The technology enhanced learning (TEL) framework provides guidelines for the development of the online component of subjects. It is a starting point for thinking about course redesign or approaches in developing a new subject.
Principles inherent in the design of the TEL framework include:
- Student-centred focus with student learning outcomes as a governing priority
- Encourages good practice teaching with technology
- Created for blended and flexible learning contexts, but can be applied to fully online learning
- Has elements that are ‘highly recommended’ and ideas ‘for consideration’ to allow for choice and adaptation to different learning contexts.
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Fundamentals
Students find the online elements of their subjects include:
- A welcome to the subject (message, audio or video)
- A layout that is coherent, consistent and logically sequenced and organised
- A list of teaching staff, their contact information and availability
- An overview of how the subject will work with face-to-face or synchronous online events
- A ‘subject guide’ describing:
- Learning outcomes
- Subject description
- Overview of assessment tasks
- Schedule of learning events
- Expectations for subject participation.
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Learner support
Students find the learning support in their subjects includes:
Highly recommended aspects
- Clear channels for student queries about subject content, learning activities and assessment
- Clear channels for student queries regarding the LMS and other learning technologies
- Links to University student support services such as library and learning support, academic skills, wellbeing and special consideration
- How the subject has been adapted in response to Subject Experience Survey (SES) feedback.
Ideal enhancements for improved learning experience
- A module or page to introduce the students to the subject
- Specific resources to support the development of digital capabilities.
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Learning resources
Students find the learning resources in their subjects:
Highly recommended aspects
- Are organised into logical modules of weeks or topics and are clearly aligned with learning outcomes
- Make use of the Video Management System (VMS) for media delivery
- Meet accessibility standards
- Meet copyright standards
- Make use of relevant library digital resources.
Ideal enhancements for improved learning experience
- Promote opportunities for active learning and collaboration
- Include a variety of media such as video, audio and images
- Contain guidance about how students could engage with the resource
- Make use of the digital capability framework.
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Communication and collaboration
Students find communication and collaboration is facilitated in their subjects via:
Highly recommended aspects
- An ‘announcements’ area
- Opportunities for online discussion for student-to-student and/or student-to-teacher interactions
- Provide synchronous/asynchronous alternatives to face-to-face and in-class communication.
Ideal enhancements for improved learning experience/consideration
- Expectations and scaffolding for student-to-student communication and interaction
- Expectations for student group work interactions.
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Learning activity and assessment tasks
Students find the activities and assessment tasks in their subjects reflect the following:
Highly recommended aspects
- Each assessment item is represented online with weighting, due dates and feedback dates
- Each assessment item has a clear task brief
- Assessment activity has clear alignment with the learning outcomes.
Ideal enhancements for improved learning experience/consideration
- Supports a clearly articulated learning pathway
- Represents a developmental and continuous approach to assessment
- Supports student-centred assessment, including self, peer and group modalities
- Is authentic to the discipline and possible workplace of the student
- Includes feedback and results which are captured in the LMS, even if not undertaken within the LMS.