Part of the ALPS programme of work is the delivery of e-learning tools to mobile devices via a shared Mobile Services Platform, a unique IT solution with a central service that ties into the authentication, student data and virtual learning systems of each of the five partner HEIs. This is a complex e-learning package including interprofessional assessment tools alongside the students’ use of the devices for immediate reflective learning through audio, visual and text capture. All content is encrypted and securely uploaded via the Mobile Services Platform to an e-portfolio, anytime, anywhere. The platform ensures secure authentication, encryption, device management and data back-up. These solutions integrate seamlessly to produce a robust e-learning platform called the ALPS Assessment Suite which crosses the traditional institutional IT boundaries.

ALPS is a large scale implementation of 1000+ users with a comprehensive central support service at its heart. Located at the University of Bradford, a leader in the m-learning arena, the Mobile Services Platform integrates into their existing IT and support architecture with a dedicated member of staff experienced in mobile technology. Support is provided by phone, email and MMS and a purpose built set of web services including online bespoke guides, videos and discussion areas which promote peer support.

This IT model is jointly funded and centrally administrated, enabling the five HEIs to provide the optimum, cost-effective service than if provided individually; which would have cost them three times as much in hardware and software. We have worked to agree a strategy of access to the relevant parts of each HEIs IT systems to enable integration of the relevant software and exchange of student data assimilating all institutional regulations regarding data protection and IT security. To achieve this has been no small feat and has involved the agreement of the senior Academic, IT and Legal staff in each HEI, building relationships and bringing together shared wisdom to create a solid legal framework cemented by the signing of a Contract of Use by each participant. Significantly all partners agreed to a joint funding model for the Mobile Services Platform which they have recently agreed to extend for a further year.

These relationships will enable the development of future IT collaboration. To that end we have engaged key IT strategists from each institution to begin the process of examining the concept of shared services. We have increased the HE sector’s understanding about the architecture and topology of supporting learners at a distance. This study also has the potential to scale up to include larger groups of devices and partners with institutions buying in to the support model to enable cost-effective provision of a wide resource set directly benefiting both students and staff.

To find out more about the ways in which ALPS has progressed integration with University IT systems click here.