The JISC e-Learning Programme has funded a two-part sequence of studies under the Learner Experiences of e-Learning theme, with the aim of informing the development of appropriate learning environments and tools and the effective design of learning activities.
In Their Own Words
Phase 1 of the theme has formed the basis for a publication, In Their Own Words, which contains supplementary resources on a CD-ROM and as print inserts.
The publication synthesises key findings from the the JISC Learner Experiences studies, drawing together themes from the Phase 1 reports and the 5 Learner Voice video case studies. Offering a variety of resources in a multimedia package, In Their Own Words provides a useful introduction to the first stage of JISC-funded research into learners’ experiences, beliefs and motivations in relation to e-learning. Print copies can be ordered free from publications@jisc.ac.uk or downloaded as follows.
The publication
The main text of In Their Own Words is available in two formats:
Information sheets
Two pull out information sheets introduce some of issues and benefits of the technologies selected by learners in the JISC studies, under the headings of social software and personal tools and technologies:
Understanding the issues and benefits of social software (PDF)
Understanding the issues and benefits of social software (text only Word document)
Understanding the issues and benefits of personal tools and technologies (PDF)
Understanding the issues and benefits of personal tools and technologies (text only Word document)
More detailed information about JISC work on social software and personalisation can be found from JISC CETIS and from the JISC Users and Innovation programme.
Guidelines are also now available for teams and projects undertaking learner-centred evaluation . These include recommendations for researchers and course evaluators based on themes emerging from the Phase 1 studies and examples of learner consent and learner profiling pro-formas.
CD-ROM
The CD-ROM contains copies of the reports from Phase 1, the Learner’s Voice video case studies, a series of short guides outlining recommendations for specific roles and sectors, and copies of the files in the print publication, In Their Own Words. Where possible, text-only versions and video transcripts provide accessible alternatives to pdf files and multimedia content. These can also be found separately at Learner Experiences of e-Learning Phase 1.
All resources contained on the CD-ROM, including the video case studies, may be uploaded to a learning platform for wider dissemination, subject to the copyright statement. Print documents may be photocopied as required, providing institutions with a package of resources exploring the learner’s experience of e-learning that can be used in a variety of ways.