E-technology
The mass increase in the use of computers accelerated with 'Third Generation' computers in the 60's and the use of computers and technology is certainly a global standard. The UK uses standard global hardware and software and computer literacy is widely taught in the UK both to adults and children. Depending on the type of work undertaken in the UK, many positions require a minimum basic level of computer literacy. UK universities now use a range of software and e-learning tools to facilitate learning and teaching.
1. Social software
Social software is a range of web-based programs that allow users to interact and share data with other users. Social software has become very popular with social sites like MySpace and Facebook, media sites like Flickr and YouTube, and commercial sites like Amazon and eBay.
The social software section on the JISC website gives you more information on social software tools.
2. Virtual learning environment
A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a software system designed to support teaching and learning in an educational setting. A VLE will normally work over the Internet and provide a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organising student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, and similar. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs and RSS. While originally created for distance education, VLEs are now most often used to supplement the face-2-face classroom, commonly known as Blended Learning.
(Information courtesy of Wikipedia)
Please visit the e-learning section of the internationalstaff website for more information on virtual learning environments.
The Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) website also has more information on the effective use of VLEs.
3. E-learning
Accessing learning and teaching online, as part of university education, is now the norm for the majority of UK students. This is usually as part of a ‘blended' programme of delivery but, for some, may form the main way of studying. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) published its e-learning strategy in 2005 which set out its plan for supporting and helping institutions to embed e-learning over the proceeding 10-year period.
The strategy defines e-learning as:
'.... any learning that uses (Information and Communication Technology) ICT. In embedding this strategy we want to ensure that there is confident use of the full range of pedagogic opportunities provided by ICT. For HE this will encompass flexible learning as well as distance learning, and the use of ICT as a communications and delivery tool between individuals and groups, to support students and improve the management of learning.'
Please visit the e-learning section of the site for more detailed information and uses. The Higher Education Academy (HEA) also have a section on e-learning on their website.
4. Implementing e-learning
Details on how to implement e-learning strategies can be found on the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) website. They have a dedicated section on implementing e-learning.
Email a friend