Eduserv Research Grants - 2006/2007

Initial proposals

IMPORTANT

This call is closed and we have funded 4 projects as a result. We hope to announce the 2007/2008 call in mid to late November this year.

The Eduserv Foundation invites bids for research project funding in these or closely related areas of e-learning and computing:

Teaching and learning opportunities in 3-D virtual worlds such as Second Life. Investigations and/or practical work into the use of 3-D virtual worlds such as Second Life for teaching and learning. Projects that consider social, political, usability, accessibility, inclusion or gender issues in this area are particularly encouraged.
New approaches to learning based on Web 2.0. Tools and techniques for using Web 2.0 services in the context of e-learning, particularly focusing on personal learning environment tools. Projects focusing on issues around re-usable service patterns, choreography of services, and learning design are welcomed.
Access and identity management in e-learning.Research into the use of federated access management (for example based on Shibboleth) or other decentralised digital identity frameworks (such as OpenID) in the context of e-learning, particularly as they relate to the provision and use of lifelong e-portfolios. Proposals that consider the specific issues around access management and e-portfolios in the transitional phases of education are encouraged though other project ideas are also welcome.

Criteria which projects should meet are:

Supported by personnel at post-doctoral level and/or senior staff with computing, library or educational technology support departments.
Undertaken by an individual or a team with project leader.
Ability to demonstrate clear contribution to research and/or effective service delivery within a particular field.
Will not usually extend over a period of less than six months or more than two years.
Will commence by summer 2007.
Should be based at a UK academic institution.
Total funding requested will normally be in the range £30,000 - £150,000.
Software development projects will usually be open source and deliver fully tested and documented code.
Dissemination of outcomes should be integrated into project plans.
Should include mechanisms for securing long term impact or sustainability of project outcomes.

Initially, applicants should submit a brief proposal, using this form. (Note: if you have difficulty with the RTF version of the form, it is also available as a MS-Word doc file). Completed forms may be submitted as plain text, RTF or MS-Word doc by email to grants@eduserv.org.uk or as a plain text notecard to the drop-box in the Eduserv Foundation office in Second Life. (Notecard names should include the string 'Eduserv Grant Proposal').

Deadline for receipt of this form is 5pm on Monday 29 January 2007. All submissions will be acknowledged by email.

Proposals will be reviewed against the above criteria. Eduserv will invite formal applications from amongst them, with a deadline in late February 2006. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview in March with funding offers made thereafter.

Please visit http://www.eduserv.org.uk/foundation/ for details about the Eduserv Foundation.

If you have a query about this application process you may wish to check our frequently asked questions page before contacting us at grants@eduserv.org.uk