This is a model about how people adopt new technology and how learning skills are developed. It uses ideas from the ICE model of Fostaty-Young and Wilson (2000)1 which is an adaptation of the SOLO taxonomy of Biggs and Collis (1985)2

Model Stages

There are four stages in the FACE model:

Familiarisation

At this stage the tutor is gaining experience with the technicalities of how to use the hardware and software. They might be learning how to upload material to WebCT, how to develop an online quiz or set up a discussion area. All of these technical issues are supported by workshops run through ILS. Please contact eos@worc.ac.uk if you want some help with this.

Adoption

This level may be associated with the “Ideas” level of the ICE model where the technology is being used by tutor to essentially replicate what they do in a face to face environment. A common example of this is when a VLE such as WebCT is used to house information about a module which would normally be distributed in print. In fact a simple example of this is a link to a word document containing, for example, the module contract. It might be argued that users at this level are using the technology appropriately by widening access to materials.

Combination

This level may be associated with the “Connections” level of the ICE model where the characteristics of electronic learning environments are used to manipulate and present information in a way which might not be so easily done in other learning environments. Electronic and “traditional” methods are combined together into an integrated whole. An example of this might be providing links to on-line activities on other peoples web sites and getting rapid feedback on these activities through the use of technology.

Extension

This level may be associated with the “Extensions” level of the ICE model where the tutor might be doing something which could not be done without electronic support. A simple example of this might be the extension of a seminar activity outside the face to face classroom by the use of asynchronous discussion. The technology provides a means of students contacting one another without the necessity of meeting face to face. The innovation comes in devising a methodology which will make this sort of activity work.

Want to see where you are on this continuum?

The FACE Model of engaging with e-learning

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