Implementing E-learning Across the School of Education: A Case Study

In January 2009 the School of Education, University of Western Sydney decided to appoint an e-learning officer with the aim of improving the quality of online learning environments across course units. The e-learning officer had built a strong relationship with 45 academics across two campuses, with a positive impact on the application of university e-learning basic standards improving look and feel, information architecture, usability and accessibility of online units. Academics successfully integrated technological tools such as slidecasts, Google Docs, digital video and blogs into existing curricula and teaching contexts. This translated into an enhanced learning experience for our students. Significant aspects of the success of this experience included the provision of high quality educational design, empowerment of staff to experiment, staff development via workshops and one-on-one support, development of resources for academics to facilitate online teaching and learning, training of students in the use of technological tools, and strong focus on their learning experience monitored by reflection and research. We believe morale has increased in the School, especially in relation to online teaching, since the appointment of the e-learning officer. People seem to be more connected, are more open to change, and enthusiastic about trying new things, and are learning more about technology and what is available to them. There is more awareness about holistic approaches to online learning and how websites affect the student experience. We believe we have created significant attitudinal change