Written by Sam Pilgrim, Learning Technologist (FHM)
As Learning Technologists, we are asked to become involved in a wide variety of projects. One recent example is a research project I started working on in my previous role in Information Systems Services (ISS) and continued after my move to the Faculty of Health and Medicine (FHM).
The IPOF (Improving Peer Online Forums) Project on Mental Health Forums is a research project led by Professor Fiona Lobban in conjunction with NHS Berkshire’s SHaRON team, to investigate mental health forums and ways to improve them. More information on IPOF, its aims and outputs, can be found on the Lancaster University FHM research pages.
I worked with the research team and co-design group to develop a forum moderator training package using Xerte, online software that allows a user to create interactive learning packages. The package consisted of nine modules developed by lived experience experts and forum moderators along with LU academic and research staff on different topics including:
- the moderator role;
- moderator support;
- mental health on online forums;
- expressing empathy through language;
- managing risk;
- managing challenging situations;
- encouraging activity; and
- a final quiz.
Each module was reviewed and amended by the co-design group at monthly meetings, and the final design and content emerged from the feedback discussions.
Graphics and animations created by others in the team were embedded into the training package to aid understanding and increase engagement.
The final package was handed over to the NHS Berkshire who are now in the process of publishing it to their website.
