So, what do you think of e-learning? - Blackboard Survey

On 30th January the E-Learning Sub-Committee was presented with the results of the 2006 Blackboard survey. The survey was completed by 909 students and 79 staff and gave some interesting results as well as some further questions to answer.

The full report can be downoaded from http://learninglab.swan.ac.uk/publications.html

Key points

• The overall response from students was that they value the use of the VLE but don't see it as a replacement for traditional lectures and seminars and don't want it to be seen as such.
• Both students and staff mainly use the VLE for lecture notes and Powerpoint slides.
• Students are keen to use new technology such a blogs. wikis, podcasts as well as video and formative tests.
• Both staff and students do not appear to be so keen on using technology for exams.

Questions

• When and where are students using the VLE?
• Are problems questions of content, functionality or design?
• Why are students negative about online exams?
• Why are students unsure about where to go for help?
• What are the barriers to using the VLE for staff and students?

Recommendations

• Build a community of practice which includes academics.
• Broaden the concept of what e-learning is.
• Rethink our approach to training.

Some of the recommendations have been included in the University E-Learning Strategy.