This section reports on the findings relating to the impact of
networked learning on staffing and collaboration. Networked learning
has led to a number of changes both in terms of changes to existing
roles of staff and to the creation of new roles and new members
of staff being appointed. For some staff although there has been
no official change in their role, the nature of the work they carry
out has changed.
The data shown in Figure 6-1 below suggests that
there have been considerable changes in roles for a number of staff
in
15 of the
20 institutions. New roles have emerged for academic staff seconded
to support the development of e-learning, six of the HE institutions
mention these kind of changes; whilst three mention considerable
changes for library and learning resource staff. Changes in role
for technical staff are mentioned by three of these institutions.
Seven of the FE colleges also refer to academic role changes that
have occurred as a result of networked learning. Only one institution
(H8) mentions no changes in roles, whilst four (F2, F7, H5 and
H3) mention some changes but that these are generally seen as an
evolution or extension of existing roles.
Sixteen institutions state that new staff have also been appointed,
many of these posts are technical or learning technology and support
staff. Out of the four institutions that do not appear to have
recruited new staff, one notes that there are difficulties in terms
of recruiting new technical staff that are suitably qualified and
experienced.
Other issues noted here are the changes in the academic’s
role in terms of teaching using networked learning; for example,
new skills in e-moderating and technical skills in preparing online
materials are noted.
| CS |
New roles |
New staff |
| H1 |
Library, support and technical staff roles have changed considerably;
especially the role of the librarian. |
Widespread support that new posts have been created, eg one
dedicated VLE support person and one to support computer aided
assessment (CAA). |
| H2 |
Staff (6) seconded to implement the Learning, Teaching and
Assessment strategy. |
An increase of new staff, eg an e-learning adviser, and staff
for an e-learning innovation support unit. |
| H3 |
Evolutionary change in roles possibly due to restructuring
(but no new formal positions). Main impact on library and faculty
champions (informal). |
Some reference to an additional member of staff and to new
technical staff (not noted by all respondents). |
| H4 |
Changes for library and academic staff towards role of facilitator;
some redeployment among technical staff. |
Some new posts created and new staff appointed on temporary
and permanent bases. |
| H5 |
Little mention of changing roles; main changes in terms of
Head of Learning Technology unit (from advice to support) and
technical staff. |
New staff have been recruited in Learning Technology and
IT. |
| H6 |
Secondment in specific school; Core e-learning advisor for
each faculty intended (altogether group of 7). |
Two new posts in support unit. |
| H7 |
Secondment of academic from each school to work on specific
issue for their school; and as link between school and central
unit. |
Increase in technician staff due to development of VLE. |
| H8 |
No mention of changing nature of work. |
No mention of new staff. |
| H9 |
Secondment to central unit (academic); The VLE support role
created (technical staff). |
Two new posts, one for a learning technologist. |
| H10 |
Change in role for academic involved with networked learning
to create person who is part academic and part technical. E-moderation
different to lecturing; change to module manager working with
module moderators; expectation that staff will access online
teaching daily. |
22 new posts being created - some administrative, some technical,
some other roles. |
| F1 |
New internet group; new team managers have changed roles
for some staff.
A group of ILT experts or 'champions' is being set up [2004]
to provide support to staff. |
New posts created, eg e-learning coordinator, information
systems, support for in-house intranet/VLE development, and
trainers in flexible access centres. |
| F2 |
Minor changes in role generally seen as an extension to the
current role. There is an expectation that there will be further
such changes. |
New posts have been created, eg the new e-learning team manager
(an additional 2.5 people), IT team has expanded with two new
senior posts. |
| F3 |
Some change in role for ILT champions, advanced practitioners
and team managers, and in the role of the library staff. |
Considerable investment in new staff, particularly in IT
services and ILT development. This was seen as insufficient
by several of the respondents. |
| F4 |
Role changes noted especially for academics taking on ILT
champion role; this has led to responsibility to support staff
and coordinate networked learning materials. |
Increase in technical and administrative staff. New posts
have supported networked learning and community outreach. |
| F5 |
Role changes noted especially for academics taking on ILT
champion role, advanced practitioners and team managers. Changes
to library staff role also noted and IT support staff taking
more responsibility for web development. |
New posts in technical areas and learning resource centres
including a designated technician. Major growth of inclusive
learning centre is not entirely due to the growth of networked
learning. |
| F6 |
Integrated Learning Centre has led to changing roles; team-working
has increased, a new role is emerging which is a 'hybrid' between
teaching and support. Integration of role of head of IT and
ILT. |
No mention of new appointments. |
| F7 |
Change to roles but this is simply added to job description;
this likely to affect only some of the academic staff. |
One senior appointment; More support staff. |
| F8 |
E-learning coordinators appointed from existing staff (seconded)
funded by college; one member of staff acting as consultant
to University. |
No mention of new appointments. |
| F9 |
Seconded ILT champions (externally funded) this role now
changed to ILT facilitators. |
New administrative staff; IT staff trainer. |
| F10 |
E-learning manager, ILT champions, Director of Online Services
(moved from other role) |
Problems in recruiting good technical staff noted. |
