The University of Edinburgh’s recent upgrade to Learn Ultra marks a significant milestone in enhancing its virtual learning environment (VLE) to better support its diverse student body and align with strategic objectives.

This blog post explores the key decisions and themes that contributed to the successful delivery of the Learn Ultra upgrade, drawing from the project’s extensive evaluation report. For further information on the Learn Ultra evaluation, please see the project’s Sharepoint site.

Overview of the Learn Ultra Upgrade 

The Learn Ultra upgrade aimed to improve the usability and accessibility of the University’s VLE. The previous Learn Original platform was upgraded to Learn Ultra, which hosts over 6,000 courses and supports an average of 39,000 daily logins. The project’s focus was to create a more user-friendly and inclusive learning environment based on feedback from students and staff. 

Key Decisions Leading to Success 

The evaluation identified eight critical strategic decisions that were instrumental in the success of the Learn Ultra upgrade: 

1. Upgrading the Existing VLE: Instead of procuring a new VLE provider, the decision to upgrade the existing platform aligned with the University’s Strategy 2030, emphasising an excellent student experience.
2. Treating the Upgrade as a Change Project: Recognising the upgrade as a substantial change project rather than a simple system implementation helped in addressing the complexities involved and ensuring a smooth transition. 
3. Pluralistic Governance Framework: Implementing a governance framework that included diverse stakeholders from across the University ensured broad-based support and effective decision-making. 
4. Extensive Multimodal Communications and Engagement: A robust communication strategy utilising various channels was key to keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the project. 
5. Early Adopter Programme: Establishing an Early Adopter Programme helped in identifying potential issues early and allowed for iterative improvements based on feedback from initial users. 
6. Comprehensive Training Programme: An extensive training programme was crucial in equipping staff with the necessary skills to navigate the new platform effectively. 
7. User-Centred Approach: The upgrade process was driven by user feedback, ensuring that the changes made were in line with the needs and expectations of both staff and students. 
8. Enhanced Focus on Accessibility: Ensuring that the new platform was accessible to all students was a core priority. 

Themes of Successful Local Implementation 

Three themes were identified as critical to successful local implementation: 

1. Proactive Local Change Approaches and Project Ownership: Local stakeholders took ownership of the change process, proactively addressing potential issues and ensuring a smooth transition within their areas. 
2. Effective Relationship-Building and Collaboration: Building strong relationships and fostering collaboration between different departments and stakeholders was vital for the success of the upgrade. 
3. Tailored Local Training and Ongoing Support: Providing tailored training and ongoing support to address specific needs of different academic colleagues ensured that everyone was well-prepared for the transition. 

Insights from the Student Survey 

The student survey conducted as part of the evaluation revealed high levels of satisfaction with Learn Ultra. Students appreciated the improved usability and accessibility of the new platform. Those with no prior experience with Learn Original found Learn Ultra easy to navigate, while those familiar with both platforms preferred Learn Ultra for its user-friendliness. 

More information on the student survey can be found here.

Conclusion 

The Learn Ultra upgrade at the University of Edinburgh stands out as a model for successful VLE enhancement. By focusing on strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, comprehensive training, and user-centred design, the project not only improved the digital learning experience but also set a benchmark for future upgrades. The proactive approach to local implementation and the emphasis on accessibility further underscore the University’s commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. 

The project’s approach offers valuable insights into the critical factors that can drive success in large-scale educational technology upgrades. 

The Success of the Learn Ultra Upgrade at the University of Edinburgh  / Educational Design and Engagement by v1kstev9 is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0

Share