Author: Cristina Leston-Bandeira, c.c.leston-bandeira@hull.ac.uk

JISC e-Learning Activity Area: Technology-enhanced Learning Environments

Higher Education Academy Subject Centre: Sociology, Anthropology and Politics

This case study illustrates...an effect on learning, an effect on student personal development, student satisfaction with e-learning, innovation in learning and teaching, staff satisfaction with e-learning, a positive effect on recruitment, an influence on policy, use of resources

Lessons Learned

Summary and Reflection

The e-learning approach operated for WHIP has worked well, with students obtaining above average results. Distance taught students are generally more independently minded and therefore require less supervision. Those students requiring more support receive it although it is not uncommon to have an exchange of several emails for problems to be resolved. Given that learning outcomes are broadly achieved we must summarise that e-learning succeeded in its aims.

The use of e-learning for WHIP has led to broader departmental discussions about its use for other projects, modules and courses. We have learned many of the shortcomings that may occur and how to avoid them in future projects. For future planning we must train staff and provide best practice for creating e-learning modules, courses and projects to encourage the development of this mode of learning. A very important part of the Merlin experience of e-learning has been how students have used it to support each other. We recently set up a 'Tea Room' within the exchange area of Merlin to encourage further discussions whether course related or otherwise. This has helped create a sense of the e-learning community. In furtherance to this community, it has also been useful to keep former interns involved within the group. This allows first-hand information exchange between the outgoing and the incoming intern groups on such issues as accommodation and Westminster passes. This bond between interns is often extended to Hull graduates, many of whom have permanent jobs within Westminster as a direct result of WHIP and continue their involvement in the department's activities many years after leaving Hull.