OEB Boardroom BRM02
Widen Access and Increase Engagement: Implementing Recommendations for Growth and Development
Date Thursday, Dec 3 Time – RoomZille
The Context
Last year at an OEB 2014 session with a focus on inclusion, the panel concluded that ICT is not a silver bullet when addressing the educational needs of marginalised young people. However, there was agreement that implemented as part of a well designed and coordinated educational environment online programmes could deliver a successful and quality alternative to more traditional mainstream schools.
So far we have evidence that platforms and digital can provide personalised and flexible learning plans that allow students to engage with interest-led content in a safe, self-paced learning environment. Collaborative teaching teams and online mentoring also contribute supportive scaffolding towards progression and the achievement of learning goals. This mirrors good practice for traditional second-chance or alternative programmes but there are possibilities for building on success. We will explore key questions on how to widen reach and increase quality and effective interaction. For example how to look beyond learning needs to further personalise learning plans, involve stakeholder partnerships to increase interaction and flexibility and incorporate a range of engagement options and choice to meet diverse needs and circumstance.
Sample Topics/Challenge Questions:
Q:What good practice have we identified as successful strategies to engage at-risk learners and marginalised young people?
Q:Can online programmes support frameworks for blending formal and informal learning opportunities with community based partners working with marginalised young people?
Q:Is there an opportunity to explore project based learning and assessment that allows for student-led content creation?
Q:How do we identify the full spectrum of learner characteristics in order to best respond to individual needs that include learning needs, abilities, attitudes, prior knowledge, circumstance and emotional needs?
Q:Is it possible for online programmes to maintain a range of engagement options to meet the diverse needs and circumstances of learners?
Q:Are synchronous sessions or ‘live’ tutorials more intimidating for the student or the teacher?
Q:How can we encourage and support the input and involvement of parents, families and relevant agencies/services?
The Outcomes:
A Community of Practice that provides:
- a platform for sharing knowledge and experience
- support for collaboration in identifying challenges
- opportunities for pilot programmes that explore solutions
Moderator
Marianne Checkley
Programme Manager, iScoil, Ireland
Marianne’s work has focused on developing strategies to increase educational opportunities for all. She has developed a multi-disciplinary approach using digital technology in implementing these strategies and contribute to evidence based theory in the field. Combining the drive to develop creative solutions that have a deep impact on social equality with a love of learning Marianne has contributed to research of innovative, technology enhanced learning and teaching initiatives. Most recently her work on the set up and development of iScoil has been recognised as an exemplar of innovation in education as a Nominet Top 100 International Tech-For-Good project and a Google sponsored Social Innovation Fund THINKTECH award.