Technical knowledge and ability in the use of learning technology
Web-editing
I have developed online guidance material for all users for PebblePad (see right). Initially guidance was written as a text document and given to users as a reference sheet. I thought that the information would be better hosted on a website as this allows for easier navigation via an indexed menu and also allows for the use of hyperlinks within the eportfolios to relevant instructions. The site I developed was divided into two areas, as guidance required for mentors varies from that required for the students. I have been given access to the University’s web content management system (CMS) system Terminal Four to allow me to update and maintain content. The website has become a central resource for users to find guidance and can be accessed from within PebblePad, Blackboard VLE and the Department website.
The first guidance website I created was hosted within the University's web domain. However I found that content on here could only be edited by myself and updates required the approval of the Marketing Team who managed the site overall. This often meant that updates could take a few days before showing on the site. Following PebblePad's move to HTML5 I updated the guidance and placed it within a PebblePad workbook which is published to the internet. This has allowed the site content to be shared with colleagues for editing who do not have access to Terminal Four and enables me to makes changes without approval from the Marketing Team. I have also found the CMS within PebblePad a lot easier to manage than its equivalent within Terminal Four.
Camtasia
I have created training videos using Camtasia to provide guidance for users. The videos are intended to complement the existing guidance videos available from PebblePad and are put into the context of our programmes. I created videos to address commonly asked questions about the system and placed them on appropriate pages on the original website.
I was aware that there were other systems available enabling screen video recording such as Screencastify. However I chose Camtasia as I had previous experience of the system, finding it intuitive to use and easy to edit. I create the videos as MP4 files which can be embedded in most websites. Although there is usually a cost for the Camtasia licence, the Department had a previously purchased licence, which I have been able to use without additional expense!
The recent update to HTML5 version of PebblePad has meant that the videos require an update. I intend to produce new videos to detail updated processes within the new version. I believe that the video tutorials will help reduce the amount of teaching time on system process currently required.
LTI Block linking Blackboard Learn and PebblePad
As part of PebblePad's deployment I have worked to integrate the system with other forms of learning technology. Following discussions with colleagues from other institutions at regional users groups, I became aware that an LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) block was available to integrate the system with Blackboard Learn (the VLE system used at York). I felt this would be beneficial to students as they could access PebblePad from within modules in the VLE, without having to login again to a separate system. It would also help with the Department's administrative processes, transferring student record information from Blackboard to PebblePad and sharing grades from PebblePad to the Blackboard Grade Centre. I worked with a colleague in the E-Learning Development Team to establish the link, and following initial testing in a ‘sandpit’ area this is now in use throughout our Blackboard modules. Reflecting on the integration, I have found that the system has not worked as well as I had hoped. Grades can be shared with the Blackboard Grade Centre but I have found that they still require a manual transfer into the students' record system, SITS. Users now have direct access to PebblePad from Blackboard modules and I will continue to encourage staff to use this feature to integrate PebblePad within their VLE modules.
Shibboleth single sign-on
I had hoped to link PebblePad directly with the University’s single sign-on system Shibboleth, but following consultation with Pebble Learning (the developers of PebblePad) I realised that this would not be possible. This was due to the fact that the link between the two systems would create PebblePad accounts for all University users. At the moment only students in Health Sciences use PebblePad and there is currently no way that the system can differentiate between a Biology student and a Health Sciences student. To activate the link would create accounts for all University of York users, pushing us over the agreed number of licenses we have for PebblePad and potentially causing confusion for students given access to a system not designed for their programme of study. I hope that this is something that can be revisited in the future as as access to the single sign-on system is updated and developed in PebblePad.
Keeping up to date with changes in technology
As a member of the PebblePad community I receive regular release notes which detail updates to the system. I then explore ways that updates can be incorporated into my use of PebblePad. A recent release for example allows for the embedding of files within PebblePad templates, which will allow for easier sharing of documentation and information with students. I work collaboratively with colleagues to try to keep up to date with changes in technology, attending conferences such as the Higher York E-Learning Conference and also subscribing to community mailing lists and updates provided by the Association of Learning Technologists and the York E-Learning Development Team Newsletter.