Using a VLE to support Active

Learning:
a Model for Training of Academic
Staf
Patris van Boxel
ICT Educational Centre
vrije Universiteit

amsterdam

Aim
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Aim
VLE in Netherlands
Results Survey
BB initiatives
Hot topics

Overview VLE use in Dutch HE:

preliminary results survey
(+ comparison UK survey)
Dutch Blackboard support initiatives

VLE use at the Vrije Universiteit:

context
training academic staf
setup of introductory VLE course
description of use of case studies

VLE use in Dutch HE

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Aim
VLE in Netherlands
Results Survey
BB initiatives
Hot topics

Similar developments as in UK
Sharp increase use of VLEs
Quikscan survey november 2001
1.
2.
3.
4.

Does your institution use a VLE?

More than one?
Which one?
Which phase of implementation?

Testing
Pilot
Partial implementation
Full implementation

Results Dutch HE Survey

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Aim
VLE in Netherlands
Results Survey
BB initiatives
Hot topics

All universities that responded use at

least one VLE
86% of all HE institutions that
responded use VLE
50% uses more than one

Blackboard most adopted platform

77% of universities
57% of polytechnics

At various stages of implementation

majority beyond initial test phase

Comparison UK Survey

VLE use UK

Other
20%
Lotus Domino
4%

WebCT
30%

In house
6%
LLSpace
8%

Blackboard
17%

FirstClass
15%

VLE use Netherlands

Other
20%

Source: Ucisa survey

2001

WebCT
14%

Teletop
5%
N@tschool!
5%
LLSpace
14%

Blackboard
42%

Source: Surf survey 2001

Number of VLE's in institutions

50%
40%
30%

UK

20%

Netherlands

10%
0%
None

One

Two

Three

Four

Conclusion survey
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Aim
VLE in Netherlands
Results Survey
BB initiatives
Hot topics

Blackboard predicted to
become a standard in the
Netherlands
VLE most used in full
implementation scenarios
VLE which most institutions
support officially

Dutch Bb support initiatives:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Aim
VLE in Netherlands
Results Survey
BB initiatives
Hot topics

Blackboard usergroup
Co-ordinator
Study days
Feedback BB US

Blackboard support site

Conference reports (ALT-C, Educause,..)

BB contact persons in institutions
Q&A
Bb Training materials

www.edusite.nl/bbg
g

Current hot topics

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Aim
VLE in Netherlands
Results Survey
BB initiatives
Hot topics

Technical:
Integration Blackboard with other
systems

Pedagogical:
Evaluation of VLE implementation
(quality assurance)
Good practices e.g in use of online
collaborative learning
Digital portfolios

Strategy and implementation

Ba/Ma structure; internationalisation;
flexible learning,...

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

VLE training @ the Vrije Universiteit

Background
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Medium-sized university (14000)

Campus-based
Memorandum Vrije Universiteit
(1999)
Structural integration of ICT

ICT Educational Centre

Manages ICT projects in faculties

Advice and support to lecturers
Staf development programme
Centrally supported VLE

Background
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Individual faculties use VLEs

since 1997
Central VLE (Blackboard)
adopted september 2000
11 faculties
3000 users/250 courses
End december 2001 version 5.5
(level 1)

4 faculties use diferent VLEs

Training Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Introductory Course:
Using a VLE to support Active
Learning
Target audience:
Lecturers who...
have to learn to use a VLE
need to integrate active learning
methods in their teaching practice
who dont have a lot of time
may not like computers
feel alienated from pedagogical theories

2. Training Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Practical
Skills
Using a VLE
(hands-on)

Pedagogical
Skills
Analysing Case Studies
(reflection, inspiration)

Background
reading material
(self study)

Concrete and achievable challenge

Application to own teaching practice

Use of Case Studies

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Authentic examples active learning at

the VU (4)
Description of the learning task
VLE facilitates activity
Emphasis on learning from each other
peer feedback and assessment
group discussion
group problem solving

Various disciplines and VLEs

Various group sizes
Mix face to face and online learning
Good and bad practices

Description of Case Studies

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Mechanics:
Dentistry:
individual
practical group
assignments and
task and lecture
peer feedback
feedback and
assessment
Philosophy:
preparation
discussion about
archive
ethical dilemma
Psychology:
and peer
selftest - multiple
feedback
choice questions
in pairs
Download case studies from:
http://www.icto.vu.nl

Golden rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Success of online learning

activity depends on many
factors
Golden rules increase chance
of succes:
planning of the online learning
activity
aims of the online learning activity
conditions for participation

Golden rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The lecturer's challenge

The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Planning
Plan (online) learning
activity well before the
start of the course
Mix online learning activity
with classroom activity
Reserve time and
opportunity for intervention
by lecturer
Be sparse in number of
subjects and moments
when using online activities
Use peer instruction,
assessment or grading if
possible
Klemm, Van der Veen, Mason,...

Aims
Make aims clear and keep
everyone to the rules
(moderate!)
Formulate tangible results
or end product
Round activities clearly of
Conditions
Participation is compulsory
and will be assessed
Dont settle for opinions demand arguments,
explanations,..
Provide regular feedback
Create a positive and
constructive atmosphere

Review of Case Studies

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

In pairs - choose one case

study
Evaluation, focusing on:
role of the VLE
application Golden rules
gain in student activity

Discussion and reflection

Group feedback

Final question on Training

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Will I use a VLE?

Will I use a VLE similar to the
use presented in the case
studies?

4. The Lecturers Response

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Positive experience
Training reduces perceived
complexity of educational innovation
Technically
Pedagogically

Case studies generate

enthusiasm
Remaining concerns
Assessment method
Time investment

5. Conclusions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Background
The training method
Use of case studies
The lecturer's response
Conclusions

Setup of training course

Practical skills, pedagogical skills, bonded
by case studies

Case studies
Active learning scenarios
Stepping stones to gain ideas for practical
approaches
Golden rules allow further analysis of
cases and guidance for own implementation

Efectiveness (long-term) still needs to

be evaluated

Further information
Case studies and background
information: http://www.icto.vu.nl
Email:pvboxel@icto.vu.nl