Update May 1st

Following a successful focus group and survey we have been able to identify our OER topic and concentrate on planning the content. Feedback from students emphasised the importance of reading lists and being able to interpret them, especially in the weeks leading up to and just after induction. As this tied in closely with current plans for new software to make reading lists more accessible we decided to focus on an OER to explain different elements of a reading list while offering an introduction to the Library. We felt this offered some very basic advice for students starting University yet had potential for future development with the addition of subject specific content.

Progress report

In addition to the above:

  • OM conducted a follow survey with students from the Getting Started project. Results from this supported the focus group feedback.
  • MN and TN added a number of “Getting Started” and/or “OER” examples to to the Resources page.
  • Trial software (Articulate and Captivate) added to laptops in the Library. Help-guides for these will be added to the  Resources page.
  • MO collated a check-list of points to consider when testing the trial software.
  • We had a productive meeting on 30th April dicussing the content and flow of the OER. A number of elements from this will be created to test the trial software on 9th May.

Next steps

  • AB, MN and TN are due to attend an event on 11th May looking at how new technology has changed information literacy delivery. This will include demonstrations of the trial and open source software.
  • Developing a storyboard and transcript for the OER.
  • AB to write business case for new software.
  • Prepare for the internal conference on 21st June.

Update March 1st

At our fortnightly catch-up meeting yesterday, we were joined by colleagues from team two. As their project involves developing OERs to support reflection and critical thinking, their are clear synergies and overlaps with Getting Started. We will explore these further at the residential event on March 22/23.

Progress report

  • A productive meeting was held on Feb 17. AH to circulate feedback from Brenda Smith
  • Review of Getting Started 2011 evaluation has been produced by MN/AB and placed on the documentspage
  • Successful focus group was attended by 8 students. OC and TN to produce report
  • AB has produced a preliminary summary of software for resource development – also placed on documents page
  • Several members attended the workshop on copyright and licencing, which was very useful

Next steps

  • AH to create page for ‘resources’ and start collating examples of OERS and repositories from across the sector
  • Workshop on WordPress and Creative Commons to be held on Mar 21st, possibly repeated on 28th. Details to be circulated
  • AH to post literature review
  • Institution-wide dissemination event is being planned for a date in June. Likely date is June 21st: details to follow
  • Next meeting – Thurs March 15, 9am in the atrium

Update – Feb 14

Below is the summary of our meeting on Feb 1st

Project Management:

  • Our external ‘critical friend’, Brenda Smith from the HEA, is planning to visit the unversity on Friday Feb 17, and would like to meet with the team. A meeting is provisionally planned for 10:30am until approx 1pm. Please keep your diary free if at all possible. Full details to be confirmed.
  • Please all confirm ASAP your availability for the residential on March 22/23 (i.e. whether 1 or both days, and whether accommodation is required). We will need to finalise numbers by the end of this week.
  • We agreed to have ‘catch-up’ meetings every 2 weeks at 9am for max. 1 hr, alternating between Weds and Thurs. The first will be on Thurs Feb 16 (to plan the agenda for following day), followed by Wednesday Feb 29, etc.
  • AH will contact a couple of staff from SCES and Psychology with a view to joining the group as an internal critical friend
  • AH will create a WordPress site to support the work of the group
  • A hands-on workshop for all project teams is being organised for Feb 22, covering a range of topics including how to identify and find OERs. Please let me know ASAP if a) you would like to attend and b) whether you would prefer morning, lunchtime or afternoon.

First steps:

  • OM to meet Charlotte (1st yr Psychology) with a view to joining the group. Charlotte has accepted. AB also has interested students in Psychology.
  • AB and MN to begin review of Getting Started 2011 Evaluation.
  • OM to organise focus group with student reps (and possible online survey to complement it?)
  • AH to conduct brief literature review of initiatives across the sector.
  • Aim to agree prioritised list of topics to develop as Getting started resources, by End of March

We all talked about the possibility of arranging for training on Xerte. There is a xerte plug-in for WordPress which is currently being trialled.