-
Workload mapping part 2: mapping in learning design
In this series of posts, we’re looking at student workload mapping. This second post explains how we monitor workload during module design, and where we might make recommendations to authors. Overall workload for a module is agreed right at the beginning of learning design, with set times to aim for based on the level of study,…
-
Workload mapping part 1: The student perspective
In this series of three posts, we’ll be looking at student workload mapping. This first post explains why planning is so important from a student perspective – and some of the thinking behind it. Alex is studying a 60 credit Level 1 module. Curriculum guidance suggest this should involve around 20 hours of study per week,…
-
Our time at Bett 2019, Education Technology event.
The Bett 2019 Education Technology event has come and gone, and 2 intrepid Open University explorers decided to brave the cavernous space of the Excel and see what it had to offer. Mark’s account The day started with joining the bustle of thousands of expectant educators looking to transform their student experience and hopefully their…
-
Hands-on support for module teams
Whilst we carry out fixed and clearly defined Learning Design activity as part of our core offer, we can also provide more hands-on input aimed at supporting module teams with specific challenges they are facing with their design. Below are three such examples where we’ve provided support to help module teams to progress either with…
-
Supporting success through assessment
Research in assessment practice points to an emphasis on summative assessment to test learner knowledge. However, this assessment strategy does not necessarily develop knowledge and skills. In fact, a strategic approach by learners to only engage with knowledge that will specifically apply to summative tasks creates a shallow approach to learning. It is a strategy…
-
Gathering student perspectives: a case study of capturing student feedback
One of the key areas of growth activity over the past year or so has been to gather more student input into the design process. To this end we have a number of core approaches to gathering student perspectives during design phases: we administer the curriculum design student panel, which provides us with access to…
-
Where is podcasting in higher education?
Podcast: An audio file made available for automatic download via web syndication. Typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically. During the years following the coining of the term in 2004, the world started exploring the potential of podcasts. YouTube was an independent curiosity, MySpace was the social media…
-
Perfect partners: how we work with others to support learning design
Over the last year I’ve been reflecting on how much the success of our work depends on effective partnerships with a range of people – within and external to the Open University. As Learning Designers, it’s inherent in our role that we work collaboratively with curriculum teams to elicit and capture ideas for module creation.…