ALT Policy BoardJuly 2001

Diana Laurillard, Open University, UK

The Soaring Costsand Hard-won Benefitsof e-Learning

Learning activity Media forms

Attending NarrativeInvestigating InteractiveDiscussing CommunicativePractising AdaptiveArticulating Productive

Winning the benefits

To fully exploit the capabilities of learning technologies• match media forms to learning activities• optimise the range of learning activities

Media forms Methods/Technologies

Narrative Lecture, video, book, CD, WebInteractive Tutorial, Library, CD, WebCommunicative Seminar, group, online conferenceAdaptive Laboratory, field trip, simulationProductive Essay, product, animation

Winning the benefits

To fully exploit the capabilities of learning technologies• Begin with ambitious learning objectives• Challenge the technologies

Media forms Methods/Techs Activities

Narrative Lecture/CD AttendingInteractive Tutorial/Web InvestigatingCommunicative Seminar/CMC DiscussingAdaptive Lab/Simulation PractisingProductive Essay/Animation Articulating

Winning the benefits

To fully exploit the capabilities of learning technologies• Begin with ambitious learning objectives• Challenge the technologies

Course design 1

Print Tutorial TMA ResSch ICMA Tools WebR CMC Lyceum Total hours

Attending 30 30

Investigating 0

Discussing 10 10

Practising 0

Articulating 10 10

Total 30 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 50

Plan to optimise benefits/reduce costs

1 draft student workload2 optimise distribution of time3 assess staff workloadTotal staff days = 557

Course design 1

Print Tutorial TMA ResSch ICMA Tools WebR CMC Lyceum Total hours

Attending 10 2 12

Investigating 2 1 3

Discussing 2 5 3 2 12

Practising 2 5 2 9

Articulating 10 4 14

Total 10 4 10 7 5 6 1 3 4 50

Plan to optimise benefits/reduce costs

More ICT improves the learning experience

Total staff days = 627 (not 557)- but increases cost.

To change 40% study time to ICT (OU data):

If all ICT material generated is new:

Academic staff time increases by 50%

Production staff time increases by 120%

If 60% ICT material is generic and customisable:

Academic staff time increases by 20%

Production staff time increases by 30%

Either way ~

Presentation staff time increases by 25%

Resource implications

Hence: need for workload/costing tools, initial investment

Modelling the costs and benefits...

ReversioningConvert from Word to XML Allows authors to use features of Word Documents can transfer between print and WebMetadata is added for ease of archiving and versioning

Customisation ProjectProve conceptAdapt to generic formCustomise to courseIntroduce ‘pre-versioning’

Reducing staff workload

Creating customisable pedagogy...

Art ExplorerOriginal interactive learning activity to fit objective ‘to reflect on categories of paintings’.

‘Elicitation Engine’Underlying program architecture to deliver generic activity for objective ‘to reflect on categories of X’

The TrunkNew learning activity using E-Engine with new objects to deliver same objective

The Chemistry SetNew learning activity using E-Engine with new objects to deliver same objective

Move the carbon atom from one reservoir to another by identifying the process change needed.

List of possibleprocess changes

Context 1

Context 2

Context 5

Context 3

Context 4

Object

Process D

Creating customisable pedagogy...

The Carbon CycleOriginal interactive learning activity to fit objective ‘to understand the carbon cycle in terms of transition processes between reservoirs’.

‘The X Cycle’Underlying program architecture to deliver generic activity for objective ‘to understand system X in terms of process changes between contexts’.

‘The Life Cycle’New learning activity using ‘The X Cycle’ with new objects (stages of life), and processes (conception, growth, maturation) to deliver the same objective.

ReversioningConvert from Word to XML Allows authors to use features of Word Documents can transfer between print and WebMetadata is added for ease of archiving and versioning

Customisation ProjectProve conceptAdapt to generic formCustomise to coursesIntroduce ‘pre-versioning’

Reducing staff workload

Good practice to reduce AL workload

Ready-made activities and integrated Web resources

Structured conferences for students

Web-based community of practice for ALs

• model the shift of academic time to ICT and R&D;• invest in change and staff support• use customisable design tools

Reduce the Soaring Costs:

Win the Hard-Won Benefits:• plan the shift to more supported active learning• promote sharing of educational resources• encourage developmental testing