Do please take a look at this – it is a summary of the work to date.
Download: Presentation at BETT Conference, 22 Jan 2014 (1MB, Microsoft PowerPoint)
Do please take a look at this – it is a summary of the work to date.
Download: Presentation at BETT Conference, 22 Jan 2014 (1MB, Microsoft PowerPoint)
EMBEDDING TECHNOLOGY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Our work aims to:
Preliminary thoughts on technology in education
Kirkwood & Price (2013) comment that TEL is problematic – it conflates both the need to reflect on adapted teaching practices, and the implication that somewhere along the line it has actually enhanced learning, so this suggests the need for evaluation and measuring the ‘enhanced’ learning.
It is useful to consider different types of technological tools available in the institution and then focus critically on ‘how’ and ‘why’ we use it in education, so there is a case to start with the pedagogy and principles. The extent of technology that can be used in a curriculum is therefore open to how it fits with the subject practice and with institutional objectives.
We also must consider student needs and expectations – that includes their digital literacies and prior experiences. We might think about how we can enable greater flexibility in online learning for students, using technology. And fundamental principles of assessment and feedback for learning, and how students embed this in their practice, are also crucial. Finally, how can technology support the peer and collaborative learning that features in so much of the espoused pedagogy in HE?
In practice, what do we really know? We mustn’t neglect existing effective practices. Benefits include convenient communication, flexibility, sense of community and collaborative and peer learning. Challenges to be mindful of include information overload, low participation and feeling isolated.
Considering the underpinning systems
Questions on the application of technology
Ann Thanaraj, Barrister, Programme Leader for Law, University of Cumbria
Steve Williams, Director of Information Systems and Services, Newcastle University