Thursday, 14 April 2016

POST FOURTEEN - Mini Learning Event



Mini Learning Event

 



Feedback

Feedback from PRC/UCP Lecturer Mike Willis [notes put into paragraphs];

An Android and iOS application/VLE was presented. There was some good features included in this artefact such as the Login, particularly the social media login aspect. It is a mobile application meaning it is very accessible and does not tie students down to one location/desktop. 

It is a very content rich application with social media and google integration. The calendars are another good feature because they allow students to manage their lessons, assignment deadlines and homework submissions in a simple manner. The inclusion of sound bites or podcasts can really enhance this application because it will support the visual aid be adding audio material.

Changes Reflected

            The feedback received from the mini learning event was very useful and in order to ‘make the most of it’ it was utilised to better the application. The idea was to create as perfect an artefact as possible therefore I any shortcomings and possible prototype applications were identified in the mini learning event they had to be addressed. The feedback was assessed chronologically and systematically to addresses each raised point.

            To addresses the concern regarding quiz feedback this has now been fixed. In between each question the students shall not only learn whether or not the response was correct or incorrect but regardless of the answer they are provided with additional information regarding that specific question. This provides the student with useful feedback as well as a chance to further their understanding regarding the topic. 

            Two of the members who provided feedback also suggested that an audio tab or a podcast element be included. They believed that whilst the Video and Image functionalities are beneficial in providing students a clear visual understanding, some students may benefit from audio material. Therefore a previous lectures tab has been created this shall allow students to catch-up with the previous lecture or lesson by listening to an audio podcast. The benefits of the podcast are that the student can be learning on the go, for example whilst walking home or on the bus whilst not having to be looking down at a screen all the time. It simply adds to the mobility of learning and can help explain certain elements to struggling students.

            The suggestion to include games was particularly useful. It has been provided though many studies that engaging games and interactive material are superior learning platforms than text or other media content. Therefore within the side menu a tab has been included which allows students to play exciting educational games. During their spare times young students play games or spend time on their phone so to provide them with an interesting game to play during their downtime can increase studying periods and should reflect in the students final scores. The ‘About Us’ tab has simply been moved to the side-menu so only the most functional options appear in the main user interface.

            The final suggestions were associated with collaborative learning. It was recommended to myself that a Live Chat and Forum feature would benefit students greatly as they would be able to engage in discussion, share ideas, view content and support each other in their work. Therefore a social wall has been added, this allows students to upload images of their work and comment on the wall to provide resource links or work ideas. Students are able to follow certain discussion and vote ‘up’ certain comments by ‘liking’ them. To address the live chat feature an additional plugin has been included, this allows student to send live and direct messages to their teacher. The teacher can then respond back directly for the student to view their reply within the application. Live chat is particularly useful because it provides a quick and accessible platform for students to communicate to their teachers in order to gain support and advice.

No comments:

Post a Comment