The (Possible) Future of MLEs

Dr. Andrew Oliver,Dr. Ian Glover,

Learning Technology Development Unit (LTDU)

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Topics• Drivers• Vision

– User Benefits– Educational Benefits– Institutional Benefits

• What about Facebook, Blogger, Flickr, … ?• The ‘Socialised’ MLE• Considerations• Conclusions• Further Information

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

DriversStudent Behaviour

• Experience of technology increasing– Expectations of Web advancing

• Social Networks major part of life for many– Use interspersed with M/VLE accesses

• Comfortable being Content Producers– Gives a sense of empowerment

• Expectation of personalised experience

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

• Undergraduate numbers falling– Need for new

recruitment strategies

• Moves towards providing short courses to business.

• Desire to create ‘Brand Loyalty’ in Alumni.

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

DriversSector Developments

A possible ‘person lifecycle’

VisionUser Benefits

• Knowledge Transfer– Students <-> Business

• Employability– People <-> Jobs

• Develop contacts• Find new friends• Restrictions on

access may prevent future repercussions

User Group Overlaps

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

VisionEducational Benefits

• Content creation – instant publication – connection with subject

• PDP extra value

• student defines learning pathway (learning & career goals)

• And share experiences (socially).

• And start arguing (communication, critiquing, creativity, competition)

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

VisionInstitutional Benefits

• Engagement prior to enrolment

• Maintain up-to-date records of Alumni

• Improve links with business– Create collaborative projects– Generate placements for students– Spin-out research and products

• Marketing of courses and training

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

What about Facebook, Blogger, Flickr, YouTube, PebblePad, … ?• Excellent systems, already in use

– But who owns the data?– Same information presented to all users

• Institutional control allows:– Public & Personal personae– Data Protection/IP assurances– Integration with e-Portfolios + CPD/PDP

• Institutional Information available:– Fellow course members, modules studied, assignment info., etc.– Email accounts, work placements, club memberships, etc.

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

The ‘Socialised’ MLE

All about content…• Created through blogs,

forums, profile updates, photo and video libraries, essays, project work, wikis, CPD, PDP, (remixed) course content, etc. etc.

And where it ends up…• Flows to / from the

individual through profile matching, group & course affiliation, contacts, PLE

settings, etc. etc.

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

People-centric

Education Social

(icons from Wikimedia Commons)

The feel of the system...

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

• people matched based on similar, interests, study habits, learning goals, link trails and search patterns.

‘hubs’ (learning communities)

• includes current and prospective students, tutors, alumni, employers and professional experts.

Possible Elements of SMLEs

• Video portal • Photo albums• People matching

– Core aspect for Hubs.

• Integration of OpenSocial technology– Possible inclusion of Facebook-like apps.

• Import/Export tools for Facebook, Flickr, etc.

• Curriculum Vitae generation

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Considerations (1)

• Legal implications over: – Data Protection

• Retention and Reuse of User-generated content.

– Licensing of subscribed materials– User Interactions and Accountabilities

• Users below age of Majority (Applicants at ~17)• Non-students

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Considerations (2)

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

• Content : what if it’s rubbish? – i.e. how to ensure academic quality?

• Competition from ‘Outside’– Need to provide a ‘hook’ (such as e-Portfolio)

Conclusions

• Move toward people-centric system.

• Focus on the user experience– other aspects secondary.

• ‘Hooks’ needed to encourage sustained use.

• Opportunity for beneficial outcomes– Though some caveats exist.

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Further Information

Presentations around Topic:

Ed-Media 2008, July 2008:“Hybridisation of Social Networking and Learning Environments” – I. Glover & A. Oliver.

ALT-C 2008, Sept. 2008: “Enhancing learner experience of managed learning environments through a dramatic expansion of the user type and the integration of social networking technologies” – A. Oliver & I. Glover.

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire

Thank You!

Questions?

2nd June 2008 – LTI Meeting – University of Hertfordshire