The document outlines Grantham College's journey in developing staff skills and confidence in using information learning technologies (ILT) between 2006-2012. It discusses the implementation of a virtual learning environment (VLE) strategy including mandatory course content guidelines, a VLE awards scheme, and an ILT mentoring scheme. An evaluation found the mentoring scheme improved participants' confidence in using ILT on average from 2.4 to 4.3 on a 5-point scale.

1. Kate Marshall, Learning Resources Manager , Grantham College Developing Staff ILT Skills and Confidence The Grantham College Journey

2. ILT Development at Grantham 2006-7 Moodle pilot project 2007-8 Moodle training rolled out to departments and individuals 2008-9 Ongoing training Audit of VLE courses – quantity not quality VLE Strategy 2009-12

3. VLE Strategy Course content guidelines – to provide structure and increased consistency VLE awards scheme – to reward and motivate

4. ILT Development at Grantham 2009-10 Pilot launch of VLE Awards scheme 2010-11 Full launch of VLE Awards scheme Mandatory content guidelines in force VLE audit – compliance and awards

5. Mandatory course content: From Sept 2010 all ‘target’ courses must contain the following: Module outline/handbook Contact details of all staff teaching on the course Details of assessment Staff and students attached Course Content Guidelines

6. VLE Awards Scheme Aims to: Identify, reward and celebrate good practice Recognise quality rather than quantity of content Provide recognition of achievement at all levels Provide a framework to motivate staff to develop engaging VLE content

7. VLE Awards Scheme Learning Resources Manager audit Compliance with mandatory content Differentiation in the range of resources and activities Opportunities for communication and collaboration Reward for engagement

8. Supporting Initiatives eSupport service ILT Good Practice Group Practitioner led mandatory Staff ILT conference College quality processes

9. ILT Mentoring Scheme What mentor and mentee pairs 6/12 hours of development activity in ILT Why Focused personal development for mentee Support compliance with mandatory content Support staff to climb awards framework Coaching/mentoring experience for mentor…

10. ILT Mentoring Scheme … Why Formalise existing informal support Enable logging of CPD Incentivise and reward participation How Self-nomination /Appraisal /Lesson observation Paired or matched

11. ILT Mentoring Scheme Progress: 14 pairs completed the scheme to date Impact: Average Confidence in using ILT prior to scheme (with 1 being poor, 5 being excellent) 2.4 Average Confidence in using ILT after scheme (with 1 being poor, 5 being excellent) 4.3

12. Factors for Success in Embedding use of ILT Support from senior management Embedding ILT in College processes Close liaison with curriculum managers Dedicated staff to coordinate ILT support Range of support services Clear and structured frameworks for staff Incentives to encourage participation Sharing of best practice internally and externally