A case study in transforming Teaching

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A case study in transforming Teaching Learning
Barry Spencer
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A case study in transforming Teaching Learning
At Bromley College we have been running Moodle
since late 2003, however I feel our deployment of
the VLE has yet to extend its capability much
beyond that of a Course Management System.
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A case study in transforming Teaching Learning
The projects objective was to investigate the
viability of using Moodle as a delivery platform
in the transformation of teaching and learning
from our current instructional model, to a more
student centered constructional and worthwhile
learning experience.
Programme selection Background research
Project design Student feedback
Outcomes and conclusion
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Transformation Case Study
The Selected Programme
The course - HND in Computer Systems Engineering
(High Level Programming 1)
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Transformation Case Study
The Selected Programme
Delivery Lectures supported by workshops
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Transformation Case Study
The Selected Programme
Changing Assessment Strategies
Programming assignment Exam
Two part assignment Exam
Portfolio for Pass 3 exercises for Merit or
Distinction
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Transformation Case Study
Cause for Concern
The Problem
Widening Participation
Teaching methods
Maintaining standards
Assessment methods
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Transformation Case Study
An Objective
The 2 Sigma Problem Achievement for students
learning in a one-to-one environment can exceed
classroom teaching outcomes by up to two standard
deviations the The 2 Sigma Problem equivalent
to raising the performance of 50th percentile
students to that of 98th percentile students.
Benjamin Bloom University of Chicago 1984
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Transformation Case Study
An Objective
The reality of fiscal constraints and sheer
staffing levels, would make the deployment of
such a framework unrealistic.
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Transformation Case Study
An Objective
So How Can Moodle Help?
As a Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle has
been designed to support Social Constructivism.
The transition from an instructional to a more
constructional model will not happen by simply
using Moodle alone however!
A complete solution will require application
software, content and a framework.
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Transformation Case Study
Building the Course
The Environment
Learning Objects
Collaboration
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Transformation Case Study
The VLE Project
View a copy of the project environment
View one of the learning objects
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Transformation Case Study
Finding a Framework
Having established a working environment, I
require a framework that will foster the
appropriate blend and balance of independent
thinking and collaborative learning.
A Community of Enquiry Social, Cognitive and
Teaching presence.
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Transformation Case Study
Community of Enquiry
Social presence the ability of participants in
a community of enquiry to project socially and
emotionally, as real people (i.e. their full
personality), through the medium of communication
being used. Garrison, Anderson and Archer 2000
(the internet and higher education)
Accommodate perspective
Diversity of choice
Respect
Encourage reflection
Explore assumptions
Critical thinking
Social discourse
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Transformation Case Study
Community of Enquiry
Cognitive presence The extent to which learners
are able to construct meaning through sustained
reflection and discourse in a critical community
of enquiry. Garrison, Anderson and Archer
2001(American Journal of Distance Education)
Confirm meaning
Facilitate analysis
Construction
Confirm understanding
Creative thinking
Convergent thinking
Sustained discourse
Reflection
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Transformation Case Study
Community of Enquiry
Teaching Presence The design facilitation and
direction of cognitive and social processes for
the purpose of realising personally meaningful
and educationally worthwhile learning
outcomes. Anderson 2001 (The hidden curriculum
of distance learning)
Draw in participants
Focus discussion
Discussion moderation
Precipitate reflection
Facilitate awareness
Design and organisation
Pose stimulating questions
Scaffolding
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Transformation Case Study
Community of Enquiry
Cognitive presence analysis, construction,
confirmation, understanding
Supports discourse
Social presence sense of belonging, group
cohesion
Learning
Sets the climate
Sustains direction
Teaching presence design, facilitation, direction
Garrison and Anderson
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Transformation Case Study
The Assignment
Problem Based Learning Students are encouraged
to become involved in their learning as problem
solvers by presenting them with authentic but
loosely defined scenario, to act as a mechanism
in promoting the acquisition of knowledge, and
competence.
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Transformation Case Study
The Assignment
A choice from three assignments
Manage the charging of vehicles and capacity of
four car parks.
Charges for passengers and vehicles boarding a
cross channel ferry.
Calculate area and volumes of simple geometrical
shapes.
Each solution must feature collaboration in the
stages of design, coding and testing.
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Transformation Case Study
Assessment Criteria
If I am promoting collaborative learning, then I
have to assess collaborative learning.
Dr. Rena Palloff
Dr. Keith Pratt
40 50 of an overall grade for participation.
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Transformation Case Study
Assessment Criteria
I still require meaningful and creative technical
outcomes however .
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Transformation Case Study
Assessment Strategies
Encourage others to learn
Demonstrate inclusive approach
Contribute regularly
Reflective approach to CMC
Create a supportive environment
Responses show initiative
Overcome personal barriers to participation
Vicarious participation
Creative use of CMC to improve learning
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Transformation Case Study
Collaboration
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Transformation Case Study
Collaboration
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Transformation Case Study
Collaboration
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Transformation Case Study
Collaboration
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Transformation Case Study
Collaboration
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Transformation Case Study
Student Feedback
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Transformation Case Study
The Outcome
The average grade at HLP1 for the years 2002-2005
is 58.2. The results for 2006 are 70.6, 12.4
above the previous four year average.
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Transformation Case Study
The Big Question
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Thank You, End of Case Study Presentation