High Level Skills for the Digital and ICT Sectors

1. Dr. Atif Waraich School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology a.waraich@mmu.ac.uk High Level Skills for the Digital and ICT Sectors

2. Aims of the HLSP project • Address CPD issues for Digital and Creative ICT sectors for areas of skills shortage • Multimedia, Web Development, Programming • Computer games included originally • Target audience both SMEs and large companies; & individuals • Schools Computing and Mathematics & Art and Design • Development of 8 units • Stand alone “bite size” courses; CPD focus • But could be combined to produce a qualification • Potentially to full MSc

3. Skills & knowledge covered • Three broad themes: • Internet • Java programming etc. • Multimedia • Cross platform development; Adobe Flash CS5 • Mobile devices • iOS (iPhone) and Android

4. Android development HLSP CPD units • Multimedia Authoring (Flash) x 2 • Object Oriented Programming (Java) x 2 • Internet Programming x 2 • iPhone development

5. Units: Overview • Original model 10 credit “units” • Over 12 weeks; 2 hours direct tutor contact per week • Blended learning approach to delivery [VLE] • Introductory and Advanced • To cater for career changers; development of new knowledge and skills; • Units can be formally assessed • If the student wishes to gain credit for a qualification; this is optional

6. iPhone course • iPhone course developed after consultation with industry partners • This has run 3 time with 15 learners • Based on 4 day intensive delivery model • Partnership with Shiny Development • Advantages: • Demand led • Skills required quickly by delegates; intensive course • Release from companies easier • Local delivery • 4 day model suited to most delegates

7. iPhone • 8 hours per day (1 hour lunch) • Split • Lecture based delivery • Lab exercises • Day 4: Project to create a Twitter application; brought together first 3 days • Joint delivery with industry input • Future combined delivery on a session by session basis

8. Feedback: iPhone course • ”[Tutor] was excellent, explained the theory very well and gave very good answers to all the questions asked. Very impressed.” • “I was nervous about learning a new language but following 4 days of great tuition, excellent demos/examples and very helpful one to one assistance whenever I needed it I wouldn't hesitate recommending this course.” • App: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/tweet-trends-build-this-app/id368227792?mt=8

9. Sample Twitter App Produced

10. Revised delivery model • We have discovered that the 12 week model is not popular with industry • Preferred shorter more intensive courses • Industry input (from practitioners) is highly valued • This has required a partnership approach to delivery • New model is not be applied to the Android course material we have developed • Similar model to iPhone delivery with facilitation from industry practitioner • Windows Mobile 7 course will also be developed

11. Issues raised • Expectations of SMEs v. large companies • Different training needs? • Delivery model • Recession has reduced investment in training for smaller companies • Viewed as a risk factor; lose staff? • Wanted competitive advantage • Challenge for universities; need for us to maintain currency; rapidly changing field • iPhone material delivered to our students is now better • Qualification aspect not necessarily viewed as an advantage by some employers • Benefit to individuals

12. Links to business & other services • MMU Usability Laboratory • Remote monitoring; eye tracking; Web site analysis • Publicity for this has led to other work • Further course development • Android • Windows 7 Mobile • Funding requested for an “Enterprise centre” • Development services to local businesses e.g. iPhone apps • Placement opportunities for students • “”Ecosystem” of business focussed services • Business Development Managers; RES centre

13. Questions?