The portole project: supporting e-learning

The PORTOLE (Providing Online Resources To Online Learning Environments) Project was a JISC-funded project which sought to produce a range of tools for tutors which could be used to enable them to discover information resources and to embed these into their course modules from within a University Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE in use at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford is the Bodington system. A key deliverable of the Project was to produce tools that were designed with ease of incorporation into other VLE environments in mind. This paper discusses the background to the project and the key outcomes. A working service has been developed and is now being tested and evaluated with academic staff.     

基于知识社区的e-learning模式构建

知识社区作为知识管理的核心组成,已成为推动知识交流、传递、共享和创新的催化剂。本文论述了e-learning和知识社区的概念与特征,探讨了网络环境下基于知识社区的e-learning,提出了基于知识社区的e-learning模式的构建。     

A strategic approach to developing e-learning capability for healthcare

Objectives: This article examines a strategic approach to developing e‐learning capability to enhance learning opportunities for the workforce of a healthcare organization. Emphasis is given to the procurement of a bespoke Managed Learning Environment (MLE). Strategic organizational issues impacting on future e‐learning developments are considered. Methods: The 2‐year implementation plan was evaluated through a two phase external research project. The first phase focused on the effectiveness of a training programme designed to build capacity for e‐learning within the Northern area and also included a virtual learning environment usability study which informed the MLE specification. The second phase evaluation is ongoing during 2005 and interim findings are presented. Results: The MLE has been piloted and on‐line learning packages have been acquired. There has been a phased take‐up of e‐learning opportunities and e‐tutor training. Some virtual Communities of Practice have been established. Key organizational issues have been identified and ongoing findings are informing strategic planning. Conclusions: The healthcare MLE is offering enhanced learning opportunities and assisting area healthcare providers in training their dispersed workforces. Blended learning strategies are most successful. The need for protected time for e‐learning is a key issue, financial savings are available. Progress has been slowed by identified organizational constraints—the MLE's benefits are widely recognized.     

Supporting e-learning: an overview of the needs of users

It has become banal to refer to the growth in the use of the Internet in Higher Education (HE). It is now time to regard ‘e-learning’ as an integral part of academic activity, which needs to be routinely supported. This article provides an overview of what is happening and makes some suggestions for organising support services for e-learning.     

我国台湾地区图书情报专业e-learning教学现状与启示

作为基于网络环境的全新教学方式,e-learning在图书情报学教育中发挥着日益重要的作用.文章基于调查我国台湾地区图书情报类院系e-learning教学的应用概况,并以政治大学图书资讯学与档案学研究所为案例,就e-learning课程设置、教学平台、教学资源、课程考核与要求、师资结构等情况进行深入分析.研究发现,我国台湾地区图书情报学e-learning教学的发展水平显著高于我国大陆,其主要用于研究生教育,多来自传统课程,注重结合传统教学手段,以综合性教学平台为支撑,课程对外开放度低.据此,提出我国大陆图书情报专业开展e-learning教学的若干建议.     

The Library's role and challenges in implementing an e-learning strategy: a case study from northern Australia

Background: The Northern Territory Department of Health and Families’ (DHF) Library supports education programs for all staff. DHF is implementing an elearning strategy, which may be viewed as a vehicle for coordinating the education function throughout the organisation. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the concept of elearning in relation to the Library’s role in implementing an organisation‐wide elearning strategy. Methods: The main findings of a literature search about the effectiveness of elearning in health professionals’ education, and the responsibility and roles of health librarians in elearning are described. A case study approach is used to outline the current role and future opportunities and challenges for the Library. Discussion: The case study presents the organisation’s strategic planning context. Four areas of operational activity which build on the Library’s current educational activities are suggested: the integration of library resources ‘learning objects’ within a Learning Management System; developing online health information literacy training programs; establishing a physical and virtual ‘elearningLibrary/Centre’; developing collaborative partnerships, taking on new responsibilities in elearning development, and creating a new elearning librarian role. Conclusion: The study shows that the Library’s role is fundamental to developing the organisation’s elearning capacity and implementing an organisation‐wide elearning strategy.     

Studying health information from a distance: refining an e-learning case study in the crucible of student evaluation

Purpose: To present a formative evaluation of the impact of a multimedia case study as a component of a masters course in health informatics delivered by distance learning. Setting/Participants/Resources: First and second year health informatics students undertaking four core modules of a masters programme at the University of Sheffield. Methodology: Individual qualitative user surveys and interviews. Results/Outcomes: Formative evaluation has played a significant role in refining the case study through its text‐based, intermediate and CD‐ROM based stages. Feedback from students has resulted in clarification of case study tasks, clearer definition of teaching roles and a revised approach to assessment. At the same time it has highlighted the importance of ongoing revision and maintenance in keeping the scenarios realistic and current. Discussion/Conclusion: The multimedia case study has met many of its original aims in providing greater cohesion for core modules and encouraging greater levels of interaction and multidisciplinary collaboration.     

Effective e-learning for health professionals and students--barriers and their solutions. A systematic review of the literature--findings from the HeXL project

Introduction: In 2003/4 the Information Management Research Institute, Northumbria University, conducted a research project to identify the barriers to e‐learning for health professionals and students. The project also established possible ways to overcome these barriers. The North of England Workforce Development Confederation funded the project. Methodology: The project comprised a systematic review of the literature on barriers to and solutions/critical success factors for e‐learning in the health field. Fifty‐seven references were suitable for analysis. This review was supplemented by a questionnaire survey of learners and an interview study of learning providers to ensure that data identified from the literature were grounded in reality. Results: The main barriers are: requirement for change; costs; poorly designed packages; inadequate technology; lack of skills; need for a component of face‐to‐face teaching; time intensive nature of e‐learning; computer anxiety. A range of solutions can solve these barriers. The main solutions are: standardization; strategies; funding; integration of e‐learning into the curriculum; blended teaching; user friendly packages; access to technology; skills training; support; employers paying e‐learning costs; dedicated work time for e‐learning. Conclusions: The authors argue that librarians can play an important role in e‐learning: providing support and support materials; teaching information skills; managing and providing access to online information resources; producing their own e‐learning packages; assisting in the development of other packages.