In January 2017 I was invited to guest speak (invitation only) at the next 'student experience experts group meeting on the 29 March 2017' which is organised by Jisc. It was such a nice a privilege to be invited and be a part of. In the past I have presented bits and pieces at many Jisc's regional Summer conferences and meetings. So I am now returning to summarise some of the main things I have done during my previous role as a learning technologist, around the theme I was given; 'Designing digitally-enhanced curricula'.
The session led to me receiving these really positive comments:
Thank you again Jisc for the invitation and the time to present some of my practices and experiences. It was also good to see familiar faces I have met over the years. Below is the description of the session I did and a video of my presentation that I delivered with.
"Daniel Scott was awarded Learning Technologist of the Year 2016, by the Association for Learning Technology (ALT) and in this session he will share his practices as a learning technologist.
Daniel will describe the methods and approaches of how he encouraged, trained and supported teaching staff to use digital technology in their practices.
He will also share how he coordinated and trained digital learning design apprentices to create attractive and interactive e-learning materials for Moodle.
Daniel will draw on the key points from his masters research (2016); 'Putting learning into learning technology: developing a pedagogical rationale to deliver eLearning', that studied how tutors use digital technology in a FE college, whilst exploring the purpose of digital literacy, being a digital practitioner and considering a digital pedagogy to support the college’s e-learning strategy."
Here is the recording of me delivering the presentation:
Because I have an interesting educational story and career to tell, in November 2016 I was invited by the University of Huddersfield to record a postgraduate student profile. The profile is focussed on my recent completion of the Technology Enhanced Learning MSc (now Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovation MA). The video is to be used to encourage and inspire future students to do the same.
I am extremely grateful for the University of Huddersfield for this opportunity and had a great time filming it. Thank you.
The video was published on 9 March 2017, with the caption "Daniel studied our Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovation MA part-time and went on to be crowned Learning Technologist of the Year 2016."
Not long after I started my new job in January 2017, I asked out to the ALT community about designing for higher education distance learning. As I recently started my new job, I wanted to refresh myself on the whole development process and the ways that people and organisations approach this. I was interested to know the processes that they undertook when planning, designing and delivering their distance learning programmes.
I then thought it's a bit like writing a song; which comes first, the lyrics or the melody? Which one do you start with first? Attack the melody and lace with lyrics, or write the lyrics and wrap the music around the words? I was trying to remind myself of a process I can easily follow and get into a routine with. As there are lots of inspiring models, cycles and processes you can follow - which always appeal to me. However, I struggled to find which one was suitable to my simplistic mind set and which I could jump straight into without reading too much into it. This thinking then evolved into higher-level learning design (LD). LD has fast become an area I want to specialise in, which I introduced previously at the end of this post. I am keen to introduce LD into my new organisation as it would be extremely useful to us, especially being a fast-paced commercial organisation. I decided to understand what LD is first then produce a brief report of how it impacts on my new organisation.
Investigating and making sense of learning design
I began investigating LD by sourcing good practice done by The Open University and then came across a wealth of information by them and the learning design community. However, I thought it was best to contact someone who is currently doing lots of work in this area; Sheila MacNeill who kindly responded to my questions below (off the top of my head) and briefly analysed and interpreted her responses into my own understanding using track changes in Microsoft Word.
What typical project(s) and the processes you undergo?
What theoretical and digital approaches do you use for LD?
Where and how do you enter a LD cycle/process?
Do learners get involved?
Are learning analytics used?
Do you have focus groups with both staff and learners to collect feedback and conduct evaluation?
How do you implement feedback?
The main thing I want to report back to my team is:
How does LD relate to and impact on our post/undergraduate and subscription CPD courses?
Framing my understanding of learning design
To consolidate my understanding I collected good practice from my research and ideas from the questions I asked Sheila. Instead of writing up a dull report, I turned the information into something meaningful and relatable to my organisation through a presentation (below), which I then delivered to curriculum and quality members in my organisation. I can say that it was well received and the process of implementing it has begun.
The recording of me delivering the presentation which I sent out to colleagues:
A screenshot of the new initiative being communicated to colleagues:
For a bit of fun and for the biggest piece of work I have ever done - my masters dissertation; 'Putting learning into learning technology: developing a pedagogical rationale to deliver eLearning'. I feel it deserves a visual introduction, plus I need to celebrate this empowering educational journey as much as I can! So I've attempted to create a 1920's style trailer using content from my dissertation. I drew inspiration from The Great Gatsby and American Horror Story: Hotel. I hope you enjoy it!
I have been in my new job role for about two months now and I feel I have settled in really well. I had carved out and developed a really unique role in my previous job, however it was the best decision I made to move my career forward. Not only is it doing what I love, developing eLearning, but the company is about animal healthcare and sustainability which falls in line with my passion for natural history. Taking a closer look, it's like I have come full circle from when I pursued animal care after I left school in 2002.
I felt the need to depart from my previous job due to their being no progression opportunities within the learning technology department where I had been employed since it's conception. Therefore outgrowing this remit and I feel the sector. After years of experience and recognition in the learning technology field, I was developing into a leadership role which I was encouraged and somewhat supported to do alongside my duties. I had applied for the learning technology manager position that came up in September 2016, which is something that I was aspiring and deeply committed to fulfilling. I was also building competence towards the role for a couple of years as I was carrying out most of the managerial duties, and again was encouraged to do them, whilst the current manager was in place. Taking advantage of my energy and passion rather than a formal development opportunity, despite supposed whispers of a 'succession plan'. However, I had a 6 month period where I managed the department due to long term sick of the manager. I even based the research of my masters dissertation on my learning technology understandings and leadership of the role. Unfortunately I was unsuccessful as the role was offered to a teacher in another department. If I was successful I would have lead on the development and implementation of learning technology at the college and line managed my successor, a Virtual Learning Environment developer and the Digital Learning Design apprentices.
But all wasn't lost, I had brought some internal awards to the organisation and I celebrated lots of external recognition and praise for my efforts during my time in that position. I wanted to progress into Higher Education (HE) at some stage in my career, as I feel that I am outgrowing either this role or Further Education) in general. I also had a growing interest in working in the commercial sector to apply my knowledge and skills in a new context and environment. I'm a big believer in things happen for a reason and this is where I was meant to be heading. Like I once read, if you are rejected then you are simply being re-directed to better opportunities. I can continue to develop my creativity, as this is something that needs to be nurtured not stifled. However, I am still aspiring to be some sort of digital learning leader, my time just hasn't arrived yet. The adventure continues...
Below are some lovely comments I received on Facebook announcing my departure:
Carole Thornton Hill - "Good luck Dan xx"
Carol Buckle - "Good luck in your new job Daniel xxxxx"
Kyle Ki Gregory-Monk - "Good luck matey"
Charlotte Elizabeth - "Yes! 😘"
Gemma Long - "Brilliant news, congratulations!"
Mia Wesson - "Good luck Dan! xxx"
Viv Herbert - "Good Luck mate! Keep in touch x"
Tony David - "Good luck mate, I work in this sector and it's extremely positive and enjoyable. All the best!"
Sarah Rawson - "Good luck Dan x"
Potti Dotti - "Good luck on your new journey Dan xxx"
Karl Culley - "good luck mate"
Anna Howell - "Awwww good luck Dan, where are you off to? X"
Fiona White - "Great news Dan. Congratulations xxx"
Debbie Green - "Good Luck Dan x"
Ash Marshall - "Well done Dan 😊"
Katie Farmery - "Good luck Dan xx"
Claire Taylor - "Congratulations Daniel, you have worked so hard and deserve to do so well - congratulations 👏👏👏xx"
Douglas Pope - "Great to see you Dan all the best in Sheffield"
Sarah Munks - "Congratulations and good luck!"
Jo Thornton - "Exciting times and new adventures ahead! Good Luck Dan 😊"
Lou Wella - "Ah good luck Dan. I remember u as an apprentice can't believe that 10 years ago. All the best Dan u will b missed x"
Clare Hollingworth - "Well done Dan! Good luck with everything."
Elizabeth Forth - "Good luck Dan xx"
Sue Exley - "Congratulations and good luck on your new job x"
Angela Madeleine - "Aw, all the best Dan! Xx"
Cheryl Key - "Good luck, Daniel x"
Chris Barber - "Good luck, Daniel. Where are you going to?"
Sarah Bellwood - "Congrats on the new job! Best of luck 🙂 Xx"
Gary Parkinson - "Best wishes for the future x"
Kayte Haselgrove - "Good luck matey! What you doing? X"
Emma Louise Kilkelly - "Congratulations Daniel, I'm sooooo pleased with all you've achieved educationally and career wise! Well done!!!!! x"
Stace MG - "Good luck Dan X"
Maria J Sutton - "will miss you Dan! Good luck!"
Samantha Aboud - "Best of luck in all you do sure u will smash it! xxx"
Fiona Bingham - "Good luck xx"
Samantha Kim - "Best of luck x"
Jane Burren - "Good luck!"
Jenny Breeze - "Good luck and best wishes for the future Daniel Scott"
Roscoe Hastings - "Congratulations Dan! Best of luck in the new role! X"
Kelly Waller - "Good luck Dan"
Kevin Wright - "Great news and good luck. Where are you movin onto?"
Emma Cook - "Awww Dan!!! Good luck in your new venture xxxx"
Krishan Bhikhabhai - "Congratulations. Well deserved!!! 😀"
Donna Selvey - "Congratulations Dan and good luck xx"
Simon Casken - "Good luck Dan! Congrats on the new job!!"
Michelle Scholefield - "Good luck little Dan - my how you've come on since our Honeywell Days 😘"
Sarah LS - "Good luck Dan x"
Natasha Shields - "Congratulations on the new job Dan. Good luck! 🙂"
Julie Beaumont - "Good luck...there is life after BC...continue your learning journey..what will you be doing?"
Emma Louise - "You'll be missed! It's been fab working with you! Wishing you lots of luck for the future x"
Kelly Stewart - "So so so proud of you Daniel Scott x Any firm will be lucky to have you xxx"
Emma Claire Harvey - "All the best Dan! Congratulations xx"
Terry Turnbull - "Good luck Dan. The world is your oyster!"
Liz Teasdale - "Aw Dan! I loved working with you at College- you're one of life's genuinely lovely people. Good luck in your new role but I'm sure you won't need it! Xx"
Christopher Styan - "well done mate"
Martyn Hollingsworth - "Nice one Dan you will be missed thanks for all you have done for me and the catering hospitality team x Ps we are open Monday, your last day be sure to call and say bye 👋"
Sara Butterfliesandflowers Castle - "Congratulations Dan!!! Good luck with your exciting new venture 👍🏼🍾👍🏼🍾"
Debbie Watson - "Congratulations Dan, you thoroughly deserve it. Good luck and all the best for the future xx"
Andra Ghencea - "Good luck Dan!"
Matthew Coggins - "You lucky bugger, hang around for ofsted?"
Me - "Thank you everyone, there is some really heart warming comments here. I'm nervous to be making the transition but I'm also excited for the new challenge and environment. I'll keep you updated on my progress. 🙂 x"
Ever seen the 2011 movie Sucker Punch? Well you should! Depending on how you view this movie you can see it as very inspirational piece of work. It's a great kick ass movie where the main character imagines her sombre environment as alternative world as a means to escape.
It's important to challenge things you believe are right as this can remove barriers, push boundaries and most of all discover the truth. Don't be afraid of saying of how conditions and opinions are effecting you. In my younger years it took me a while to find my voice and not be as timid. But I now know that I can fight and challenge adversity. I reckon it's because I have experienced unnecessary workplace stress and bullying in previous organisations that have lead me to being more observant of people and environments. Equally, burnout in the workplace is real and is a serious health problem. After experiencing this myself, I no longer support or endorse organisations that create these unhealthy work conditions. It can eventually lead to mental health problems. If you are experiencing this, you need to stop it and challenge it.
So whatever your position, keep it positive and know that you can challenge things that are morally and ethically unfair. Be victorious in your battles and watch yourself be triumphant in your efforts. But don't ever back down, stand tall, stay firm on the ground and present the truth. People might not agree because you are going against their expectations and perceptions of you. But isn't that the point of a challenge? Fighting for the right for peace and happiness for all. As long as you have a voice and make it known, this will drive you forward and you will have endless energy and determination. A final point on a different topic; jealousy is such a wasted energy, yet it is a human emotion we are allowed to feel. However, before you feel jealous, ask yourself how much effort you have done towards the things you want.
Adapting to a new environment
When your used to working in an environment where you feel constantly overwhelmed, it's hard to adapt to a new environment that doesn't consist of this. This doesn't mean that I am working slower or the organisation is not proactive, but it does mean that my time is focused on what I need to do and the quality of it, rather than a scatter-gun approach of duties.
When I started working, there were days I felt confident and wanted to smash it, but then I had anxious moments where I felt I wasn't as strong as I should be. But I shouldn't try not to be too hard on myself as I am adapting to a completely different work environment and industry. I just wanted to get fully into things but my mind needed to adjust to the new work and social approaches of the organisation. When I felt ready I asserted my confidence and position, it was just a matter of settling in.
Affirmation of specialist area
Recently I have been reminded that everyone in the learning technology field have a particular focus amongst their actual job role. I feel like I have had such a wide experience of being a learning technologist which covers all of aspects of developing, designing and training. Plus being a tutor, assessor and internal verifier. All of which has given me an abundance of soft and hard skills. But what about my specialist area? You know, an area that I give particular focus to alongside my main duties. I seem to have lost track of my specialist area along my journey. Learning technology and eLearning are a specialism in their own right, but they have all sorts of avenues that pathways that stem from them.
This is something that is encouraged during the Certified Membership of the Association for Learning Technology (CMALT) process to help you be specific about your specialist area. In my last CMALT re-submission I mentioned in my future plans that I had achieved some long term professional development goals, and that I am now at the start of creating some new goals. I said I was extremely adamant in utilising my Technology Enhanced Learning MSc (or what was the point) in a HE context, may that be in a University or private company. However, I am also interested in expanding in other areas that I have a strong passion for, such as, Work Based Learning, innovative and intelligent use of Virtual Learning Environments and developing the use of eLearning packages in both design and interactivity.
However, learning design has always been a huge interest since my Open University studying days from 2009 and my involvement of the Digital Learning Design qualifications and apprentices. When I look back, learning design has been a theme running through my learning technology career. I've always been fond of designing and structuring learning in different online mediums. This has always been at the back of my mind when using learning technology and creating eLearning materials. As I am predominately developing HE distance learning courses, I feel I am being drawn back to a former passion - which should be my specialist area.
I feel like my career in learning technology is still in the early stages of development and I've yet to bloom. It's like an awakening of sorts and I'm present.
