JISC

Start date: 1 July 2000

End date: 31 July 2003

JISC theme(s): e-Learning

Many HEIs and FE colleges wish to bring together their online learning systems and their information systems to create learner-centred Managed Learning Environments (MLEs). This 'joining up' of systems requires to use of cutting edge new technologies. To support and inform the HE and FE communities in this aim, JISC, through JCIEL, has funded a development programme that will prove the integration of technologies across different functions of higher education.

Aim and Objectives

The aim of the programme is to explore developments which test, evaluate, and prove (or in some circumstances disprove) the generic deployment of technology in support of improved learning. The programme will develop good practice and share ideas and experiences across HE and FE sectors. The specific objectives are to:

• Demonstrate to the HE/FE community the potential of MLEs to support and enhance learning and teaching
• Identify the generic and transferable aspect of the development projects
• Demonstrate the benefit of a student-centred approach to service provision
• Enrich the educational sector understanding of the cultural and organisation issues encountered when developing MLEs
• Create technical and organisational guidelines to support the introduction MLEs

The Projects

14 projects have been funded and they have been grouped under 4 different themes:

Joined up System for Learners - projects that will develop a learner-focussed Managed Environment by linking their Virtual Learning Environments to other student support systems.

Joined up System for Institutions - projects that intend to integrate a variety of different types of information systems to support learning and teaching (for example joining up the student record systems with the institution's VLE)

IMS - projects that test and explore the implementation of the IMS one of the emerging learning technology specifications to support the transfer of data and learning objects between diffrent VLE

Roundtables - 2 projects evaluating whether the American Association for Higher Education (AAHE) Teaching and Learning Technology (TLT) Roundtable methodologies for improving the use of technology in teaching will transfer effectively to a UK environment.