From e Learning to ULearning

From e. Learning to ULearning - A blended learning framework for effective organisational change Liam Brown 1, Prof. Vincent Wade 2, Prof. Eamonn Murphy 3 1. Enterprise Ireland 2. University of Dublin, Trinity College 3. University of Limerick © 2009 ULearning - All rights reserved. 1

Work and Learning What is U Learning? • An innovative connector of industry and academia • Addressing individual and corporate skills gaps • Through professional flexible learning

Changing Nature of Employment The Gap Present Skills & Competency Needs Future Flexible professional education self-directed, autonomous learners peer to peer learning

Key Drivers Future Delivery of Education • Future employability of workforce • Transferable skills • Move across the value chain • Development of indigenous base • Exploiting efficiency gains • Vulnerability of FDI in Ireland

Key Features Future Education Programmes • Addresses skills and competencies gaps • Customised according to need • Incorporates professional certification • Flexible learning methods • External supports - e. g. paid study leave, tax breaks • Academic supports - e. g. recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation

Organisational Learning • Learning as an organisation • Organisational benefits • Embedding the knowledge in your organisation • Combining industry and academic qualifications • Collaboration in course design

Pioneering Approach • Learner is in control • Real organisational benefits • Merging academic and professional certification • Modular content/flexible delivery • Build your own (masters) course • Industry focused & designed • Project connects theory to application • Peer to peer learning & sharing experience Pioneering Approach

Learning Paths Follow your own path - Modules - Specialist diplomas - Masters - Professional doctorate

Professional Flexible Learning

Specialist Diploma • Integrates theory and practice • Subject specific focus • 9 months in duration • Postgraduate level • 3 or 4 taught modules (theory) • Significant Work-based project (application)

Build your own MSc Your MSc Specialist Diploma Project +. . . M Specialist Diploma M + M M M = M M + M

The Programme: Specialist Diploma Lean Systems • This Lean Black Belt course, aims to develop participants' process improvement skills. • The diploma provides education and practical application to a Black Belt level in Lean. • The course enables participating companies gain competitive advantage through the application of Lean principles to drive improvement with measurable results. Modules Students § Lean Thinking § Programme commenced in Feb. 2006 § Managing Technology Projects § Advanced Lean Thinking § 7 Cohorts to date; In excess of 400 Students from 100 companies, with completion rates in excess of 80% § Leadership and Change Management § Analysis is based on first 4 cohorts of 135 Students from 46 companies

Learning Environment On Campus Online Components • Peer to peer learning • E-tutors • Interactive learning tutorials • Lab & practical • Expert workshops • Library • Exams • Discussion boards • Collaborative learning space • Documents [Office / PDF] • Multimedia • Self-assessments • Assignment support • Library resources Distance Learning • Virtual knowledge centres • Course manuals In House • Text books • Project mentors • Online material • Organisational learning environment

The Framework

Participant Breakdown by Company Size and Sector

The feedback Individual Feedback: the degree to which your overall knowledge, skills and attitude has changed arising from participation in the course At least >>> Some Change Significant change Knowledge 100% Skills 100% 93% Attitude 100% 86% Supervisor Feedback: the degree to which the participants overall knowledge, skill and attitude has changed arising from participation in the course At least >>> Some Change Significant change Knowledge 100% 25% Skills 88% 25% Attitude 88% 38%

Conclusions • The framework has enabled participating companies to gain competitive advantage through the application of Lean Principles • For Learners: Accreditation and career progression are paramount • For large and small organisations: Impact and Results are key • Modular content and flexible delivery incentivises learners and organisations • Purely on-line: Lack of motivation, Self-discipline and lack of tutor contact • Blended Offering – Timely Feedback from support staff and lecturers/ moderators essential – Content determines frequency of face to face sessions • Critical that practical application of learning is related to content/theory • The “U” in ULearning is to ensure that the individual is not just adequately represented but is central to the learning experience – Programmes need to be customised to individual needs • Technology is a given - Pedagogy is key – Need to move from associative or behaviourism to cognitive constructivist to social constructivist to situated learning as appropriate

Acknowledgements • Our many Industrial Partners and contributors • The Leonardo da Vinci programme of the EU and Leargas the National Leonardo da Vinci Agency • Enterprise Ireland • The Dept. of Enterprise Trade and Employment’s Accel Programme, managed by Skillnets Services Ltd. • The European Social Fund and the National Development Plan • The extended research and development and admin. support teams at UL and TCD

Further Information • For further information and details, contact: liam. brown@enterprise-ireland. com • Diploma/MSc Programmes: www. aua. ie Thank You

From e Learning to ULearning — A blended