Post on 15-Jan-2015
description
Embedding e-learning – investigating the student experience of using technology to support learning
Amanda Jefferies
Blended Learning Unit Evaluation Coordinator,
University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire
• Progressive 21st century university
• Student expectation– Easy access,
anytime, everywhere– Use of ICT
• Existing university wide MLE (StudyNet)
• Full exploitation of the e-environment
“Supporting the Net Generation Learner” MySpace
Youtube
MSN
Gadgets
Our Learners
Embedding e-learning technologies
• An holistic Blended Learning approach at Hertfordshire– Supporting staff in embedding e-learning in
their teaching– Supporting students with an emphasis on
blended learning– Examples in use– How we investigated the student experience– What the students think
Blended Learning – University of Hertfordshire’s definition:
“Educational provision where high quality e-learning opportunities and excellent campus based learning are combined or blended in coherent, reflective and innovative ways so that learning is enhanced and choice is increased”
Blended Learning: “Harnessing technology to enhance Learning, Teaching and Assessment”.
• Better use of F2F• Greater flexibility• New ways to
communicate• New ways to
collaborate• Improved
feedback
Laptops and tablet PCs for staff
Technology in the classroom
Developing innovative practice
StudyNet – the Managed Learning Environment
4000 course modules 25,000 personal portals7 million logins a year
Learning & teachingInformation sourcesCommunicationGraduate skillsDisability support
Stimulus for innovation
Increasing student engagement with EVS
Virtual Classroom Technology
Example: First year BEd Students
Staff said:
“How do I get students to study outside class”
“What are they doing in independent study time?”
“Why do they rely on me?”
Introduce Blogs for students and staff
Ongoing out of class blogging – 132 students – Reflective practice– Visible to students and staff– Modelling appropriate behaviours– Deeper learning
Outcome for Education
• Students more prepared for face-to-face sessions
• Students using StudyNet more effectively
• Better quality assignments
• More questioning students
Example:2nd year Combined Studies Computing
Staff said:
“How can my students do group work outside the University?”
“How do I encourage students to produce learning resources?”
Introduce the use of Wiki to support group work
Extend face-to-face group work sessions – 90 students
– Private and public group areas
– Accessible 24/7
– Student generated content for cohort and own group
Wiki Usage over 4 weeks19
0
1216
219 310 54
5
996
949
922
564
248 48
6
1084 13
18
1724
2063
738 86
9
459
922
1210
1291
2151
1027
380
849
1572
1440 15
84
3539
1646
720
1351
1042
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
Th FrSa Su
Mo Tu
We Th Fr
Sa SuM
o TuW
e Th FrSa Su
Mo Tu
We Th Fr
Sa SuM
o TuW
e Th FrSa Su
Mo
Using student centred methods to investigate learning experiences
• The video diaries project– 7 days in the life of a student
• The STROLL project– JISC funded research into the learners’
journeys
Objectives of the video diaries 7 days project
To allow students to provide feedback using a medium where they could be ‘themselves’
To explore what students really think about their learning experience, in their own words
To give staff at the university a detailed insight into students’ views and behaviours
To provide powerful data that would support research already conducted with students at the university
Finding out about students’ learning experiences…
• 7 days in February 2007 • 13 students - video-diaries and audio logs
• 7 coloured envelopes• Text message sent everyday
• Students recorded their personal reflections and how they used technologies to support their learning
• Students commented on the use by academics of the e-learning environment and how changes to pedagogy might promote the student learning experience.
Analysis of data• Watched videos and transcribed relevant
comments• Themes were identified by the team
according to students’ comments• Themes from 2007 case study:
• Learning enhancement by lecturers• StudyNet and university resources available• Communication methods used by lecturers• Study behaviours outside of class time
Some Results…• Students find lecturers’ support outside of class
time very valuable• StudyNet features including discussion forum
and podcasts provided immense support for students’ learning
• Students spend a lot of time outside the classroom online
• Most students reported their use of social networks such as Facebook or MySpace
• Students indicate a balance of lifestyle but will often choose to study outside a Monday -Friday 9-5 window and at weekends
The STROLL project(STudent Reflections on Lifelong e-Learning)
• 2 years March 2007 to February 2009 funded by JISC• Video and audio reflections of the students’ ‘learners’
journeys’• 36 + students involved from FE and HE and across u/g
programmes• Recording a week’s reflections on 4 occasions at 6
monthly intervals• Four key research areas
– How do learners experience change through their learning journey?
– How do students use and make choices about their time?– How do students use e-learning tools to support their learning?– How do students use their personal technologies?
Early findings from STROLL
I am an addict to face
book… I am always on
social networks
because I think they
are absolutely
amazing,
Technology is a big part of my life, both in working and playing the first thing I do in the morning is to switch on my TV and my computer because I have to check my e-mails
Pod cast continues to be a great inspiration to the way I learn, I find it so helpful to
listen to again and again
I feel Study Net is a great inspiration in the learning
process. At college if I missed a class I would very rarely get the opportunity to catch up on what I
had missed
Reflection on embedding e-learning
Think of a specific programme or module you teach on– What aspects of e-learning are currently used
to support the students?– How do you know what the students think?– What might be used to promote a blended
approach in the future?
Discuss in 2s and 3s
Thank you for listening
For more information– The Blended Learning Unit
www.herts.ac.uk/blu– The STROLL project
http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/programmes/elearning_pedagogy/elp_lxpstroll.aspx
– Amanda Jefferies
a.l.jefferies@herts.ac.uk