The Learning Layers project, an EU-funded initiative, aims to enhance informal learning in SMEs through technology. It focuses on understanding informal learning processes, developing supporting tools, and co-designing solutions with stakeholders, particularly in healthcare and construction sectors. The project's outcomes include improved practices, contributions to research on informal learning, and the development of open-source tools for sustainable use beyond the project's lifespan.

1. http://Learning-Layers-euhttp://Learning-Layers-eu
Learning Layers
Scaling up Technologies for Informal Learning in SME Clusters
Tamsin Treasure-Jones
Leeds Institute of Medical Education
t.treasure-jones@leeds.ac.uk
Presentation at Teaching Innovations Workshop – Leeds University Business School
19th October 2016
Learning Layers
An EU-funded Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Research Project
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2. http://Learning-Layers-eu
Learning Layers Objectives
• Understand how informal learning takes place in and
between SMEs (General Practices - UK pilot study)
• Identify potential for technology to support and scale-up
this learning (individual – team – organisation – network)
• Develop and pilot tools to provide this support
– Following a Design Based Research approach
• Co-design the tools
• Agile development - improve tools, show impact
• Test/refine informal & workplace learning theories
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3. http://Learning-Layers-eu
Learning Layers
Project Consortium
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Project Coordination
Technology Research
Regional Application Clusters
Scaling Partners
Technology Partners
Healthcare – Leeds
Construction &
Building – Bremen

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Four year research project
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November
2012
December
2016

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Healthcare Co-design Activities
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Empirical studies
Co-design
Field-testing / piloting

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Three tools developed for General Practices
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Bits and Pieces:
Record/collect,
organise, share and
collaborate on
informal learning &
resources
Living Documents:
Developing knowledge,
collaborative editing,
discussions around documents,
sharing knowledge
Confer:
Supports working
groups, maintains
focus and flow of
work, structuring
task, supporting
discussion, reaching
consensus

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Piloting these tools
Within real contexts and across organisations
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INTRODUCING A NEW SERVICE ACROSS A FEDERATION
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Gathering information
(training, search, meeting)
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Developing a proposal & plan
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Informing colleagues &
realization
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Monitoring, Evaluation
& Review
Evernote
Intradoc
applications
INTRADOC
Practice
Manager
Clinician
Layers Adapter
MitreID OpenID Connect Server
Social Semantic Server
INFRASTRUCTUREEND-USERAPPLICATIONS
Practice
Manager
Bits and Pieces:
Record/collect,
organise, share and
collaborately
develop informal
learning & resources
Confer:
Supports working groups,
maintains focus and flow
of work, structuring task,
supporting discussion,
reaching consensus
Living Documents:
Developing knowledge,
collaborative editing,
discussions around
documents, sharing
knowledge

8. http://Learning-Layers-eu – Scaling up Technologies for Informal Learning in SME Clusters – layers@learning-layers.eu
Tools developed & being piloted in
construction sector (& now healthcare)
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Record
Annotate
Share
Videos
Learning Toolbox
Build you own apps
- collections of learning resources
- for specific contexts

9. http://Learning-Layers-eu
Outcomes
Impact on practice & research
• Evidence of changed practices from tools use
• Contribution to research knowledge on informal learning at
work & technology enhanced learning
• Tools adopted beyond project
Sustainability
• Open-source tools https://github.com/learning-layers
• Further development of tools inside research projects
• Commercial support for Learning Toolbox http://ltb.io/
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