Thursday 30 July 2009

Planning for the Research Methods Module

I met with George Georgiou yesterday to plan for his research methods module for next semester.

The module runs over the Autumn semester. The main challenge is that the class size is quite large and George, who is the the module convener would like to make the class much more fun and lively for the students as well as ensure they learn the most from the different lecture sessions and get them engaged as much as possible.

George is keen to use the Audience Response Systems. These were used by Barbara Kingsley who ran the module last year to run a revision session. They proved extremely useful and popular and students gained a lot from it. Information on Barbara's use of the ARS systems can be found in the classroom technologies wiki site (this is a member only area at present.) George is planning to use them twice next semester. At the middle, to run a revision class and at the end of term for another revision session.

I also discussed the possibility of using the flip cameras with students. I really like the idea of student/user generated content. I suggested that since students would be working in groups throughout the term that we could get them to summarise each lecture and share this with other students online via StudyZone. Each week a different group would be responsible for generating content. The videos would then be shared via the discussion tool allowing other students to share their comments and feedback as well. Students will receive a bonus grade towards their final mark for their videos. A few things that I need to look into before this is rolled out:
  • Can we get students to upload to google videos and then create a link to the videos in StudyZone (look at data protection issues)
  • Create some guidelines for students
  • Book flip cameras ( is one enough?)

I'm quite excited about this and I really hope that students engage with it. Hopefully the development of these videos will allow students to develop their
  • Group working skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Learn to revise and reflect on what they have learnt
  • Share their thoughts and ideas with others

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