A review of the technologies application programme - perspectives on teaching and learning

This paper reports on a review of the UK Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) funded Technologies Applications Programme (JTAP) and in particular focuses on outcomes of relevance for learning and teaching. The review concentrated on 26 of the 117 projects which the programme funded that were deemed to be of particular relevance to learning and teaching. The projects included investigations into the development of virtual laboratories and associated resources, exploration of innovative applications of cutting edge technologies, new forms of Virtual Learning Environments, development of authoring tools to support learning, teaching and assessment, as well as projects which investigated a host of associated issues such as staff development needs and infrastructural and standards issues. Some of the projects produced tangible ‘products’ which are still in use within the community, one or two have even been commercialised. However the intangible effects of the programme are equally important. There are three key benefits. Firstly the projects helped to raise the profile of learning and teaching within institutions. Secondly, there is now a body of expertise in the development and integration of technologies to support learning and teaching. Thirdly, projects have often acted as catalyst for enabling institutions to secure external funding for related research and development activities, or matched funding within the institutions in terms of embedding the project work and alignment with institutional strategic priorities.