4. SUCCESS FACTORS

Provision of technological infrastructure - The modern facilities for staff and students at the University of Ulster include the networked lab environments, up-to-date hardware and software, easy access to resources for staff and students via the University VLE (WebCT) and a self-access centre called the Multimedia Resource Unit.

Availability of Support - An expert technician plays a pivotal role in maintaining a strong technical infrastructure that facilitates effective teaching, including daily support for the multimedia labs, technical assistance for staff using them and the development of web resources.

Learning/language technologists are also on hand to provide training and support, develop teaching strategies, offer assistance and guidance, measure outcomes and improvement, conduct research and disseminate good practice

Design and Development - There is a need to devote time to allow for experimentation and practice to develop expertise. For this reason staff access to resources should be accommodated e.g. network storage possibilities, specific software available in offices, dedicated areas for preparation, adequate availability of laptops/computers, appropriate timetabling and so forth.

Reviewing pedagogy - Each pedagogical innovation goes through a process of organic development, of which an evaluation framework forms an integral component. Staff and student feedback is captured through a variety of qualitative and quantitative data-gathering measures such as questionnaires, focus groups and semi-structured interviews, enabling us to make necessary revisions, contributing to an iterative cycle of improvement. Subsequent implementations have reflected a more coherent learning experience for the student, from one year to the next and across a programme of study.

Support structures - An Executive Committee and a Steering Group guide, monitor and direct progress. Regular meetings are held and annual progress reports are submitted to the committees for review. A development plan outlining our goals also incorporates strategies for monitoring, evaluation and dissemination. Regular team meetings ensure that team members work systematically.

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