JISC

Start date: 1 November 2002

End date: 31 July 2005

Funding programme: Exchange for Learning (X4L) programme

Project website: http://www.e-studio.ac.uk

JISC theme(s): e-Learning

Introduction

This project aims to explore how JISC funded content may be used within Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) to enhance the learning resources and research base for generic Art and Design curriculum delivery. Its purpose is to develop pedagogic exemplars for sharing good practice, which will be piloted and user-tested across the Black Country Partnership for Learning Consortium (BCPL) and other regional FE partners. Thereafter it is intended that the learning objects generated and the pedagogic outcomes of this project should have wide utility across the F/HE sectors both within and beyond Art and Design. 

A full project team has now been appointed (Project Manager, 2 Content Designers and a Courseware Designer) and have attended an away day alongside members of the University Support Team which enabled sharing of individual Project visions and strategic planning of outcomes related to timescale. 

Whilst reflecting the outcomes on the original bid, our thinking about the project has evolved and developed conceptually in the period since the bid was submitted. This Project Plan has been designed to recognise this and take into account the wealth of information and guidance provided by JISC and advice and support gleaned from our regional cluster.

Educational Context

The Government is committed to widening participation in Higher Education. A vital lynchpin in the success of this policy is the role of Further Education Colleges. Between 1998 and the present, Edexcel has published national specifications for the following art and design related HNDs: Multimedia; Graphic Design (including Graphic Design, Advertising, Illustration and Typography); 3D Design (including 3D Design, 3D Design Craft and Spatial Design); Fashion and Textiles; Media Production; Journalism and Fine Arts. These specifications are designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in future employment or for progression to an undergraduate degree. In parallel with this is the more recent Government initiative for F/HE centres to develop Foundation Degrees. Project outcomes are intended to have benefits for A/AS Level Art & Design Technology, National Diploma, Foundation and Access Art and Design, as well as for students and staff in other disciplines associated with Art and Design such as Engineering, Health, Life, Physical and Social Sciences. 

Whatever the long term shape of the F/HE threshold, if more students are to progress successfully from HND to further study in the context of Lifelong Learning and Widening Participation, Further and Higher Education need to work more closely together, particularly in curriculum design and delivery and in pedagogic practice. This consortium bid, based on FE HND providers working with the University, builds on and extends regional partnerships in the West Midlands to establish models of good practice for the sector.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

• To explore how JISC funded content may be used within Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) to enhance the learning resource and research base for generic Art and Design curriculum delivery.
• To develop pedagogic exemplars for sharing good practice, which will be piloted and user-tested across the Black Country Partnership for Learning Consortium (BCPL) and other regional FE partners.

N.B. Thereafter it is intended that the learning objects generated and the pedagogic outcomes of this project should have wide utility across the F/HE sectors both within and beyond Art & Design.  

Objectives  

On completion of this project in July 2005 the following outcomes will have been achieved:

• The establishment of a sustainable and fit for purpose technology supported learning (TSL) culture wherein regional (and potentially national) Further and Higher Education institutions can better support widening participation with ongoing development of learning objects that assist students in the transition between FE and HE
• The research, design and production of bespoke resources in a minimum of 6 HND units of learning in the main art and design disciplines to be drawn from a range of JISC content
• Student access to learning objects which will enhance their study expertise particularly in visual research and contextual specialist skills, and in IT, learning to learn and communicate key skills
• Tangible improvement in ‘on the ground’ staff pedagogic and curriculum content expertise in the design and use of shared resources for online learning
• The dissemination of new learning objects via the JISC/NLN repository for the benefit of the wider learning & teaching community

N.B. It is hoped that these resources will be sufficiently broad in scope to have applicability to other levels of study and disciplines.

In keeping with the nature of an evolving and dynamic project, some objectives may be subject to amendment.