Model or template for case studies of elearning implementation
As it’s something I do a lot, I thought I might try to put together my own model for case studies of elearning implementation.
The logical place to start would seem to be that the case study of an elearning initiative should follow the same structure as the development of the initiative itself – and all implementation of elearning should be based on learning design (instructional design) principles.
So here are the elements to go into my model:
Assessment of needs
Context (the course, the students, the tutors, the topic), background (how did you do things before?), what existing problems or opportunities were to be addressed and why? What was the “vision”? What did you want to be able to do
Design
What was the process of design and what did it take into account? What technologies were available and how were they chosen? what did you decide to do and how was it going to work? Summarise the elearning approach decided upon.
Development
Were there any problems or issues with developing the elearning, was any training needed, or extra resources found, and how was the development stage managed?
Implementation
How was the elearning implemented, what was the process involved, how did you get everything and everyone up and running and working, what further developments are needed
Evaluation
How was the exercise evaluated? what were the tangible benefits (to the student, the department, the staff, the institution)? Did you accomplish your original aims? Summarise and reflect.
The case study should include:
- DATA – quantitative data – is there any data eg from Moodle or other VLE used re logins and number of students engaged?
- Links to URLs / screenshots as appropriate
- Quoted statements from tutors and students
- Supporting documents such as course materials, transcript of discussion, any images or photographs, video or audio, interviews
A very useful resource/template for creating case studies can be found at the CAMEL Tangible Benefits of Elearning wiki. (I keep returning again and again to this project, because tangible benefits are what we are all working towards.)
