OULDI-JISC Project poster Sep 09

1. http://ouldi.open.ac.uk
Open University Learning Design
Initiative - JISC Project
Aim Objectives
The overall aim of the project is to develop and 1.To work with units in the OU and to explore the transferability of elements of our approach
implement a methodology for learning design by working with four other UK universities (inc. University of Reading, London South Bank
composed of tools, practice and other innovation University, Brunel University) and two pan-communities, capturing barriers and enablers by
that both builds upon, and contributes to, existing appropriate data recording mechanisms
academic and practitioner research.
2.To review the existing curriculum design processes at the OU in the first year of the project
We are interested in providing support for the entire including describing and modelling the curriculum design process
design process: from gathering initial ideas, through to
consolidating, producing and using designs, to 3.To work with stakeholders at the OU to identify key moments in which enhancement or change
sharing, reuse and community engagement. These in curriculum design process could lead to improved quality of design, and to work with partner
are complex and challenging processes that involve institutions to undertake a similar process
a range of stakeholders with different interests; issues
and representations are different depending on 4.To pilot learning design methodologies, tools and techniques in at least eight trials and to
whether design occurs at the level of individual document and evaluate this experience
activity, course or curriculum. Our vision is of a
learning design methodology, and suite of practical 5.To engage with, build or enhance a range of communities and develop their capacity for
tools and resources, that bridge good pedagogic self-sustainability particularly focusing on organised events, key topic or subject areas, existing
practice and effective use of new technologies. operational units and conferences or special interest groups
Key components of the project will align with the four 6.To increase, monitor and evaluate exchanges of learning and teaching ideas and experiences
facets of our learning design methodology. These are: in appropriate communities
· Understanding design (gathering empirical 7.To undertake enhancements to the website(s) being used to support the community
evidence about design) building and activities planned (e.g. Cloudworks)
· Visualising design (means of articulating and 8.To undertake enhancements to the visualisation software used to support the pilot and
representing) design mapping tasks (e.g. CompendiumLD)
· Guiding design (scaffolds and support) and 9.To continue to broaden in scope, content and definition the OU learning design methodology
· Sharing design (to inspire and encourage uptake
and reuse)
Outputs Benefits Challenges
A record and evaluation of our approaches to New opportunities and methods for the How do we better respond to the gap between
implementing institutional change through exchange of teaching and learning ideas the formalised design processes and the often
adopting a LD approach and experiences informal process of design?
A clearer understanding of using learning Exploration of the opportunities social How do designs get shared? What roles do
design successfully in curriculum innovation, networking offers to the building and technology and practitioners have in this
strategies and approaches to embedding enhancing of communities communication process?
LD as an approach across a range of contexts
and models Better understanding of the design process How can we effect change in practice, culture
at an institutional level and the interventions and process - especially in the light of
A self-sustaining learning design community that can support change constraints on time and resource?
providing a forum for exchange of ideas and
designs, along with guidelines for success Tools to support more effective visualisation What does a successful online teaching and
factors identified to make such a community and concept mappings of curriculum designs learning community look like? What
work to promote better shared understandings, characteristics does it have and how can we
reflection, innovation and creativity measure these?
A set of resources and guidance on different
aspects of learning design and outlines for A range of new or enhanced guidance for How do our two key tools - CompendiumLD
associated design activities and tailored those undertaking the design of learning and Cloudworks - fit with other tools currently
workshops available?
Enhanced institutional processes that support
A sustainable and evolving, user-generated pedagogy and innovation
site (Cloudworks) for collaborative learning
designs with a critical mass of learning
designs, as well as tools and resources for
design
Evidence of use of a software application
designed to support learning design and
visualisation