Plymouth pioneers its way in e-learning with hydrography: is navigation next? by Tony Jenks Lecturer in e-learning for hydrography
Hydrographic Academy partners ACADEMIA ROYAL NAVY INDUSTRY Already running residential, IHO-accredited courses World's largest supplier of geoscience, survey and geotechnical services FUNDING SUPPORT
HA launches at Oceanology International, March 2012
The Industry problem A remote, deployed workforce Huge cost associated with residential training Too few recognised courses available
- the solution Distance learning hydrographic surveying courses, available globally Flexible learning that fits around working patterns and location University level qualifications and professional body recognition Individual CPD modules, undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications
HA staff Director Dr Richard Thain Lecturers Tony Jenks Jon Holmes Learning Technologists Dr Jason Truscott Jon Scott Luke Denner Becki Vickerstaff Associate Lecturer Recruited as required Project Assistant tbc
Qualifications Academic approval Plymouth University Undergraduate route leading to DipHE Postgraduate route leading to PgDipHE (Route to MSc under consideration) Professional accreditation International Hydrographic Organization Cat B & Cat A Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors Institute of Marine Engineering Science & Technology Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Hydrography for Professionals Module 1 (8 weeks) An Introduction to Hydrography and the Marine Environment Undergraduate route (IHO Cat B) Postgraduate route (IHO Cat A) 8 further modules, including two 2-week practical residential ones 6 further modules, including two 2-week practical residential ones Expected duration: 3 to 5 years
The Total Learning Package (TLP) Creation of the Total Learning Package ALL Teaching materials on interactive USB Stick no need for internet access Online resources Discussion groups SCOLAR (Submitting Coursework OnLine and Remotely) Tutor support by Email and Skype
TLP content PowerPoint lectures with recorded voice-over and laser pointer movements, viewed as videos for easy cue & review Lecture transcripts ( handouts ) Graphical multiple choice/drag & drop self tests (formative assessment) E-books and other reference materials Details of assignments (summative assessment) Work plans, suggestions, how to guides, FAQs
Module 1 Trial Results Total of 12 trial students. 100% thought the format and style of the module was presented in an effective way 88% Either agreed or strongly agreed that the formative questions were vital to the lectures
Module 1 Trial Results cont. 85% said they planned to continue with the rest of the programme A high retention rate: average in distance learning is more typically 60%.
The student experience -1 I have quite literally searched the world for an institution that offers this kind of tertiary education and from Australia to Europe I have been unsuccessful, so thank you for your efforts! It's a huge step in the right direction! The course syllabus looks great! Establishing the Hydrographic Academy is a great initiative!
The student experience - 2 It s great to have all the materials to be able to access the lectures and notes as and when I have time. It s very comprehensive, there are a lot of materials and it s a great opportunity for me to be able to study like this. The Hydrographic Academy has given me the chance to fill a gap in my CV and develop my theoretical knowledge whilst helping me to progress my career within the industry
The student experience - 3 The content is easy to navigate through and it is very impressive. I was thinking there may be some key areas where I would need some extra information but that wasn t the case. I am very impressed with the course content and materials I approached this course with a bit of trepidation. To my very pleasant surprise, remote learning, and my entire experience with the HA has been great.
Finally Is navigation next?
www.plymouth.ac.uk/hydro www.hydrographic-academy.co.uk Anthony.jenks@plymouth.ac.uk