Background: In RCSI, School of Nursing and Midwifery there are over 30 post-graduate programmes where a variety of TEL activities are used. The school philosophy aims to ensure that students are provided with outcome-focused curricula and with developing professionalism, shaped by innovative teaching and learning practices. The school is developing and implementing Technology Enhanced Learning activities through a collaborative working process with IT and TEL colleagues.
Aim: As part of the TEL strategy in the school the aim is to: 1. Design and implement TEL activities and assessments 2. Evaluate TEL activities and assessments 3. Demonstrate a critical, evidence-based understanding of the application of TEL and 4. To continue to advance this within our post-graduate programmes.
Methods: A blended learning approach to post-graduate diploma programmes structure is undertaken. TEL activities include, peer to peer assessment, video recorded assessments, online resources such as video lectures, literature and discussion forums. A variety of research methods are used to evaluate these approaches annually. One such approach was a qualitative descriptive study that used an online survey and focus group to evaluate the student experience of TEL activities.
Results:
95% (n=21) of students found the online course material useful. 23% (n=5) felt less motivated to attend class if lectures were recorded to view online. Mixed views on level of challenge of the video course: 45% (n=10) not challenging, 50% (n=11) challenging, 5% (n=1) was undecided. 91% (n=20) admitted it was easy for them to ask for lecturer’s help through the online forum /Q&A. 73% (n=16) felt that the feedback was adequate and timely. 64% (n=14) enjoyed giving feedback on other students work whereas 18% (n=4) did not. TEL gave the quieter students the opportunity to ask questions online in the discussion forum.
Conclusion: Rigorous evaluation of TEL activities is key to the development of new and innovative approaches to students learning and experience.
Topics: Flexible learning , Topics: Learning analytics: research and practice
