Interventions

The following is a selection - in their own words - of some of our colleagues’ pedagogical challenges. Some may sound familiar:

‘The discussion forums are never used.’
‘Learners don’t take advantage of the resources I upload to Blackboard.’
‘What is a wiki?’
‘How can I use blogging more effectively? Can I use videoconferencing? How?’
‘We need to attract more DL students to our course.’
‘I’ve heard of Web 2.0. What is that exactly and how can I integrate it into my course design?’
‘Existing resources? What resources? Are they readily available? For free? Really?’
‘The cost of sending out printed materials is too high.’
‘I need to write this module from scratch.’

A number of interventions to enhance learning design and assessment are available from Beyond Distance and the Media Zoo. The traditional two-day Carpe Diem is one of them. The table below summarises the main features of each intervention.

Intervention	Target audience	Key features	Outcomes
Media Zoo Consultations	Individual members of staff from across the institution.	One-to-one or small group consultations with Media Zoo Keeper on learning technologies (LTs) in context.	Awareness of affordances of LTs relevant to the individual’s context and needs. Time and space to experiment in a safe environment with personalised support. New interventions (see below) suggested, if appropriate.

Intervention	Target audience	Key features	Outcomes
Carpe Diem	Course teams designing or re-designing a DL or ‘blended’ course.	A highly participative workshop on learning design (LD) over two full days, plus preparation and consolidation meetings (all essential). Subject librarian and learning technologist also in attendance. Well rehearsed, well researched team approach to LD using LTs. SLD and SLT coordinate post-Carpe Diem support throughout production to presentation.	A course designed or re-designed for active learner participation and interaction. A course blueprint and storyboard. Tested and peer-reviewed e-tivities running online. Criteria for good e-tivity design. Action plan. "Give us 2 days of your time and get your course online".

Intervention	Target audience	Key features	Outcomes
Carpe Diem 2.0	Course teams designing or re-designing a DL or ‘blended’ course, where the blueprint for the course has already been agreed.	A one-day participative workshop on LD, plus preparation and consolidation meetings. Focuses on the hands-on. components of the traditional Carpe Diem, i.e. e-tivity design, production and integration into existing materials. Learning technology support. SLD and SLT coordinate support throughout production to presentation.	Enhancement in course design to encourage active learner participation and interaction. Tested e-tivities running online. Criteria for good e-tivity design. Action plan.

Intervention	Target audience	Key features	Outcomes
Zoo Days / Zoo Tours	Course teams who wish to experiment and familiarise themselves with learning technologies.	A sandbox environment for course teams to become familiar with LTs. Supported by Media Zoo Keeper. Plenty of examples and approaches shown, shared and critiqued. Appropriate for brainstorming and testing LTs and open educational resources. Duration and details are agreed between the course team and the Media Zoo Keeper. Additional LD support available.	An opportunity to experiment, in teams, with a range of LTs in a safe, supported environment. Discussion and critique of relevant examples. Identification of needs for other design interventions.

Intervention	Target audience	Key features	Outcomes
Barefoot E-moderator	Staff and associate tutors who wish to become more effective e-moderators.	A 3-week practical online course on the basic skills required for running an online course. Requires a commitment of 10-15 hours spread over 3 weeks. Designed by BDRA, currently offered by staff development.	Basic e-moderating skills acquired through a real online course run by an experienced e-moderator.

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