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How can we help? Developing staff skills to support e learning in libraries: the UEL experience Cathy Walsh Some background 90% modules on VLE Distance and work based students Virtual learning on campus The role of Library staff Web 2.0 and e learning UEL Docklands Library
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How can we help? Developing staff skills to support e learning in libraries: the UEL experience Cathy Walsh
Some background • 90% modules on VLE • Distance and work based students • Virtual learning on campus • The role of Library staff • Web 2.0 and e learning
New building, new behaviours • 24/7 during semester • Group work spaces/social spaces • PCs – in huge numbers • Increasing numbers of students resident at Docklands • 70% increase in enquiries • Little social space available elsewhere • Staff working in open plan area – highly accessible
What have we got to offer? • Self service • E resources and collections • Email services • Virtual reference/online chat • VLE - Your e library • Personalised services
The UEL strategy • Learning and Teaching Strategy to 2009: “ Our vision is to be a leading UK multi-mode university with as many students educated off-campus as on-campus.” • UEL Strategic Plan 2008-13 “Expansion of our distance and e learning and a commitment to providing equality of learning opportunity.”
The UEL E Learning Strategy, 2008 • E learning must be integrated, both physically and virtually, into UEL policies and practices and all aspects of students experiences.” • “We will use e learning technologies to produce a more interactive and independent environment for learners…”
Skills Gap? • LLS Staff profile • Skills analysis – survey • Student needs • Training and development for all staff • The project as a Learning Enhancement Opportunity • Collaboration with SDEL
LEO project • TQEF funding made available under LEO (Learning Enhancement Opportunity) • UEL Learning & Teaching Committee • Joint project with SDEL (School of Distance and E Learning) • Bid for funding to cover staff costs, some equipment and professional fees
How can we help? Aims • Identify the baseline skills needed to support learning in a blended learning environment. • Develop a coherent induction and staff development programme for library staff • Develop a UEL Plus module to facilitate self guided learning for members of staff wishing to develop or enhance their awareness of new technologies, e learning and e resources in libraries. • To develop, maintain, and make available to all LLS staff a collection of best practice and staff development resources (e.g Lib 2.0, blogs, professional association resources, audio and video).
Crash Course in Web 2.0 • Blogs and Wikis • Social networking (Facebook) • Skype • Podcasts • Social bookmarking • Serious gaming and virtual worlds • VLEs
Moving on….. • Feedback from Crash Courses • Student focus groups • LLS (Library) staff focus groups • Library managers from other institutions • Results • Where we are now.
Feedback from Crash Course • “Social bookmarking - a fantastic resource for research students” • “Wikis, Blogs and podcasts seem to plug the gaping holes in communication….staff-to-management, staff-to-staff, lecturers-to-students…” • “Work at home and never see a real human being….!”
The student view • Focus Groups • What help do they need now? • What might they need in future? • What do they see as Library staff’s role in supporting their learning online and in the libraries?
Student Focus Group: we need more help with.... • Basic equipment in libraries (copiers, printers, binders, scanners etc) • Athens accounts • Selecting the right online resources and databases • Sconul – what are we entitled to under this scheme?
And more .... • “… Athens, UEL Plus, Turnitin, IT …we need a lot of help!” (Student) • It’s [Athens] got everything – you just have to know where to look” (Student) • Teaching students about IT facilities offers them a chance to work independently…” (Library Assistant)
Google generation...? • “We help students with everything from turning on PCs – lots of people have no idea and are even confused by email.” • Library Assistant
Where to now….? Specify training modules to include: Basic IT to get started VLE (UEL Plus) Turnitin Plato Athens and e resources E books
Concluding comments • Need to look further at basic IT skills for students • Continue to work in partnership with SDEL colleagues to deliver LLS staff training and student support • Specify training modules starting with induction level for all LLS staff