Learning 2.0 @ LJMU
12 June 2009
An innovative and successful staff development programme for Learning and Information Services staff concluded with an insightful presentation and awards ceremony last week.
Learning 2.0 @ LJMU is an online staff development programme designed initially for Learning and Information Services (LIS) staff in order to get them more familiar with and competent in using web 2.0 tools and the University’s own Technology Enhanced Learning initiatives.
The development of the programme, initiated by LIS Planning & Business Manager Leo Appleton, was a collaboration between LIS and the Learning Development Unit (LDU). The final programme consisted of a 12-week programme delivered through Blackboard utilising e-portfolio and covering areas such as blogs, wikis, RSS feeds, media sharing, social bookmarking and social networking.
140 LIS staff were divided into learning groups led by an appointed group leader and had to work through online content each week and evidence their learning in their e-portfolios.
The programme culminated in a group project whereby each group had to put together a collaborative online presentation illustrating what they had learned about Web 2.0, but had to use a Web 2.0 medium to do this.
The project gained sponsorship from Ex Libris, LJMU’s Library Management System supplier, which meant incentives could be provided for those participating and achieving in the course. The members of the winning group all received an engraved iPod Nano, as did the most outstanding team player from each of the 12 learning groups, at an awards ceremony which took place in the Graduate Development Centre.
Leo commented: “We hope to develop the programme further so that we can repurpose it for other groups of staff. Meanwhile we now have some LIS staff undergoing Staff and Educational Development Association accreditation for their participation in Learning 2.0.”
Pictured: the winning group receive their iPod Nanos
