E-Fest conference session on 1st October

Niki Davis and David Earle will lead a session at the eFest conference in UCOL Palmerston North on 1st October to disseminate the results of this project.

Towards excellence in e-learning for adults with needs in literacy language, and numeracy

Niki Davis and Jo Fletcher
University of Canterbury, Christchurch
and
David Earle and Esther Harcourt
Ministry of Education

Abstract: The New Zealand Government has invested in providing literacy, language and numeracy training for adults in workplaces and embedded into vocational qualifications at levels 1-3. We have investigated where e-learning could fit in reaching greater numbers of learners and better meeting their needs.

As a result of an extensive international literature review, over 30 stakeholder interviews, and two case studies, we have synthesized critical success factors relating to e-learning for adults with language, literacy and numeracy needs in New Zealand (Davis & Fletcher, 2009). We have found that there are few tertiary education organizations or workplaces in New Zealand with fully developed programmes of e-learning for these adults. There are more providers investigating or starting to look at e-learning in this context.

The research has confirmed that lack of literacy skills is likely to restrict access through e-learning. At the same time, we have found examples of existing programmes that harness the potential of e-learning. One case study is of a polytechnic and includes several courses that have adopted digital technologies to support adults with LLN needs. The other case is an online public resource ‘U.S.A. Learns’ that was designed for migrants to the USA.

This interactive session will support participants to plan e-learning for these adults, including organizational development. A range of interventions are useful, including use and debate different types of information, and application of digital technologies to create and modify relevant materials. All these adults need intensive support at the start to ensure early success.

UK MILO report by Lewin et al now published by BECTA

Models of innovation in learning online

Cathy Lewin drew on this report in her webinar with us. The MILO research report (lewin et al., 2009) has just been published on BECTA's web site:

"The aims of this research were to study provision of online learning at KS3, to assess effectiveness of online learning outside the institution and to ascertain whether remote formal online learning promotes engagement among learners across a range of educational sectors and contexts.

The output from the project is the Models of innovation in learning online (Milo) framework which aims to provide a holistic overview of the use of online learning, describing the approach to teaching and the way in which this is implemented technologically and logistically.

The framework focuses not just on learning and the experience of the learner, but also examines assessment procedures, and the ways in which the teaching and curriculum design process is supported through the use of technological tools.

The report identifies four typical models of online learning:

• Fully online – supported with structured activities and communication
• Independent study – with extensive online resources and some teacher support
• Added value – predominantly face to face, with additional supporting online activities and resources to be explored
• Flexible integration – flexible timetabling to allow a mix of online learning with traditional teaching and learning.

The report identifies key impacts, benefits and challenges.

The research is by the Centre for ICT, Pedagogy and Learning, Education & Social Research Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University."

Case studies of e-learning in the UK: What evidence exists as to the effectiveness of formal online learning outside the classroom?

DEANZ Webinar by Professor Cathy Lewin, Manchester Metropolitan University Centre for ICT, Pedagogy and Learning, UK
Hosted by Professors Niki Davis & Bridget Somekh

Thursday 21st May at 8 am (New Zealand time zone) - confirmed

Dr. Lewin will talk about her research into remote formal online learning drawing on case studies relevant to adults with literacy needs. In the recently completed MILO project her research team uncovered four 'typical' models of online learning: fully online, independent study, added value, and flexible integration and created a new framework for analysing formal online learning. Critical success factors varied with the organization and those involved. Researchers found that a fully online model, underpinned by a pedagogy that is: learner-centred, guided, autonomous, and largely collaborative was a welcome and effective approach for learners in full-time employment. However, independent study and fully online models were challenging for learners who are not self-motivated and autonomous. She will also talk about issues that were identified.

Professor Niki Davis will host Dr. Lewin in this webinar for the Distance Education Association of New Zealand as part of the research study that she is leading for the New Zealand Ministry of Education to answer the question:
What are the characteristics of programmes, such as e-learning, mixed mode and distance learning programmes that have been successful in raising the literacy, numeracy and language skills of adult learners and could be used to supplement workplace training?

Emeritus Professor Bridget Somekh, a colleague of Professor Lewin, who is currently Visiting Canterbury Fellow in Christchurch at this time will introduce Professor Lewin and her research team at Manchester Metropolitan University, as founder of that centre of research and a member of the research team.

View Webinar: E-learning for learners developing literacy in English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL)

Recording of the Webinar on 10th December 2008 at 9-10 am New Zealand time is available on:
the web site of the Distance Education of New Zealand, their page of webinars.

Niki Davis talks with international CALL expert Carol Chapelle, about e-learning in relation to her current Ministry of Education project asking: "What are the characteristics of programmes, such as e-learning, mixed mode and distance learning programmes that have been successful in raising the literacy, numeracy and language skills (LLN) of adult learners and could be used to supplement workplace training?" Around 1/4 of the adult population in New Zealand has literacy and/or numeracy needs and the picture is similar in the USA and Europe.

Carol is Professor of TESL/applied linguistics in Iowa State University, USA, and Vice-President of the American Association for Applied Linguistics. Her research explores issues at the intersection of computer technology and applied linguistics. Books include Computer applications in second language acquisition: Foundations for teaching, testing, and research (2001); English language learning and technology: Lectures on applied linguistics in the age of information and communication technology (2003); and Assessing language through technology (Chapelle & Douglas; forthcoming)

Industry Integration of E-learning: Feb09 report

Guidelines for supporting learners using e-learning in workplaces

This document prepared by Clint Smith, LearnWorks Pty Ltd in association with the Industry Integration of E-learning business activity on behalf of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, is very useful for our project. Although focused on all workplace learning, there are places where literacy is noted directly.