Development
The SCHOLAR Approach
SCHOLAR’s approach is focussed on independent learning and formative assessment with emphasis on providing students with repeated practice and immediate feedback. The main purposes of our learning materials and assessments are to:
- enhance the users‘ learning experience by providing a space of learning approaches,
- allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding;
- motivate students by providing an opportunity to review and consolidate what they have learned;
- inform students about their strengths and weaknesses so that they can improve their performance.
The structure of a typical SCHOLAR course is made up of units consisting of self-contained topics, which cover a particular areas of the curriculum. Through collaboration with subject authors and specialists the development team creates effective e-learning content to support individual and classroom learning. As a student progresses through a topic they will be provided with theory, interactive exercises and tests. Stimulating visual materials are developed in the form of static illustrations, dynamic interactivities and simulations, and videos. Audio resources have also been integrated into some courses to help provide a diverse range of media suitable for all types of learner.
These components are then followed by an end of topic test where the learning objectives are covered. This enables the student to receive feedback on their progress and reflect on their understanding of the subject matter. End of unit tests are also included and provide students with the opportunity to practice for their upcoming summative assessments.
For teachers, we provide detailed feedback on the students’ results for the end of topic and end of unit tests. This allows a teacher to identify strengths and weaknesses which can help to support the teaching and learning process.
Our Development Team
The SCHOLAR development team draw on vast experiance and skill sets from varied backgrounds and aims to be at the forefront of e-learning.
Daniel Pacey
Educational Developer
My role primarily involves the development of interactivities and images for use in the course materials. I was recently responsible for redesigning the look and feel of the interactivities and enjoyed making two short films about the use of SCHOLAR in different classrooms, as presented at the 2010 Conference. I am also interested in extending SCHOLAR's usage of multimedia authoring and online communications tools.
Graeme Kidd
Web and Application Developer
My main duties include the continual development of the SCHOLAR site. I ensure the best web technologies are applied whilst maintaining wide browser support. I am also responsible for the development of applications required by the team which include the Print Processing System and publishing of educational materials.
Helen Ashton
Head of e-Assessment
The role of Head of eAssessment is very varied, involving the development of the SCHOLAR assessment system and providing support for those using our systems. I am also actively involved in the e-Assessment community which allows me to keep pace with any new developments ensuring that SCHOLAR continues to provide a state-of-the-art assessment system.
Jane Paterson
Educational Designer
I am the first point of liaison with subject authors providing them with any guidance they may need on forward planning, the structuring of materials and SCHOLAR functionality. In addition I share the task of developing author materials, publishing to web and processing for print. I am also a former author of the Maths courses.
Lauren Guazzelli
Content Development Team Leader
As the Content Development Team Leader my duties focus on managing the development team to ensure SCHOLAR meets the overall goals. Additionally I am responsible for publishing content to the VLE and processing the print versions of the materials. I enjoy undertaking the day to day challenges and working alongside a strong development team.
Neil Miller
Database Developer
My role involves the technical side of the SCHOLAR registration process, statistical reporting and maintenance of the Discussion Boards.
Oormi Khaled
Educational Developer (Assessment)
I am responsible for designing and developing assessments for the SCHOLAR subjects, where the focus is on formative assessment. Another key part of my role is contributing towards the ongoing design of the in-house assessment system allowing the development of appropriate functionality to support the educational needs of our subjects.
Peter Johnson
Educational Designer
My main duties include the mark-up of author materials to produce web and print courses; this involves integrating the work of subject authors, developers and the assessment team. I am also responsible for the subject discussion boards and the error correction system. I originally joined SCHOLAR as a chemistry author and continue to write science content.
Sarah Hirstwood
Educational Developer
My role primarily focuses on the development and maintenance of interactivities and images for use within the online course materials. I have led the projects to redesign and improve functionality of the SCHOLAR e-learning website and also the public SCHOLAR site.
