Learning Edge

… the Edge Hill Virtual Learning Environment. Really?  It could be, but only with the help and support of Edge Hill staff and students.

 A colleague recently made the astute observation that Blackboard is like Marmite – you either love it or hate it. From the formal and informal feedback I receive on people’s experience of Blackboard, the Marmite analogy seems to apply whether you are a teacher or a student.  The challenge for me is how can we change to a perception of the VLE  as chocolate?

After rolling out the use of Blackboard in all first year modules in 2008-09, we have had an opportunity to take stock as it has been a significant learning curve for the whole University. Rather than continue to do more of the same, we would like to do something radical and  review everything to do with the VLE – the product, related applications and tools, pedagogy, accessibility, ease of use for all users regardless of location. This is where you come in…

All Edge Hill University staff and students are invited to get involved in the VLE Project starting this month. During October and November we will be issuing a survey and holding workshops to gather a wide range opinions on Blackboard, blended and online learning. We will also be running this blog for the duration of the project to keep you updated and of course, to get a lively discussion going with your comments.

Over to you …