Podcast

Abstract:

In a world in which the distinction between the teacher and the learner is increasingly fuzzy, the concepts of effective mentoring and peer support are thrown strongly into focus. Indeed, major new open content initiatives such as the "OpenLearn" work ( http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/ ) of the Open University in the UK, show that the entire architecture of learning support is as important as the content itself. Opening up learner support requires that students mentor and help each other to grow. The next question for future universities is how we support this trend and leverage it.  Formal learners in universities, and their formal mentors need as much help as the growing communities of informal and non-formal learners that inhabit the new web world. So, if we can measure mentoring, nurture it and understand it better; that would neat!
 

Biographical Information:

Dr Peter J. Scott is the Director of the Knowledge Media Institute of the Open University in the UK.  KMi is an 80-strong research and development arm of the world's leading open learning institution. Peter's research group, the Centre for New Media, prototypes the application of new technologies and media to learning at all levels. His current research interests range widely across knowledge and media research. Three key threads at the moment are: tele-presence; 
streaming media systems; and ubiquity. He has a BA (1983) and PhD (1987) in Psychology. Before joining the Open University in 1995, Peter lectured in Psychology and Cognitive Science at the University of Sheffield. He has a textbook in each of these subjects, with a range of associated teaching multimedia support applications. He joined the OU to help launch the innovative Knowledge Media research agenda. In this new field he has a portfolio of a few million in research grants from the UK EPSRC, Department of Health and Department for Education and Science.  Recent EU work included the highly successful EU Network of Excellence, Prolearn, where he served on the executive board. The Prolearn network also supported two of Peter’s 
hottest current technology developments: Hexagon and Flashmeeting. FM research into effective live and online events is also now a core element of the Open University’s OpenLearn LabSpace which was launched in October 2006.  He has a strong portfolio of over 40 conventional research publications in this field.  Furthermore, with the world wide web as the primary source of research excellence in his field, he has dozens of major websites to his credit. Peter is currently the  President of the European Association for Technology Enhanced Learning.