Technical Knowledge and Ability in the Use of Learning Technology
Situation
The Digital Learning team at Central Saint Martins is a small, central support team assisting staff and students in using the suite of digital learning tools available at the University of the Arts London. Our core platforms include Moodle and its associated plugins such as Turnitin, Panopto, and H5P, along with supplementary tools like MyBlog (WordPress), Workflow (Mahara), Padlet, and Miro. Additionally, we provide guidance on productivity tools like PowerPoint and MS Teams where they intersect with teaching and learning, such as delivering live online sessions.
Our responsibilities are divided into four key areas:
- Advising staff on best practices for using digital tools in their teaching.
- Working with academic teams to design structure and content for Moodle.
- Designing and delivering staff development sessions tailored to course-specific needs.
- Acting as the first point of contact for troubleshooting issues faced by staff and students.
Unlike larger teams with specialized roles, our team structure assigns us responsibility for supporting specific programmes. This structure allows us to develop a deeper understanding of each programme’s needs and build strong working relationships with staff. I am responsible for supporting Foundation, Spatial Practices, Fashion, and Graphic Communication Design.
Task
Here are two examples of the type of work I undertake to support two of these programmes—Foundation and Graphic Communication Design
Working with Foundation
Foundation students are required to create a Workflow portfolio for each part of their course. However, students often struggle with the platform initially, and academic staff require portfolios to be set up in a specific way. Additionally, Workflow has usability challenges and occasional bugs, making support essential.
Working with BA Graphic Communication Design
In the Graphic Communication Design programme, MyBlog (a WordPress-based platform) was adopted for creating a community resource to share references. However, students and staff occasionally encounter difficulties with setup and content management.
Action
Workflow (Mahara) Training and Support
- Delivered training to staff on how to introduce students to Workflow effectively.
- Designed and delivered student training sessions at the start of each term to ensure they understood how to use Workflow for their assignments.
- Held regular drop-in sessions where students can seek assistance with Workflow-related issues.
- Worked closely with tutors to redesign assessment practices, ensuring Workflow is used effectively and aligns with course learning outcomes.
MyBlog (WordPress) Training and Support
My work in this area has included:
- Creating an instructional video demonstrating how to add posts to a shared resource blog.
- Provide troubleshooting support for technical issues relating to the use of MyBlog, ensuring smooth operation for both staff and students.
Results
When we provide embeded support within the course it can help to:
- Increased student confidence in using certain digital platforms.
- Reduced technical barriers, allowing students to focus on their learning and creative outputs.
- Improve alignment between digital tools and assessment practices through collaboration with academic staff.
- Promotes digital skills withing the student population.
Evidance
Reflections
What?
Integrating digital learning tools like Workflow and MyBlog is essential for our students’ learning process. However, usability challenges can create barriers for both students and staff. These barriers are often worsened by technical issues that undermine trust in the platform.
So What?
By providing targeted training and support, I have assisted students in navigating these platforms more effectively. This support has improved their ability to meet course requirements and has empowered them to use digital tools with greater confidence. Additionally, collaborating with academic staff has resulted in more effective assessment practices that integrate technology meaningfully. However, I have observed that when structural changes occur within a course, certain practices can be neglected. I also notice a disconnect between the the central product owners, and the experience of the students and staff. Mainly becuase they do not have the same level of contact with staff and students that I do.
Now What?
Moving forward, I aim to:
- Advocate for the programs I support with the central Digital Teams, ensuring they understand the experiences of both staff and students.
- Push for more face-to-face training for Foundation students at the beginning of the course.
- Encourage increased staff training on Workflow to ensure all tutors can effectively support students.
- Continue providing one-on-one troubleshooting support for students in the programs I work with.