Enhancement Themes
FLEXIBLE DELIVERYWORKSHOP
THE INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Monday 6th December 2004
Heriot-Watt University
Thelma Barron,
Assistant Director, QAA
The Institutional Perspective
DRIVERS:
• Increased student numbers/ diversity
• Increased part-time study
• Competition in the market-place
• Retention issues
• Learner- centred approaches
• Learner expectation
• Technological Development
• Efficiency and cost
The Institutional Perspective:
Current State of Development (1)
• Distance-learning moving to on-line delivery
• Some on-line application, registration
• Some flexible entry dates
• Developing APL, APEL
• Articulation with FE colleges
• Accelerated entry to Years 2 and 3
• Some integration of record systems –
e.g. Student Records, Library
• Introduction of VLE platforms - e-learning
Current State of Development (2)
• Use of VLE to support campus-based students
• Increasing use of multi-media material
• Good on-line information, guidance, handbooks
• Developing on-line assessment tools (e.g. MCQ’s)
• Developing automated self –assessment tools
• Developing self-help tools
• Some access to e-books, e-journals
• Developing PDP and supporting material
• Increasing team-working across professional boundaries
Future Developments :
Administrative Infrastructure
• Integration of support systems
• Business processes on-line
• On-line interactive enquiry services
• Closer working between Academic,
Library and Learning Technology
Staff
• Move to block timetabling?
• More e-learning
• Less pressure on teaching space
Future Developments : Curriculum (1)
• Development of student-centred approach
• More Information Skills courses (Library Staff)
• More blended learning – reduced contact hours
• More project work, group work, problem solving, case
studies
• More work-based learning, more focus on vocational
areas – more links with industry, other agencies
Future Developments : Curriculum (2)
•Simulations on-line (field trips, labs, practicals)
• On-line interactive discussion fora, tutorials
• PDP – Reflective learning- Folio technology
• Greater variety of assessment methods,
including formative, on-line assessment
• More collaboration, in UK and overseas –
opportunity to ‘internationalise’ the curriculum
Future Developments :Student Support
• Proactivity in meeting student needs
• Less onerous admin – more individual student support
• Changing role of Advisers of Studies – more specialised?
• Greater individual support for learning and development
• On-line provision of TIMELY information and guidance
• Improved interaction between academic staff and students
Future Developments : Quality Assurance
• Implications for role of External Examiners
• Implications for Programme Management
Systems eg Monitoring and Review
• Development of on-line student feedback
Future Developments : Staff
• Staff development in on-line pedagogy
and delivery
• More team working
• Closer working between Academic,
Library and Learning Technology staff
• Changing work patterns – more flexible
approach – need to teach outside ‘9 to 5’
• Greater awareness of student needs
Future Developments: External Environment
• Greater collaboration within and between HE
institutions to develop flexible delivery
• Increased overseas collaboration in
programmes
• More FE/HE articulation
• RESOURCES
Need for increased investment
- for development of new programme materials,
- for IT training and support
- for infrastructure eg PCs, computer labs etc
Enhancement Themes
Web-site :
http://www.enhancementthemes.ac.uk
Thelma Barron, Assistant Director (Enhancement)
QAA Scottish Office
Tel: 0141 572 3431
E-mail: [email protected]