Introduction to ELT

Embedding Learning Technologies (ELT)

Introduction to ELT

The ELT course programme

Embedding Learning Technologies is a module designed to help you develop your teaching based on an understanding of how technology can help students learn. As part of the course, participants will explore how a range of technologies can be applied in an educational context, plan and implement changes to a current course or module, evaluate the effectiveness of the technology in context, and reflect on their own practice as a professional teacher in higher education.

ELT evolved from the highly successful EFFECTS project, which came about in response to the demand for professional development opportunities to support staff through the process of integrating new technologies into their work with students. EFFECTS was launched in autumn 1998, aiming to embed the use of C&IT across five higher education institutions in the UK, (University of Plymouth, the University of North London, Oxford Brookes University, the University of Southampton and UMIST).

Completion of the course is expected to take nine months to one academic year. By this time you will have gathered a portfolio of evidence including a full case study or evaluation report on how the use of learning technologies has impacted on your students' learning experience. You will be encouraged to explore opportunities for publishing this work or otherwise disseminating it to the academic community.

During the programme you will be supported in implementing and evaluating the use of learning technologies with your students. After completing the module you could have a professional qualification, recognition of your continued professional development and a paper for publication! Best of all, your students will benefit from the work to improve their learning experience.

Credit and accreditation for ELT

The ELT course carries 30 Masters-level credits or one module in the Integrated Masters Programme of the School of Graduate Studies in Arts and Education. You can use this module to work towards a Postgraduate Diploma of Education (four modules) or a Masters of Education (a Diploma plus a dissertation).

An application is currently underway to gain SEDA accreditation for the module. It is also possible that the module may be accredited by ILT in the future as one of the ways in which members can demonstrate continued professional development.

Who is ELT for?

This course is for you if you are:

A graduate of the LTHE programme looking to gain a further academic or professional qualification, and/or to pursue an interest in C&IT by scaling up project work for module 503.
A more experienced lecturer wanting to build a professional development portfolio who sees learning technology as an exciting area of specialism.
A member of academic staff with experience of embedding C&IT who is looking for professional recognition and ongoing support. (You may wish to apply for AP(E)L in recognition of work you have already undertaken to meet the learning outcomes. Please contact the course team if you would like to discuss this option.)
Someone who works to move things forward in your own department, looking to enhance your expertise, work with like-minded colleagues, and find new ways of promoting change.
A learning professional (perhaps a member of library, technical or developmental staff) looking for new skills, a new area of specialism, and/or to gain a professional and educational qualification.

You will probably be a full-time member of staff at the University of Plymouth, but the course will be equally relevant if you are employed part-time or if you work at a partner college or another institution of HE. Please contact the course team if you would like to discuss your personal situation.

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