Inspiring academic staff to maximise the potential of the VLE. Taking a creative, people focused approach to promote uptake of the institutional VLE.

1. A Very Carroty
Stick
Inspiring academic staff to
maximise the potential of the
VLE
Clare Thomson
c.thomson@qub.ac.uk
@ClareThomsonQUB

2. Expect a Journey
Focus on Innovators and Early
Adopters
Academics are under pressure from all
sides but how about disguising
those sticks as carrots?
If you turn to technology under
pressure, transform it into an
advantage – it’s an exciting opportunity
for academics and their students.

3. The VLE as a Base
Plate in a NGDLE*
Whilst the VLE underpins the delivery
of teaching objects the learning is
through the building blocks added to it:
integrate with other technologies and
people.
PowerPoint slides are not the VLE
The VLE is not the ANSWER
The VLE is not the MONSTER
The VLE is not the TEACHER
* The Next Generation Digital Learning Environment
(EDUCAUSE report)

4. The Process:
Engage
Flexible approach: online, offline
Innovative workshops: let’s get creative
Sharing good practice: tell your story
Focus on pedagogy: ALWAYS
Reward & Recognition: CMALT,
HEA/SEDA Fellowship, awards, grants
Collaborate: widely
Communication and more communication
through blogs, social media, flyers …
using …

5. A Packed Toolbox
A wide diversity of essential tools -
creative inspiration*, coloured
pens/paper/sticky notes, frameworks,
LEGO®/toys, sweets (just raid your
cupboard) together with a range of
digital devices
Spaces should be:
open, welcoming, safe, informal,
supportive, encouraging
(online and offline)
together with …
(*Intention: Critical Creativity in the Classroom
by Amy Burvall and Dan Ryder)

6. Champions
Passionate enthusiasts at all levels and
areas are invaluable
Enthusiasm is infectious and
can open firmly closed doors
Chose formal and informal routes
Share their stories
widely

7. Communities of Practice: pedagogy & research
Rewards & Recognition
Non-digital technology
Digital technology:
On and offline spaces
Coffee, and
more coffee
People - communication
+
+
++
+
Conclusion: it’s about the people, people …

8. Good luck folks
may the downhill come quickly
Image credits
Slides 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6: Bryan M Mathers @bryanMMathers
Slide 7: photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash
This slide: Visual Hunt Source: visualhunt.com