Spheres of Influence: Ventures and Visions in Educational Development*

3-6 July, 2002
The University of Western Australia
Perth, Western Australia

Abstract

External peer-review of the quality of learning objects

Peter Taylor, Griffith University, Australia

This workshop will introduce a project to develop a system-wide scheme to provide independent expert review of the quality of the ICT-based learning objects developed to support student learning in universities. It will introduce participants to the operation of the scheme through inviting their engagement with the procedures and resources developed during the trial stage of the scheme, begun in February 2001, and continuing until the end of 2002. HEIP funding support for this work has been provided by DETYA, following earlier support for it through EIP funding (Taylor & Richardson 2001). The scheme involves the use of expert panels to undertake 'blind' reviews of resources and associated documentation. Its operation depends on collaboration between journal editors, resource creators and expert reviewers.

The scheme is modelled on tradition traditional practices of peer review, with some significant extensions. First, the review process is scaffolded through the use of a relatively detailed review proforma that identifies both review criteria and standards. Second, each review panel consists of individuals with complimentary expertise: discipline, education and multimedia. Third, the review process involves an initial individual review, followed by a web conference through which the panel reachers agreement on its recommendations. Finally, the process allows for author/creators to join that panel discussion in ways that protect the confidentiality of the panelists, yet allows for the asking and answering of questions. Our intention is to provide workshop participants with an opportunity to explore and provide feedback on the scheme the resources that have been developed to support its implementation, and its operation. That feedback will be used to assist us in the ongoing development of the project, while the workshop will assist in the dissemination of the scheme. The workshop will include an opportunity to use the scheme's resources, and to undertake a review of resources.

Objectives, outcomes and activities:
Those who attend will:

gain a clear understanding of how the scheme is operating in this trial phase;
explore examples of reviewed resources and the review process;
experience the review process; and
have the opportunity to discuss how they might make use of the scheme and its outcomes.

Peter Taylor's work is focused on staff, student, and organisational development for flexible learning, including the design, use and research of new learning environments. He has 30 years experience as a teacher, eight at an academic staff developer. Peter's research interests cover a wide spectrum - pedagogy, flexible learning, and academic life. In 1999 the Open University Press published his book Making Sense of Academic Life: Academics, Universities and Change.

Contact: Peter Taylor, email: peter_taylor@bond.edu.au