The SWG is responsible for exploring the issues associated with developing a remit and future objectives for a new support department incorporating CAPLE, the VLE Team and those aspects of Learning Services that have clear developmental functions for learning and teaching. An implementation and restructuring plan will be submitted to the Implementation Group which outlines the optimum organisational and staffing structure to deliver the future objectives of this department.
Consultation conducted in the earlier stages of the Excellence Review indicates that there is strong support for simplying the support process relating to the use of learning technologies, so staff only have to approach a single point of contact for help in utilising new tools and approaches for teaching and learning. In evaluating what might be involved in providing this, the SWG have conducted the following activities :
- Reviewed requirements for technology enhanced learning support, looking at the whole process from start to finish, from the point of view of different stakeholders;
- Reviewed approaches adopted wtihin other institutions, identifying examples of good practice, from the UK and beyond. Such examples include :
- The Learning Design Process from the University of Auckland's Centre for Academic Development;
- The OU Learning Design Initiative;
- The Learning Design Process at the University of Wollongong
The Group has also been exploring the types of roles involved in e-learning and VLE support, across academic, technical and administrative areas and is considering how these roles might best be supported through the new department. In particular the Group are examining the different support models that might be implemented across the central department and the faculties to help provide proactive support and ensure strong connections between the different areas.
Finally, the relationship of these issues to the desire to provide a one-stop-helpdesk within the institution is also being investigated.