title: Online Learning and Pedagogy in Further Education: Frameworks for Successful Implementation
Creators: name: Spence, Steven
Publisher: name: University of Central Lancashire
Year: 2024

description: The quest to improve education through the integration of technology has been deliberated for many years, including governments and policy makers dating back to the formation by the Department for Education (DfE) of the National Council for Educational Technology (NCET) in 1967. Bespoke to the Further Education (FE) sector was the Further Education Learning Technology Action Group (FELTAG) that was set up in January 2013 to advance the use of technology in FE, releasing a report in 2014 with key recommendations for the sector. For all the support across the sector from the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), JISC and the Association for Learning Technology (ALT), and the education technology strategy released by the Department for Education in 2019, the use and critical debate of technology in education became more prominent at the onset of Covid-19.
This programme of research as part of a Professional Doctorate (Prof D) aimed to ensure that the primary research carried out impacted directly on professional practice. Aligned to this aim was the philosophy of pragmatism and the action research methodology, enabling the research to be contextualised and grounded in practice. Moreover, pragmatism enabled scope to utilise the most appropriate approaches to finding the answers to clearly defined research problems with action research supporting key stakeholders and practitioners to contribute and enhance practices through simultaneous research and action. In addition, interpretivism was crucial for both understanding reality through the experiences of the participants, understanding and making sense of real-world complexities, and also in enabling me as a researcher to interpret findings and reflect through the action research cycles, in acceptance of my own passions, beliefs and principles as grounded in the process as both a learner and researcher throughout the entirety of this Prof D.
Three primary research studies were carried out in total. The first research study focused on the initial explorations into remote learning as a response to Covid-19, with data collected through a survey. Research study two focused on gaining a better understanding of what constitutes effective online practices with data collected through two focus groups. Finally, research study three via the expert interview method proved essential in consolidating knowledge and enhancing professional practices.
A pragmatic research philosophy in combination with an action research approach ensured that the requirements of the Professional Doctorate (Prof D) to influence both practice and the generation of knowledge were met, with the research findings from each study leading to tangible outputs to practice. These outputs included the development of a digital development programme; a college-wide vision and strategy for the use of technology; the implementation of non-judgmental approaches to the observation of online delivery; and a range of continuing professional development (CPD) that balances the fundamentals of technology with the fundamentals of how we learn. Pleasingly, the outputs of the research did also impact positively on key performance outcome data the college is judged against, further emphasising the importance of the research.
To conclude, my journey through this Prof D has resulted in me developing as a researcher, and this development will underpin institutional initiatives and strategies in my future endeavours and working practices. The use of reflexivity was also pertinent for developing my approach to research, enabling me to reflect on a multitude of decisions throughout, shaping both the research and me as a researcher. During this Prof D, I was promoted to a Principal position, with greater strategic autonomy. I now know that my foundational pillars defined and shaped through this Prof D will influence the policies, strategies and processes I put in place in the future regarding research at an institutional level.