The e-Learning and Innovation Steering Group has undertaken to identify areas where existing and maturing technologies can be harnessed to support learning in the short and medium term. To this end, the group has conducted an information gathering exercise which has included visits to several ‘learning technology research labs’ and large commercial organisations, developing a web-based reading list and consulting people working in associated areas. The three priorty areas are mobile and wireless technologies, design of physical learning spaces to support e-learning and gaming.
The following work packages were identified by the JISC Committee for Learning and Teaching (JLT) as priority for funding for the next year:
Work Package 1: Mobile Computing and Wireless Networks
Objective 1
To investigate the current and near future (next 5 years) usage and developments in mobile devices and wireless networks and their potential impact on learning and teaching.
Under this objective, (work package 1B), ‘A landscape study of what educational institutions in the post-16 sector in the UK are already doing in the area of mobile wireless technologies’, will be carried out. This 6-month study will review the potential use of mobile devices and wireless network to promote new models of learning, explore what learning content, if any, is being developed for these platforms, and highlight existing projects in this area. This study will run from November 2004 to April 2005 and is being conducted by the Open University under Dr Agnes Kukulska-Hulme in partnership with John Traxler, University of Wolverhampton. See details of the project.
Work Package 3: Link between innovative technologies and physical learning space design
Objective 2
To understand how the use of technologies are and will impact on the design of physical learning spaces and to produce a ‘set of guidelines’ for those involved in the design and planning of learning space.
Under this objective, (work package 3A) the programme has commissioned a collection of ten edited case studies on the current use of innovative technologies and their impact on the physical learning space design. Five of these studies or themes common to the studies, will be illustrated by 3-4 minute video clips. The Open University, Institute of Educational Technology, under Agnes Kukulska-Hulme, produced the case studies and the University of Edinburgh, under Nora Mogey, produced the supporting video clips. Technologies used in classroom and blended environments, such as voting systems; tablet PCs and other wireless technologies are highlighted in these clips. These studies will include practice from across the 14-19, FE, ACL and HE sectors. Both studies will be addressing the impact of these technologies on the physical learning space. The case studies and video case studies are now complete and will be available from September 2005 as part of the Innovative Practice with e-Learning guide, and will be published on the website, and in print.
Under this objective (work package 3B), a Review of how the new technologies are influencing the design of physical learning space in the classroom and on campus across the post-16 sector will be carried out. Guidelines on how physical learning spaces should be designed for the use of ‘e-learning’, will also be produced and disseminated to the sector via the website and in a print publication. This review will run from November 2004 to June 2005 and is being conducted by University of Birmingham under Dr Bob Hunter.
Work Package 4: Technologies future workshop
A workshop to explore technology futures, scenarios of future learners, learning environments, using pedagogical, learner and technological perspectives is being planned for 2006 and further information about this event will follow.
Future Activities
Further work has been identified in the following areas:
Mobile/Wireless Technologies
- to understand better the impact of large scale deployment of mobile computing in the learning environment on learning and working practices.
- to understand better the implications of emerging mobile technologies for learning and teaching - a group of pilot projects, which will look at technical, pedagogical, issues related to the use these devices
Virtual/Cyberworlds
- to gain an understanding of the pedagogical implications of ‘virtual/cyber worlds’ – a study on the developments in ‘virtual worlds’ for learning together with examples of good practice will be undertaken.
- investigate the feasibility of education being able to economically develop games and other ‘virtual worlds’ for learning. A feasibility study on the ability of the sector to develop virtual/cyber worlds will be undertaken.