Self Managed Learning

Outcome 1
Self-managed learning approaches are integral to all our programmes and services

Activities
• Define baseline ICT skills standards required of all staff
• Review and update Baseline ICT skills standards on an ongoing basis
• Provide in-service opportunities to support staff to develop self managed learning approaches including

• Formal staff development opportunities
• Informal drop-in supports
• One-to-one supports

• Where appropriate and efficient, use technology as the sole point of access to resources
• Further develop our ICT Acceptable Use Policy and procedures (so that they are more accessible to our learners)
• Integrate the use of moodle across the Service, so that all learners have access to LCAES learning resources


Outcome 2
The innovative use of technology is effectively promoted throughout the Service

Activities
• Develop tools to showcase innovative activities throughout the Service
• Organise and host a technology fair to highlight the innovative use of technology for learning
• Use existing websites, social media, news media etc. to highlight the innovative use of ICTs in the AES


Outcome 3
Staff and learners use new and existing technologies to share information and to support creativity & innovation in teaching & learning

Activities
• Promote and use emerging technologies to be creative and innovative in teaching and learning
• Define and develop the communities of practice model so that there is effective use of technology for information sharing and collaboration
• Develop a Staff profile page in Sharepoint


Outcome 4
The LCAES physical environment & resources support self-managed learning

Activities
• Ensure that ICT is integral to all our planning (e.g. facilities etc.)
• Invest strategically in resources to support self managed learning

Wider Participation

Outcome 1
We are innovative and creative in our learner engagement strategies

Activities
• Actively review trends in the usage of technology tools and ensure that we effectively use technology which is relevant to the needs of our learners and potential learners
• Use mobile technology to engage and retain learners (e.g. free text numbers use MIS to send class reminders for first 3 weeks, text follow up with non-attending learners etc.)
• Review the website with a view to it being used more strategically - searchable course options on front page, online applications for courses etc
• Develop an organisational strategy to increase the value of innovation


Outcome 2
Supports are in place to address barriers to participation and to retain learners

Activities
• Use technology to improve pre-entry assessment (e.g. skill analysis, guidance etc.)
• Identify and use appropriate software for assessment and Individual Learning Plans
• Identify and use effective assistive technologies to meet learner needs


Outcome 3
Our learners are informed about the routes available to enable them to progress in their learning, work and lifelong learning journey

Activities
• Research the use of E-portfolios to support effective progression and tracking
• Maximize the current use of software and web applications (pathfinder, careerdirections.ie, qualifax.ie etc.)


Outcome 4
LCAES supports and resources are available to AES learners online

Activities
• Make learner handbooks available online
• Make staff handbooks available online
• Develop systems to ensure all learners understand and have access to agreed minimum information and guidance resources.
• Ensure learning resources are available to all learners on our Moodle VLE


Outcome 5
Progression is more efficiently tracked through and beyond the service

Activities
• Develop the use of E-portfolios by AES learners
• Analyse current Information systems with a view to effective system integration
• Develop integrated systems which eliminate duplication of data entry (AE MIS, FETAC, Moodle) and ensure effective reporting and decision making as part of our MIS strategy
• Explore the use of technology (social media, online fora etc.) to communicate with learners after progression as part of our social media strategy

Customer Focus

Outcome 1
Our provision is relevant and responsive to the needs of our customers and the changes in our external environment

Activities
• Implement blended learning solutions which maximize delivery time
• Review and revise existing ICT provision to ensure new technologies are being taught in effective ways and are tailored to learner needs
• Develop a Level 3 Award in ICT
• Use technology to develop direct feedback mechanisms (e.g. - staff development, consultation with staff etc.)


Outcome 2
All our customers (internal and external) clearly understand the role of our systems and technologies

Activities
• Devise, communicate and implement clear coherent strategies for the introduction and effective integrated use of new technologies and systems including the use of
o Social media
o Communication and collaboration (website, Sharepoint etc.)
o Learning systems (Moodle)
o Management Information Systems (Adult Education MIS etc.)
o CLVEC Purchasing/HR systems
• Devise/revise guidelines for the use of all existing technologies and systems


Outcome 3
There is widespread public awareness of the work of LCAES

Activities
• Ensure that technology is used effectively to communicate with our stake holders
• Ensure AES website is up to date with programmes and services are contributing stories and case studies on a regular basis
• Develop the use of an AES Facebook Page


Outcome 4
All our interactions with customers are informed by high quality standards

Activities
• Ensure appropriate up-to-date resources are available for staff and learners
• Put in place systems for capturing, analyzing and sharing the wider benefits of learning e.g. Community Ed’s CWBL Pilot


Outcome 5
We have efficient systems in place which are being utilized effectively

Activities
• Complete rollout of MIS so that it is an effective cross-organisation system
• Harness data from MIS and other sources to identify gaps, inform our decision making and enhance our practice
• Improve the efficiency of our work processes (e.g. – Learner attendance, payments etc.) through the use of existing or new systems as appropriate

Partnership

Outcome 1
We are an active and valued partner in educational and local development arenas

Activities
• Actively contribute to limerick.ie
• Explore the possibility of development of cross-sector partnerships to research, develop and deliver innovative educational projects that engage IT in new ways
• Feedback relevant information from our systems (Management Information Systems, Web based queries, Google analytics) to relevant local development and education partners

Outcome 2
Our effectiveness is promoted to our partners

Activities
• Devise and implement a social media strategy for the service

Learning 2.0 - A revolution in Learning ?

Does web 2.0 enable us to build a new type of learning - where learners are genuinely involed in the creation of content and real learning communities - Click on the link below to access Jen Deyenbergs Prezi

Web 2.0: A New Generation of Learners and Education on Prezi