• Overview
  ...a rough guide to e-learning, for staff
• News and Updates

• Using the Course Materials Repository
• Using Online Coursework Submission
• Using the Plagiarism Detection Service
• Using Moodle
• Using WebCT
• Using Perception
• Using a Personal Response System

• SENDA
• Supporting Online Learning
• IPR and Copyright Guidance
• E-Learning Network (Mailing List)
• Training
• Learning and Teaching

Online Learning and SENDA

Examples of Good Practice at the University of Essex:

This is not intended to be a definitive list, but describes some work taking place which exemplifies good practice.

Government

The Department moved its course materials to the Course Materials Repository in the summer of 2003: http://courses.essex.ac.uk/gv/

After discussion between Departmental staff, the Web Support Unit and the Online Learning Officer, a CMR template was developed which sets out content for each course clearly. The structure is consistent and easy to navigate, for example GV100.

AFM

Weekly online self-tests have been incorporated into two undergraduate courses. The self-tests have enabled students to test and consolidate their understanding as they progress through each of the courses. Student feedback in SAC 02/03 was positive, and the course was praised for its methods during the recent developmental engagement for the Institutional Audit 2003.

Biological Sciences

The Disability Liaison Officer in BS worked closely with Student Support Office to re-work complex learning materials to support third-year students.

ESE

The Department has created exercises and models for foundation-year students. The materials are well-designed and use clearly structured content and expression.

Art History

Dr Deborah Povey, Art History and Theory, has developed an existing course with WebCT using TALIF funding. 'Implementing good practice in teaching and learning for students with disabilities: a working case study for humanities subjects'. The project aims to 'produce a code of good practice with regard to ensuring the accessibility, usefulness and productiveness of teaching materials and their implementation with regard to humanities students with disabilities. It aims to achieve this through the example of a working case study of existing undergraduate and graduate courses within the Department, with particular attention to the production of online course materials and how they may best encourage wider participation and assist students in achieving the desired learning outcomes. In addition, this study will focus upon the use of the wide range of multimedia materials available, such as video, CD/DVD, and assess how best they may be incorporated into teaching practice and facilitate the learning experience for everyone'.

The departmental Web site has an excellent list of annotated links for students to use.

Mathematics

Although in the early stages of development, two lecturers are developing online numeracy diagnostic tests to enable non-Maths students to develop proficiency in Mathematics. The online tests will support self-learning, identify areas of weakness and link to relevant sections of CALMAT, (tutorial software, which is mounted in the open-access labs).

External projects

• Alert: Accessibility in Learning Environments and Related Technologies (University of Durham, Bournemouth University): series of thematic guidelines (July 2005).
• Web Accessibility Research Projects (WARP) at the University of Plymouth.