• eLearning @ PolyU refers to the development of a Needs Analysis - report on current PolyU eLearning practice and identification of the successes and barrier to incorporating eLearning / Blended Learning

Prior to the commencement of the 3C Project, support for staff in the area of eLearning was principally through funding for eLearning Projects, consultation with staff, professional development activities and In-Kind support. With a major initiative such as the 3C Project, it was timely to strategically analyse the successes, barriers and needs of our clients in relation to enhancing the use of eLearning. An investigation of PolyU’s existing eLearning practices was seen an essential first stage of the project in order to accurately identify current practice as well as areas of need or concern specific to the PolyU context and the enhancement of an eLearning culture. This ensured the project activities met the needs of academic staff and that appropriate resources were provided to help achieve the desired pedagogical change.

During April / May 2009 a needs analysis was conducted as part of the 3C Project, in order to understand the current use of eLearning and blended learning for teaching at PolyU, as well as the factors that inhibit or promote its use. Data was collected using a number of different methods from individual staff as well as from Deans of Faculties and Directors of Schools and their representatives. These included responses from:

• 46 staff to a survey about blended learning and eLearning in their School or Faculty;
• 131 staff to an online survey about their views on eLearning;
• 19 staff to structured interviews conducted in one department;
• The 14 eLAs about eLearning and blended learning issues and challenges at PolyU.

Across these different data gathering methods, very consistent messages were received, which are discussed in the Needs Analysis report. In response to these perceived needs, activities to be conducted under the umbrella of the 3C Project were designed which included:

• provision of professional development opportunities such as workshops and seminars to increase awareness of eLearning and blended learning and to promote its use by staff;
• projects designed to address needs identified by Faculties and Schools that use blended learning to address specific challenges or requirements;
• recognition of the achievements of staff in adopting blended learning approaches through the Teaching and Learning Innovation Award, the eLearning Showcase and the Teaching and Learning Innovation Symposium.

Download the PolyU Needs Analysis [Full Document]
Download the Executive Summary [1 page]