Abstract :
This paper describes how two related e-learning initiatives have led to schoollevel
virtual learning environment (VLE) adoption and commencement of
several new teaching developments at the University of Southampton. These
have engaged additional academic staff with online learning and increased
the role of blended learning within the curriculum, in turn contributing to
new strategies at the university level. The first e-learning project was the
Joint Information Systems Committee/National Science Foundation-funded
DialogPLUS project, and the second, a collaborative online masters programme.
Barriers to embedding have been both technical and human, but
among critical success factors, we especially identify the impetus provided
by external funding, the size and composition of the project teams and, to a
lesser degree, the creation of demonstrator materials. The specific details of
VLE choice and learning object design have proved less significant. This work
has been undertaken in collaboration with other schools in Southampton
and other institutions within the Worldwide Universities Network.
