Abstract

Capability, Competence and Confidence with virtual learning environments are essential components of successful online education but not everyone who teaches in the classroom also feels comfortable teaching online. Working with reluctant digital users is an essential skills for educational developers and learning technologists. Learning through experience can be key to success. As the Chinese proverb says 'Show me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I understand.' An Action Research methodology has proved successful in encouraging staff who teach and support learning at the UK University of Lincoln to engage with a range of Blackboard tools and to reflect on how they might be used within their own teaching practice. This presentation looks at how applying the principles of action research to staff development is successfully reducing barriers and encouraging the three C's with regard to Blackboard adoption.