eZine Issue 5

As part of the eEnabling strategy of the College, the eLearning Services team has been preparing for the launch of a new platform, iLearn, especially designed to cater for interactive learning materials and to accommodate the use of new technologies in learning and teaching.

The delivery of online assessments, podcasts, videos, animations, games and mobile learning is now possible via iLearn.

iLearn is an online learning environment where lecturers can:

• Deliver online course materials
  Lecturers can add a new dimension to the learning experience with online materials and interactive content accessible inside and outside the classroom


• Carry out formative assessment
  The platform features a powerful quiz engine which allows the use of new media and can also be integrated with other assessment tools


• Track and monitor course activity
  The reporting functionality can be used to track how learners interact with
  course materials and how often they access the course


• Back up courses and all course materials
  Course materials remain live even after end of term and can be backed up if necessary.


• Facilitate distance learning
  Learners will only require an internet connection to access the platform outside the College and work on course materials anytime/anywhere


• Create chat rooms and discussion forums
  Lecturers can communicate with learners online and provide instant feedback


• Run surveys
  A survey tool allows lecturers to create and distribute a survey to course members

This new interactive learning platform features single sign-on allowing lecturers and learners to access their courses with minimum effort. In addition to the new environment, the eLearning Services team will also provide support to lecturers in the development of online learning materials.

An eLearning helpdesk has been created to facilitate the request of eLearning materials to the eLearning Services team and the helpdesk can be found at: https://learn.adamsmith.ac.uk/els/default.aspx

The eLearning Services team will create courses for lecturers, however, as lecturers become more familiar with the new platform, the team will start delivering training sessions on how to create online courses.

A training programme will also be available soon to support all lecturers in getting up to speed with iLearn.