resource which may reduce the number of assessments or at least widen
the variety of assessment instruments used with students and the related
workload for staff.
For you:
Continuing professional development in terms of how to use technology
to support and enhance the learning experience of our students.
To create further opportunities for collaborative work across the
university.
[1] Including
the Chartered Teacher Programme.
[2] Exemplified through
the continued development of a distance learning PGCE(P) course
[3] Nationally funded
initiatives including Masterclass, NGfL and Spark set standards and
expectations which require to be matched.
[4] The MEd, PGCE(S) and
PGCE(P) programmes are all supported by developing online environments. These require continued development
along with other programmes where an online presence is as yet not
significant.