Widening the net

Encouraging engagement with self directed e-learning resources

Abstract

Learner managed online resources have seen substantial growth in UK higher education in recent years. Online resources can maintain or improve the quality of the learning experience, and the availability of a range of support materials is helpful to a growing and increasingly diverse student population. However, research evidence also indicates a level of dissatisfaction with self directed online learning resources, with issues relating to engagement and participation often coming to the fore. This paper takes the view that this is partly due to the ‘disconnect’ between teacher managed and learner managed activities, and describes a small scale research project which aims to bridge this gap. This approach links together learner managed e-learning resources and tutor feedback, constructed in such a way so as to minimise the time demands on academic colleagues whilst still providing critical aspects of formative assessment. This design seems to show promise, and the approach is discussed in terms of advantages, disadvantages and opportunities for further development.