Staff development - Teaching using Virtual Learning Environments(VLEs)

• Aims:
  • to promote educationally effective use of virtual learning environments
  • to investigate the possibilities of distance learning using computer mediated communication
  • to increase awareness of the advantages and limitations of VLEs
  • to relate the use of VLEs to the area of teacher training in vocational fields to give insight into the reasons for choice of VLE by particular institutions
• Duration:
  1 May 2003- 30 November 2003
• Working methods and techniques:
  Overall plans for the whole package will be discussed in the first project group meeting. All partners have some experience and knowledge of teaching using VLEs. Case studies of "good practice" within the partner institutions will be contributed. The training programme will be devised and delivered by the most experienced users of VLEs in educational settings, namely P8 (University of Huddersfield), P7 (Universidade Nova de Lisboa) and P2 (Tampere Polytechnic). ITT staff will be chosen from each institution to participate in the training, which is planned to be delivered in Huddersfield following the first project group meeting. Aspects of using VLEs and quality issues will be discussed using the e-mail distribution list. All participants of the training programme are expected to give their evaluations and reflections. Questionnaires on quality matters will be circulated and evaluated.
• Dissemination forms:
  • face-to face discussions (project group meetings and national level meetings)
  • discussions by e-mail (project newsletters, reflections, materials posted to the website,etc.)
• Quality management:
  All participants will engage in reflection and provide feedback on quality and relevance of processes. P3 and P5 will provide control.
  Engagement in reflection and the evaluation procedures is required of all participants. P3 and P5 will monitor the process.
• Outcomes:
  • Audits of staff skills
  • Analysis of staff development needs
  • Training programme for the use of VLEs
  • Paper based and electronic training materials
  • Participant evaluations and reports
  • Materials for the "Electronic Learning Strategy"