As the JISC Annual Conference closed its curtain in Edinburgh, the question on how ICT can truly support learners still gives us food for thought. In the workshop “Every Learner Counts: can technology help improve student motivation and retention?”, Lucy Stone from Leicester College was invited to share their experience in using technology to support a group of work-based learners who undertook teaching assistant training. Despite being away from campus most of the time, they were supported by handheld device and the use of Moodle. According to the group, two features were particularly useful:
- Reflective journals on Moodle, which enabled them to receive timely feedbacks and support from tutors and fellow students
- An hour of chat-room time one evening a week, for tutor and learners to gather up and discuss various issues online
Having support from other enthusiastic staff members, they are now in the process of expanding this project to a wider college context. (Click here more information of the project) Looking at the success from Leicester College’s success, it is protinent to echo the emphasis of having “champion” staff members who are innovative and engaging.
Cultural change takes time, as Lucy duly mentioned; it is crucial to have successful cases as model, so as to convince others the benefit of technology to learners and the group dynamic. While cultural change is consistently named as a major obstacle for ICT development in our sector, what can we do to gradually bring about changes? The tips from Lucy for having user-friendly, not time-consuming tools and platforms might be a good start. What do you think? Do you have related experience you wish to share? We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted by wingyinchan 
