Introduction

Welcome to the Open Umbrella

The “open umbrella” is a professional learning project. The umbrella offers a lecturer or teacher many self-defined entry points for improving their courses. Whether teaching remotely, on campus or in a hybrid space, the "umbrella" focuses attention upon evidence informed practices. These practices, when thoughtfully applied when technology is incorporated into their course, create openness.  The "open umbrella" consists of three parts

1. Self Evaluation Tool &
2. Hybrid Learning Field Guide
3. Digital Badges.

The "open umbrella" then acts both an instrument that can note current levels of implementation, a collection of ideas to consider, practical activities to try and checklists for implementation. And as a place for social annotations. 

Why an umbrella

The "open umbrella" identifies eight panels (or practice areas) that contribute towards a quality online education experience. This multi-pronged approach is presented as separate elements which are arranged next to each other, as if they were a part of an unfurled brolly, hence the open umbrella. The core panels or elements are 

1. Assessment
2. Teaching and learning strategies
3. Learning activities
4. Content
5. Communication
6. Administration
7. Design
8. Support Strategies

Each of the eight panels introduce statements, opinions or evidence that should provoke, trouble or prompt the reader to consider their current approaches to incorporating technology into their course. And respond.

Self Evaluation Tool

The Umbrella Application (App) is hosted at Pretoria University. This app is a self assessment tool that repeats the eight different panels of an umbrellas. At present, the app has been designed for a university setting and supports a particular strategy. Academics can consult the eight dimensions within the app and use this structure to

• record existing practices;
• self-identify features of their course within the eight categories; and
• create a record of the current practices to be used as benchmarks for future reference

This app is designed to prompt reflection on a current course. After working through the app’s eight dimensions and identifying the types of implementation, a picture of the width and depth of digital adoption, in the form of coloured panels set into the umbrella, will emerge.

Hybrid Learning Field Guide

The Hybrid Learning Field Guide complements the Umbrella App. Firstly, it identifies a variety of digital education practices commonly found in tertiary hybrid or blended learning environments. Next, it arranges them across the eight dimensions, followed by a selection of bite-sized suggestions to support professional development.

Digital Badges

This is a buffet of digital education practices. You can pick and choose from the feast. The Digital Badges are where you are recognized for your  digital education efforts. You might use the instrument within your department for accountability and performance purposes. And then consult the field guide to focus improving identified elements in your course. And reward progress with badges. The resources collected under each element can be used and modified according to an institution’s capacity or immediate needs. If you want to be pro-active and look ahead, then you can use the whole package to enhance your online course resources.  

If you are in the position to be an agent of educational change and are prepared to take manageable steps towards the enhancement and development of courses while using digital means, then you may want to consult with the developers of the "open umbrella" and the authors of the field guide (see the bottom of the page). 

Background

The Open Umbrella is based on a framework developed by the Department for Education Innovation at Pretoria University after shut campus down across South Africa in 2015. Wendy Kilfoil and Detken Scheepers initiated the guide with Derek Moore as we all became aware of the increased technology. Estelle Drysdale created the app.