UELconnect Blog

We recently undertook a survey of the e-learning staff development requirements of staff. In all, the survey was completed by over 200 members of staff from a variety of schools & services. The survey asked for people thoughts on the University VLE (UEL Plus) and a range of learning technologies (Wikis, Blogs, Podcasts , Videocast , Virtual Worlds , Image sharing, Social Bookmarking, Video/audio conferencing , Chat , Microblogging, Online games  and Social networking). The survey also asked for preferences for support mechanisms when they require immediate support and longer term training on learning technologies.

Further analysis of the results is being undertaken at the moment, but some brief highlights are as below.

• Approximately 75% of all staff surveyed use UEL Plus in their current work.
• Of the different technologies we requested information, the highest used for work within UEL were Wikis, Blog, Podcasts and Video/Audio Conferencing. Each technology had between 10-15% of people stating ‘I have used/use this technology within my work at UEL’.
• Of all of the learning technologies mentioned, over 90% of people had heard of the majority of technologies, even if they had never used them. The technology most people had never heard of was Social Bookmarking e.g. Del.icio.us (with 31% having never heard of the tool).
• When asked to state their level of enthusiasm on the use of learning technologies, 78% stated their enthusiasm was 7 or over (on a scale of 1-10) however only 52% believed UEL Plus to be rated 7 or over for their overall opinion of the tool.
• Of the current e-learning support mechanisms used, the most common form of support staff draw upon is the help of colleagues (26%) within their schools or services.
• When asked for preferred methods of short term/immediate support Over 90% stated they would go to a colleague frequently or occasionally. This was closely followed by online FAQs (88%) and support from LTAs (83%).
• When asked for support methods for learning a new tool / substantial information, hands on workshops (92%) and support from colleagues (92%) were the most likely to be used. Of the least preferred methods support from students (66%) and video recordings of previous sessions (51%) were highlighted as methods staff would never use.
• With regards to style of workshop delivery, 62% of people would prefer a face to face session, 7% would prefer an online session and 31% would have no specific preference.

This staff development survey highlights some interesting results, which will feed into the redevelopment of the provision. Trials in virtual classroom tools are currently being undertaken along with a much needed review of the support documentation we have for UEL Plus.