Robert Wilson Prifysgol Caerdydd/Cardiff University Ysgol - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Engaging students in online learning Robert Wilson

Prifysgol Caerdydd/Cardiff University

Ysgol Mathemateg/School of Mathematics

Background/Context

Experience

• Five weeks teaching
• One “standard” lecture based, level 5 core

module (173 students)

• One group based, level 5 optional module

(40 students)

• Utilising Blackboard (BB) virtual learning

environment

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk

Star 1: Structure workflow

What I did…

• Post announcements reminding students of

upcoming sessions.

• Direct students to additional resources.

What I plan to do…

• Share weekly learning plans.
• Include clear expectations in terms of time

commitment and aims of directed/ independent study.

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk

Structure workflow: Example

Schedule: Week 1

Session 1 pre-task: Complete the online diagnostic exercise Duration – 30 minutes. Exercise will focus on essential prerequisite material for the module. Session 1: Review of diagnostic and prerequisite material. Duration – 50 minutes. Feedback based on the results of the diagnostic exercise will be discussed. The session will also provide opportunity to attempt further examples. Session 2 pre-task: Watch video “Introduction to Fourier series”. Duration – 15 minutes. Note any subsequent questions and add them to the discussion board in Learning Central. Session 2: Determining Fourier Series. Duration - 50 minutes. The session will be used to review questions from the pre-task and to attempt some initial problems (group based) relating to Fourier series. Session 2 post-task: Complete and submit homework example. Duration – 30 minutes. For further examples see . . .

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk

Star 2: Reuse – not replicate

What I did…

• Made lecture recordings available from the

previous year.

• Annotated existing slides and examples.

What I plan to do…

• Make smaller/focussed videos.
• Adapt materials for review and student

activity.

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk

Reuse – not replicate: Lecture recordings

Usage 2019-20 (n=131) 2020-21 (n=173) Average viewing time ~15.5 minutes ~16.5 minutes More than 60 minutes 61 students 66 students More than 10 hours 14 students 14 students Between 0-30 minutes 33 students 51 students DNA 16 students 41 students

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk

Reuse – not replicate: Peer instruction

• Used in conjunction with polling

in BB collaborate

• Positive student feedback
• Encourages in-class discussion

(Think – Pair – Share).

• Provides instant feedback to

students (and staff)

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk

WISH: Out of class discussion

What I did…

• Encouraged student questions via BB

discussion board.

• Created threads based on main topics.
• Posted initial student questions (received via

email) with a response.

• Resorted to replying to student emails.

What I plan to do…

• …?

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk

Take home “It is not your responsibility as a teacher to ‘fix’ everything. Our goal is to design for our students and consider what support they might need”.

FutureLearn – How to Teach Online (April 2020)

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk

Danby, F. How to be a better online teacher: Advice guide. Chronicle of Higher

• Education. Available via https://www.chronicle.com/interactives/advice-online-

teaching Planning to teach online. University of New South Wales. Available via https://ltto.unsw.edu.au

Questions and Comments

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk

Lecture recordings: Views and downloads per day

• Average view time per student ~ 13 mins
• 66 students viewed more than 60 mins
• 14 students viewed more than 10 hours
• 51 students viewed between 0-30 mins
• 41 students did not access videos

WISH: Out of class discussion

What I did…

• Encouraged student questions via BB

discussion board.

• Created threads based on main topics.
• Posted initial student questions (received via

email) with a response.

• Resorted to replying to student emails.

What I plan to do…

• Considered using piazza.

Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk