The semantic web fused with Web 2.0 technologies

The Newcastle University's Dynamic Learning Maps Project is a JISC funded Curriculum Delivery Project run under the Transforming Curriculum Design and Delivery Through Technology Programme.

The project is led by Newcastle University

Our project ...

Navigable Dynamic Learning Maps are being developed and evaluated to assist students and staff in actively mapping learning by drawing on formal curricular and personalised learning records, supported by easy-to use facilities to add and rate resources, and tools to support discussion and reflection.

These maps fuse both “semantic web” and, “Web 2.0” approaches, building on established technologies and standards to provide “mash-ups” of resources and curriculum information (managed learning environments) and personal learning records (ePortfolios/blogs). The approach involved working closely with students, staff, employers and other stakeholders to develop and implement a scalable, manageable and sustainable system to support the use of Dynamic Learning Maps to meet diverse educational requirements, ranging from Personal Development Planning to assessment.

Project dissemination

Project website and blog

Recording of the 'Dynamic Learning Maps to support curriculum management' session via Elluminate

Outputs:

Dynamic Learning Maps - identifies benefits for learners, teachers and curriculum managers and auditors

Student evaluation study and walk through demonstration on you tube: Dynamic Learning Maps - Demonstration

Dynamic Learning Maps MedBiquitous Competency Framework - XML specification that allows competencies to be marked up in a defined and clear way

User scenarios

DLM User Scenario student  - scenario of how a student might use DLM

DLM User Scenario future academic  - scenario of how a lecturer might use DLM

DLM User scenario occasional teacher  - scenario of how an occasional teacher might benefit from DLM

DLM User Scenario curriculum manager  - scenario of from a curriculum managers view

DLM User Scenario curriculum manager QA  - scenario of how managers might use DLM for external QA/audit

Evaluation

DLM Focus Group Psychology - 3 page report, including reflections by project team

DLM Focus Group Speech and Language Sciences -  6 page report, with brief reflection by the project team

DLM Focus Group MSc Language Pathology – 5 page report, including reflections by project team

DLM Student Evaluation Results March 2010  -includes methods, results & reflection

Our Team

• Dr Stephen Ball (Project Director) - s.g.ball@ncl.ac.uk
• Mr Simon Cotterill (Project Management) – s.j.cotterill@ncl.ac.uk
• Mr Gordon Skelly (Project Management) - gordon.skelly@ncl.ac.uk
• Mr Paul Horner (Senior Project Officer) - paul.horner@ncl.ac.uk
• Mr John Peterson (Project Officer) - john.peterson@ncl.ac.uk 

Our Cluster and Critical Friend

We are working with the following projects

Generation 4 Project

COWL Project

Our Critical Friend is Peter Hartley