The document outlines the e-learning baseline at UCL, which sets minimum expectations for online provision in taught programs. It includes guidelines for both campus-based and wholly online courses, emphasizing key principles for course design, communication, and student engagement. Resources and support for implementing the baseline are also provided, encouraging adherence for efficiency.

1. E-Learning Baseline
enhancing e-learning provision
Jessica Gramp | Digital Education Advisor | digi-ed@ucl.ac.uk

2. E-Learning Baseline digi-ed@ucl.ac.uk
What is it?
• Minimum expectations for e-learning provision for all taught programmes and
modules at UCL.
• Developed after wide consultation on best UCL and IoE practice.
• Originally endorsed by Academic Committee in September 2011.

3. Baseline
• for campus-based courses.
Baseline+
• in addition to the Baseline.
• for wholly online courses.
Levels of e-learning use

4. Campus-based
• Students attend UCL physically and are
taught via lectures, seminars, tutorials,
practicals etc.
• They also learn through online
resources, tools, forums and activities.
• They undertake independent study
both on and off campus.
Wholly online
• Students to not attend UCL physically
(usually).
• All teaching, learning and assessment
activities are conducted online.
• Asynchronous activities (e.g. online
discussion forums).
• Scheduled synchronous online events,
such as webinars.
• They can access UCL libraries, facilities and
learning support.
Different modes of study

5. E-Learning Baseline digi-ed@ucl.ac.uk
How can it be used?
• A guide to ensure you understand the key principles of online course design.
• To modify Moodle course templates.
• A final checklist to ensure you have considered the essentials.

6. Orientation
A. Module Syllabus & Intended Learning
Outcomes.
B. An explanation of participation
requirements.
C. Staff contact details.
D. A video introduction from the module lead.
E. Links to available services and support.
M
odule
Syllabus&
Intended
Le...
An
explanation
ofparticipation...
Staffcontactdetails.
A
video
introduction
from
the
...
Linksto
available
servicesand
...
33%
24%
16%
2%
24%
Moodle courses should include:

7. Accessibility
A. A new window.
B. The same window.
A
new
w
indow
.
Thesam
e
w
indow
.
7%
93%External website links should open in:

8. Legal
A. Inform them they need to use
the system for their learning.
B. Allow them to opt out of the
activity.
C. Provide them with an alternative
using UCL systems.
Inform
them
theyneed
to
use
t..
Allow
them
to
optoutofthe
acti...
Provide
them
w
ith
an
alternativ...
0%
100%
0%
If students want to opt out of using externally
hosted system (e.g. google docs) you should:

9. Communication
A. A communication statement.
B. The purpose and expectations of
how students will use each
discussion forum.
C. How often staff will respond to
discussion forums posts.
D. A way for students to discuss
matters between themselves.
A
com
m
unication
statem
ent.
Thepurpose
and
expectationso...
How
often
staffw
illrespond
to
...
A
w
ay
forstudentsto
discussm
a...
25%
21%
27%27%
Each moodle course should provide:

10. E-Learning Baseline digi-ed@ucl.ac.uk
How can we help you use it?
• Provide a badge for Moodle courses
• endorsed by a colleague?
Baseline level

11. E-Learning Baseline digi-ed@ucl.ac.uk
How can we help you use it?
• Provide an automated system to help tick off items that don’t need manual checks
(like the W3C Markup Validation service?)

12. E-Learning Baseline digi-ed@ucl.ac.uk
Takeaway points
• Understand the Baseline now, to save yourself time fixing things later.
• Help spread the word to your colleagues.
• UCL E-Learning Baseline available now:
• View online: http://bit.ly/UCLELearningBaseline
• Download the booklet.
• Look out for printed copies in your department.