Use of web conferencing tools in in managing ris isk of dis isengagement by online le learners. Bernard Pennington
Some Housekeeping…
Some students become disengaged from online learning… • Where they engaged in the first place? • Is it a problem with learning style? • Is online learning too technical? • Did they become disengaged as time went on? • Is it a problem with the technology? • Is it a problem with the task?
Analysis • Possible Causes: • Common misconception… ICT skills = eLearning • No other options available • 3 years of glorious PowerPoint heaven. • …But these are ‘Digital Natives’….?
Digital Natives… (Prensky 2001, 2005) Do they learn any differently?
Digital Natives Debate
How are they different?
Is it an age thing?
Is it a Design thing?
Any thoughts…?
What if technology was simply a contributing factor…? Biggs’ SOLO Taxonomy (2007, p79)
The Theory • Students who thrive better in f2f sessions but who are unable to attend classroom sessions… • …will be able to better engage with learning materials via web conferencing than by accessing standard web materials.
The Pilot • Anaesthetic CPD module delivered f2f on Thursday 0930 – 1230… • …delivered again via web -conferencing (WIMBA) following Saturday 0930 - 1230
Outcome Measures • Record attendance • Record level of engagement • Learning module • Online Quiz • Discussion Activity
Implementation • Create Wimba session within BlackBoard • Induction to web-conferencing • ALL students on induction to module • Controlled environment • Get up early on a Saturday • Record measures.
What could possibly go wrong? • Early warning signs… …they really didn’t like it.
Results • Very little participation via web conferencing. • Students using web conferencing as a tutorial option.
What did we learn from this..? • Treat cause not symptom. • Think long and hard before repurposing eLearning • Don’t offer too much at once.
How did such a fantastic and well- thought out plan fail…? • Possible causes: • The problem isn’t real for some students • eLearning is eLearning
Summary Problem Solution Pilot Pilot Fails Problem still exists…
Conclusion • Web conferencing is not an attractive option to ODPs & nurses on CPD modules • eLearning is not an attractive option to ODPs & nurses on CPD modules • Students prefer tutorials to teaching on a Saturday morning.
The point being…? • The root cause of the problem was time… …moving the problem to a Saturday morning didn’t change that.
Thank You
References Prensky, M. (2001) 'Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants part 1' On the Horizon 9 (5) 1-6 Prensky, M. (2001b). Digital natives, digital immigrants part 2: Do they really think differently? On the Horizon 9 (6) 1-6 Prensky, M. (2009 ) ‘H . sapiens digital: From digital immigrants and digital natives to digital wisdom.’ Innovate 5(3) 1-9. Smith, E. (2012) ‘ The Digital Native Debate in Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Recent Literature’ Canadian Journal of Learning Technology 38 (3) 1-18
Recommend
More recommend
