‘Moodling in’: Using a virtual learning environment to deliver staff induction An interactive workshop presented by Andrea Lambon Assistant Director, Library.

‘Moodling in’: Using a virtual learning environment to

deliver staff induction

An interactive workshop presented by Andrea Lambon Assistant Director, Library and Learning Resources

Birmingham City University

About us:

• Birmingham City University – 23,000 students• Library and Learning Resources – 170 staff in 8 libraries and

Learning Resource Centres

What we are going to cover in this session:

• consider what issues need to be addressed

• examine how a VLE can be used to host a staff induction programme

• evaluate the suitability of a VLE to deliver staff induction

• list recommendations based on lessons learnt

What we wanted to achieve:

• to make induction a positive experience• to make the programme relevant,

manageable and engaging• to be able to assess learning• to provide a tool for consistent delivery• to give time for learning and reflection

Activity

• Think about your induction process and identify any issues you need to address

Issues we needed to resolve:

• Paper based• daunting• line manager reliant • inconsistent delivery• instruction rather than engagement• little assessment of learning• no consideration given to how people learnActivity:Pick one of these issues and say how you would go about solving it

What we did:Use of a VLE - Moodle

Divided the programme into modules

Produced a series of checklists to guide line mangers and inductees through the programme

Host the documentation, written assessments and activities including video clips and scenarios

Employed Course Genie to provide a different interface for supporting information

Developed online quizzes with instant feedback and results

Created links through to other useful information

Evaluation of the programme

Activity

What other modern technologies could be used?

and

How can we employ them?

Evaluation of a VLE to deliver staff induction:

Feedback from one new member of staff:

‘The Moodle platform is ideal for staff induction with facilities for expanding and including links to further useful material it should be exploited to the full’

What a VLE offers:

• allows information to be presented in a variety of formats• provides the facility for engagement and assessment• tailored programmes as line managers can dictate the

priorities and modules they want their staff to undertake• enables the line manger to assess learning and

understanding• self paced learning for the inductee• a reference tool that can be referred back to

What a VLE can’t do:

• replace the human touch Line managers now spend time in feeding back rather

than instructing Buddying introduced to provide informal support Still plenty of ‘on the job’ training required Work Journals to record reflective learning

List of recommendations based on lessons learnt:

• A VLE should be used as part of a blended approach to learning

• begin by reviewing your current process• choose the right format for you• agree the structure of the programme prior to

commencing work on the VLE • make as interactive and engaging as possible using a

variety of formats to maintain interest• try to ensure that you have a good level of technical

skills and abilities in your team prior to setting up the VLE

List of recommendations based on lessons learnt:

• be prepared to create your own materials including video clips and photos

• set aside time to develop the VLE • engage with your line managers as they will be the ones

delivering the programme• get a basic programme in place and then add to it. It will

never be finished and will constantly need updating!

Plans for the future:

• Continue to develop modules• add further assessments and

activities to increase interaction• include more innovative delivery

i.e. Podcasts, training videos• introduce ePortfolios to record

learning and development • set up a staff induction blog to the

wider library community• look at how Moodle can be

employed to support staff training in general

• monitor, evaluate and review.

Any questions?

• [email protected]