LearnIT -future directions for learning with technology at the University of Adelaide
Online learning environments workshops
Gerry Mullins, Danielle Hopkins & Ian W Roberts
Presenter's biographical details
Gerry Mullins has been with the ACUE since 1984 during which time he has been involved in the professional development of academic staff. He is interested in student learning, particularly in a problem-based and professional context and in postgraduate education. He is also interested in the evaluation and development of academic performance at a departmental and curriculum level.
Danielle Hopkins is the Intranet Services Coordinator for Adelaide University Online. She has worked for the University for over 5 years. Prior to her current role in AUO she worked as a Systems Specialist in Information Technology Services and in the Computer Aided Teaching Suite in the Faculty of Engineering.
Ian W Roberts is the INTRANET Applications Coordinator for Adelaide University Online. He has been a Lecturer in Chemistry; the Director of the Science Communication Centre and; in 1998; Manager of Adelaide Science Online.
Abstract
In this session participants will be encouraged to provide feedback on current Adelaide University Online (AUO) activities and future AUO directions. Issues raised in this session will be collated and used as input for the final session of the day and in future AUO planning.
Web address
http://online.adelaide.edu.au/LearnIT.nsf/URLs/olew
Introduction
Free ranging discussion took place during amongst participants at two Online Learning Environment workshop sessions of the LearnIT Symposium. A number of aspects of the current Adelaide University Online tools were discussed. Participants provided generally positive feedback and suggested a number of ways in which those tools could be improved. A number of more far ranging suggestions were also raised.
Online Tools currently available
Online Teaching Aids (OTA)
Some staff reported that (some) students had difficulties navigating to find individual subjects. Discussion on this matter revealed a range a views. On one hand staff considered that the graphical design needed more visual cues on usage. On the other hand, visual literacy was identified as an emerging issue that needs attention from educators and that we should be helping students develop problem solving skills. The development of indivual user profiles within Online Teaching Aids may be of assistance.
The difficulties of downloading readers via slow data connecions could be avoided by providing students with a CD-ROM of standard tools. Similary, one suggestion was made that OTA itself could be distributed on CD-ROM.
More functionality:
Some suggestions for improving AUO tools included:
1. Online Teaching Aids- Make it easier for authors to add multiple attachments to a single page in a single step.
- Lecturers would like feedback on accesses to the site. Preformed reporting tools could automatically provide authors with access information.
2. Online discussion groups- Discussion Managers need ability to shift messages to a new theme they create
- The provision of an assessment add-on, to provide feedback to students and help assessment tasks was sought.
- Some Discussion Managers would like to option of recieving notification of new content.
Staff Development
More support was sought by staff in the use of various AUO tools. The need for such support is not purely technical and includes issues such as formulating suitable springboards for online discussions. Support may be provided via training programs, informal face to face sessions and online discussion/tutorials.
Obvious issues exist regarding convincing staff why they should change from their current practices. Pioneering staff who have tackled WWW technology may feel comfortable with their approach. However, viewed from a student's perspective there is an urgent need to present a more integrated and organised interface.
The need to promote available tools via information sessions etc was flagged.
Centre for Online Education
Some discussion took place around the proposed Centre for Online Education announced by the DVC(E) at LearnIT. 
Other points
Other points raised included: - AUO should take a coordinating role
- Let people know who else is doing the same work.
- Facilitate peer support.
- Not support IT for IT sake.
- Exam papers required online.
Electronic publishing guidelines
There was a general clamour for University-wide guidelines to staff addressing preferred document formats for electronic publishing. Consideration should be given in these guidelines to the need for them to be in an economical format suitable for students (eg. download time, printing costs). It was suggested that a CD-ROM be produced and distributed annually containing standard viewers and other resources. Some staff would like to see this approach extend to include templates to aid the efficient production of consistent materials such as exam papers, curriculum handbooks, course handbooks.
The inadequacy of the current University of Adelaide Calendar needs to be placed back on the agenda. Some staff sought online access to University timetables.
Corporate image & branding
While recognising that distance education was not likely to become a major aspect of teaching activities, staff pointed out that some areas were alerady heavily involved in remote delivery including Nursing Education in India and Computer science, Commerce and Engineering courses in Malaysia. It was felt that policies are needed to guide staff to achieve uniform branding of teaching services internationally. Support for increased remote/flexible delivery for particular sections within the University was essential.
Online assessment
Online formative assessment is of immediate interest to a number of staff and a generic tool to support this is sought. This was a significant item in the discussion and should be considered a priority area.
Supported online tools
Issue of other tools such as WebCT and whether or not they will be supported? Should be addressed and communicated.
Future approaches
Participants' views were sought regarding the most effective way to build a community of educators using IT given past exeprience of the Education Technology Special Interest Group (ETSIG) and the evident enthusiasm generated by LearnIT. Alternatives canvassed included: - regular (monthly) seminars following the ETSIG format
- less frequent (twice per semester) 2-3 hour sessions and
- full day events such as LearnIT held once or twice each year.
The LearnIT Symposium evaluation survey include a specific question on this point.
The role of electronic forums including e-mail lists, online discussions, FAQ resources etc was also considered.
References
Hopkins, D., I. Roberts, et al. (1999). Strategy for online services. Adelaide, The University of Adelaide: (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ITS/onlinestrategy.pdf).
Roberts, I. and Kiley, M. (1999). Meta matters. Adelaide, The University of Adelaide: (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/ITS/Meta_matters
 Planning
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