March sees the end of the JISC funded XCRI Support Project as it signs off leaving the development of the XCRI (eXchanging Course Related Information) specification for sharing (and advertising) course information looking very healthy indeed.
The ICT Dilemma facing Senior Management in FE
Earlier this week I was invited into a Further Education College to participate in a Technology Strategy working Group. I’m really very pleased to be invited to these kinds of discussions as I see them as crucial in informing both my work for JISC CETIS and the IEC Department in Bolton. Perhaps on the down […]
Are we crawlers, walkers or Runners when it comes to Business Intelligence in Higher Education?
I was pleased to attend with JISC colleagues the recent UCISA Business Intelligence event in Bristol In the context of current CETIS work in the support and synthesis project for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Student Life-cycle support project. There were a variety of speakers at the event and a great deal consistency of issues raised, […]
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is a cyclic learning system which uses models of human activity to explore with the actors in the real world problem situation, their perceptions of that situation and their readiness to decide upon purposeful action which accommodates different actor’s perceptions, judgements and values (Checkland, 1984, p.98). We interviewed Stephen Powell from […]
We’ve come a long way but …
I consider myself extremely fortunate indeed to work within an organisation, JISC CETIS, that is as progressive as it is, one that fosters a spirit of enquiry and in a collegiate environment where open, honest and frank exchanges are encouraged. Our funders, JISC in the words of Chief Executive Dr Malcolm Reed “are there to […]
The Problem with Modelling or Modelling Problems –Session in JISC CETIS Conference 2009
The focus of the modelling world is now shifting from a purely technical perspective to a more holistic approach. Due to increased interest in modelling; the necessity of using comprehensive modelling tools has become fashionable now. The session answered the question: Why modelling?And suggested different ways of modelling Modelling problems in all situations –SSM (Soft […]
IMS LIS(Learning Information services)
IMS Global Learning Consortium is currently involved in building the Learning Information Services specification.The “Learning Information Services (LIS, renamed from Enterprise Services spec) Specification” is all about exchange of course data between learning and administration systems. It mainly aims Enable learning application interoperability. Support the interactions between a Student Information System (SIS) and a Learning […]
Higher Ambitions The Future of Universities in the Knowledge Economy
I have just been digesting the content of “Higher Ambitions” the governments recently published ‘framework” for the future of Universities here in the UK. The impact of this report will be significant in shaping future priorities and investment in the sector and as such will frame much of the activity that JISC and JISC CETIS […]
Augmented Reality – A Game Changer in Mobile Learning?
I think we’re getting to the point where, by now, many of you will have found it hard to avoid hearing about the latest technology buzz. No, not Cloud Computing. This technology is, shall we say, more ‘tangible’. It is – quite literally – technology that you can hold in your hand. Yes folks, by […]
Digital Inclusion what is the message ?
I have been closely monitoring with interest the activities and ongoing debate in respect of the UK governments activities in respect of the digital inclusion agenda. Being brutally honest with the appointment of dot com entrepreneur Martha Lane- Fox as “Digital inclusion Champion” I was initially concerned how “inclusive” the agenda would be given Ms […]