Implementation of a Comprehensive, Integrated Virtual Learning Environment for the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) Undergraduate Programme

Barrett, U. and Dowell, F. J. (2012) Implementation of a Comprehensive, Integrated Virtual Learning Environment for the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) Undergraduate Programme. Health Sciences Annual Conference, Nottingham, UK, 31 May 2012. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: A recent pilot project resulted in the restructuring of the University of Glasgow Veterinary Pharmacology Moodle site to facilitate enquiry-led student learning. The outcomes of this project highlighted the vastly underused capabilities of Moodle. Project: This is a 2-year project to restructure the VLE (Moodle) to reflect enhancements of the BVMS Programme in Veterinary Medicine curriculum which is taught with a vertically integrated approach. There is a particular emphasis on integrating clinical and professional skills from Year 1 to Year 5. Results: Results will be available of the Stakeholder consultation (student & staff questionnaires, focus groups), the requirements analysis preceding implementation of the new Moodle structure and of the staff training (project groups) put in place in order to create a sense of ownership of the technology involved for future incremental use, addressing RCVS Day-One competencies (graduate attributes) etc. Conclusions: The successful outcomes of this project will be that we have motivated and supported student learning; promoted student engagement with learning; used new and developing technologies to enhance the student learning experience and enhanced the capabilities of our academic staff to utilise this technology. Take-home message: Despite bad press VLEs are not dead. If they are tailored to the subject matter, reflecting diverse learning styles and varied teaching approaches they can facilitate a highly successful learning environment for the student (including self-directed, enquiry-led and peer learning, improved feedback, addressing issues such as accessibility, student diversity) and an effective teaching environment for staff. Session Learning Outcomes: Delegates will • have a fresh look at Moodle: how it can be made more user-friendly, intuitive, interactive and how its format and layout can be significantly improved • gain detailed knowledge of what students think of Moodle and how they use it • gain knowledge of staff engagement with Moodle

Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item
Status:Unpublished
Refereed:No
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dowell, Dr Fiona and Barrett, Mrs Ute
Authors: Barrett, U., and Dowell, F. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology

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