Overview

Background

Pebblepad is an externally hosted ePortfolio tool which the software vendor will be upgrading from version v2.5 to v3. As this is hosted service Pebblepad Learning will be undertaking all of the work to migrate content to new version.

There are however some implications for current integrations with existing University systems such as:

• Student enrolments via EUCLID/ IDMS.
• Link to application from MyEd.
• Learn 9 Building Block
• Moodle plugin
• Authentication (change to use Shibboleth)

Existing Documentation may need to be adapted or renewed, and Users may need some training with new interfaces.

There is also a need to ensure that the University does not exceed its current licensing arrangements with Pebblepad Learning. Currently the University holds a licence for 25,000 users, at present there is no automated mechanism to delete old users from the system which could impact on current students if we were to run out of licences.

PebbleLearning do provide a free 12 month service after graduation, and thereafter a paid-for service that allows users to retain their portfolio beyond their time with an institution. This project should engage with PebbleLearning to identify a suitable mechanism based on our Identity Management system to remove user accounts from our licensing count where the account holder is no longer a student or member of staff at this institution.

Scope, Objectives and Deliverables

Objectives:

1. Improved student experience delivered via improved functionality and integration with VLEs.
2. Better uptake of service due to improvements.
3. Ongoing support maintained from vendor.
4. To ensure the University does not exceed licensing arrangements.

Delivarables:

1. Upgraded version of Pebblepad.
2. Training and support materials.
3. Course enrolments from EUCLID maintained
4. Provisioning from IDM maintained
5. New deprovisioning from IDM implemented
6. Links from MyEd amended via new channel
7. New integration with IS VLEs implemented
8. New mechanism implemented to remove old users from system

Benefits

• Continuity of supported Pebblepad service from supplier
• Improved uptake of service (including potentially by Personal Tutors) due to improved functionality and integration with VLEs

  • Making clearer the distinction between the personal space for learning desired by individuals, and the more formal space required by institution. - There will be two core modules: Pebble + and ATLAS (Active Teaching Learning and Assessment Space)

  • New HTML interface available for users who do not have FLASH installed on their computer.

  • Any text in any asset will be able to be formatted allowing users to easily add emphasis, annotations or hyperlinks anywhere

  • Multiple assets will be able to  be opened at the same time

  • Assets will able to be easily resized to improve editing or viewing and previewed instantly

  • Tagging will be made easier.

  • Multiple files will be able to be uploaded at once with no system limits on file size

  • Improved templating options

Success Criteria

1. Ese of use of the system should be greatly improved.
2. New functionality in system should greatly improve the user experience.
3. Will not be possible to break current licensing condidtions, by implementing a method of 'transfering' users to PP once they are finished at the University.