Embedding e‐learning in geographical practice

Abstract

This paper describes how two related e-learning initiatives have led to schoollevel virtual learning environment (VLE) adoption and commencement of several new teaching developments at the University of Southampton. These have engaged additional academic staff with online learning and increased the role of blended learning within the curriculum, in turn contributing to new strategies at the university level. The first e-learning project was the Joint Information Systems Committee/National Science Foundation-funded DialogPLUS project, and the second, a collaborative online masters programme. Barriers to embedding have been both technical and human, but among critical success factors, we especially identify the impetus provided by external funding, the size and composition of the project teams and, to a lesser degree, the creation of demonstrator materials. The specific details of VLE choice and learning object design have proved less significant. This work has been undertaken in collaboration with other schools in Southampton and other institutions within the Worldwide Universities Network. IntroductionThis paper describes changes at school and university level promoted by engagement in two major e-learning projects by the School of Geography at the University of Southampton. The paper considers five potential critical success factors that have played a role in these developments and that have repeatedly emerged in discussions of e-learning adoption within the institution. We focus on the role of external funding; critical mass and composition of the project team; the importance of demonstrator materials; the institutional virtual learning environment (VLE); and the benefits of adopting a learning object model. This is a retrospective analysis, which draws on internal and external evaluations of the projects in question.

Embedding blended learning in a university's teaching culture: Experiences and reflections

“…Martin and Treves (2007) and Durham and Arrell (2007) described aspects of the DialogPlus project from the standpoint of the geographers, addressing the first three previously quoted bullet points in some detail. We, the authors of the current paper, were involved in managerial, technical, educational and evaluative support roles at the University of Southampton and for the project as a whole.…”

“…British Journal of Educational Technology Vol 38 No 5 2007817-828 doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2007 • Bring emerging technologies and available digital content into core teaching and learning • Develop and use innovative approaches in integrating technologies for the benefit of undergraduate teaching • Demonstrate how the pedagogical process needs to be adapted or developed to support the learning process when using technology • Examine the human and organisational issues associated with implementing new modes of teaching. (JISC, 2007) Martin and Treves (2007) and Durham and Arrell (2007) described aspects of the DialogPlus project from the standpoint of the geographers, addressing the first three previously quoted bullet points in some detail. We, the authors of the current paper, were involved in managerial, technical, educational and evaluative support roles at the University of Southampton and for the project as a whole.…”

Challenges in the Reuse of Learning Materials: Technical Lessons from the Delivery of an Online GIS MSc Module

“…It is not our intention to suggest that physical content provides the most important component of learning, and indeed the resources described here include numerous activities and prompts for interaction among students and between students and tutor. Similarly, the collaborations described here have taken place within the context of a network of collaboration agreements between the participating institutions, aspects of which are addressed in a related paper (Martin & Treves, 2007).…”

Public geographies II: Being organic

“…There Martin & Treves, 2007). The central point here is that multiplicitous conversations rather than one-way dissemination are key to 'being organic'.…”