Good ICT support as key to flexible education
How can we design our programs so that they can offer students now, but also in the future, education that is in line with new developments? This question prompted a faculty of a university of applied sciences to draw up a new flexible education model. Flexibility is the key word here. To ensure that the faculty can also successfully implement and support the new education, it was necessary, in the short term, to also realize and implement the right ICT support.
Arjan van Venrooy and Jasmijn Wijn were asked at the end of 2016 to organize the program management for the program 'ICT support Flexible Education Model' and to fulfill the project leadership role for the projects 'Implementation' and 'Digital Learning Environment' within the program. The program consisted of four pillars: 1. Adapting educational logistic processes, 2. Setting up digital learning environment, 3. Formative assessment and testing and 4. Implementation and training of teachers. Part of the program was to conduct a European tender for a new Digital Learning and Working Environment (DLWE) for the entire college (all faculties).
The challenge of the program
The program involved one of the college's five faculties and one program from another faculty. The faculties operate within the context of the entire college. The challenge was to frame choices for new ICT support as college-wide as possible with broad usability, where the initial implementation was for the benefit of a smaller target group, rather than for the entire college. Arjan van Venrooy: "On the one hand, this required speed in the process, so that the faculties involved could get to work on the implementation. On the other hand, diligence in the process was needed so that the wishes and requirements for the DLWE were supported by all five faculties of the university."
ICT serves faculty and students
The entire program focused on realizing ICT support for lecturers and students so that they can do their work better and more easily and, ultimately, students can learn better, more personally and more flexibly (more place- and time-independent). Students and teachers can start working in accordance with the new educational model from September 2017 and will be well supported in this in the field of ICT.
Highberg staff as mediator
Jasmijn Wijn: "During the program, we collaborated a lot with different departments and faculties of the University of Applied Sciences. In doing so, we spent a lot of time and attention on creating good cooperative relationships between different departments within the university. This has greatly benefited the college not only during the program, but also after the program ends."
Want to know more about this case or digital transformation in education? Then contact Arjan van Venrooy or Jasmijn Wijn.
