Using student researchers to produce reusable learning objects

Using student researchers to produce reusable learning objects that enhance student learning Veronica Earle Richard Balawender Celeste Jones Meera Shah Shubham Arora

Agenda • • • Back ground to the project Project objectives Outputs Workshop Activity Questions

Back ground The Industry Practice module requires students to: • learn in a different way through: – work experience, self-reflection, Blogs, flexible learning materials, coaching and mentoring groups, independent learning • Be assessed in a different way: – Wikis, E-portfolios, PDPs and posters

What is a Reusable Learning Object?

What is a Reusable Learning Object? • Reusable learning objects are ‘an interactive WWW-based resource based on a single learning objective which can be used in multiple contexts’ University of Nottingham definition (Riley 2009) • They have been used successfully at UH by Dr Phil Porter (2012), Geography and Environmental Studies, who uses videos and picture stories, produced by students, to enhance engagement with field research.

Project Aims The project aims to produce reusable learning objects that: • promoted understanding of the Industry Practice module • provided additional flexible learning resources and promote work experience

Project objectives To recruit a team of student researchers to: • identify the areas where students require extra learning materials • develop effective learning objects such as videos, posters, other on-line learning tools • test the learning objects and further refine them if needed

What would students like to know? What sort of work experience? How do we make a poster How do we use a Wiki What is a personal development plan? What is an e -portfolio? How do I get a good grade in the assessments? What will I get out of this module? Which business model should I use? How will I be taught on this module? What makes good evidence for the portfolio?

Process Possible projects identified with clearning outcomes Project publicised to students via Study. Net module website Kick-off meeting and initial training of student researchers Student researchers paired with appropriate tutors and target completion dates set

Outputs Three projects completed: • Personal Development Planning – Step By Step Guide – produced using Prezi • E-portfolio user guide • What is the Industry Practice Module – poster Two projects currently under way: • Producing a poster - Camtasia video • What makes good evidence for your portfolio booklet

Workshop Activity

Thank you for Listening • Any questions?

References • Riley, F. , 2009, Nottingham University, Reusable Learning Objects, [on-line], available at: http: //www. nottingham. ac. uk/nursing/sonet/rl os/rlofaq. html [accessed 1 -12 -12] • Porter, P, Dilley, S, and Smart, M. (University of Hertfordshire), 2012, Seventh International Blended Learning Conference, Hertfordshire, UK, 13 -14 th June 2012, University of Hertfordshire • Keranen, K. , (Laurea University, Finland) 2012, Change Academy Workshop, University of Hertfordshire, 14 th November 2012.