Reflection 3: Developing... the journey continues

So it turns out that deciding to adopt a new pedagogy and implement a new tool to compliment your teaching isn’t as easy as it seems (who would have thought?). This week has been a little frustrating in terms of refining my chosen approach in order to ensure that all bases are covered and that the implementation of this prototype will be relatively successful.

Based on the feedback I have received thus far I need to consider and explore the following areas:

1.      Encouraging interaction with my students in class.

2.      Encouraging interaction and communicating with my students outside of class.

3.      Adapting the learning material (power point slides, notes etc.) to the prototype

In order to address the first and last points I will develop ConcepTests and questions that will be used in conjunction with the web-enabled cellular response system. My PowerPoint slides will be adapted to include important concepts that will be explained and scenarios that will serve as a context for the application of the new knowledge. As I have previously stated this approach will be based on peer instruction and will hopefully encourage engagement with the work and interaction between the students. In order to facilitate this process effectively I have approached the Centre for Teaching and Learning at my university for guidance and support in this regard.

The second point is actually imperative to the success of this approach as there is a certain level of trust, ownership and openness required from the students. I have developed a google survey that students will be invited to complete. The results of the survey should provide me with a good indication of whether or not the use of cellphones and other technology is a viable option that students are open to. The survey can be viewed at

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGEwcDA5NDJqSVY2OUMxZlJtM0lmWmc6MQ

As I previously mentioned I will make use of the new LMS, Webstudies. The system is relatively new and does offer numerous avenues for interaction but my competency in its use is very limited. For this reason I have signed up for a workshop that will take place on Thursday. Hopefully I will be Webstudies savvy after this workshop. I have, however, thought of a few ways I might engage the students;

1.      Assign compulsory pre-reading assignments that will be tested online before the class

2.      Assigning students with the task of developing scenarios  or questions that will be used to test their peers (this will be a competitive group work assignment)

3.      Set up a discussion forum where they can highlight problem areas and provide me with feedback on how they are experiencing this approach

4.      Setting small online tests that will count towards their class mark

I am sure there are many more possibilities and I will share them when I present my prototype. I have also realized that communication and clear, specific instructions will be an important factor in the success of this project as well as getting my students to buy into this approach.  

There is still much to be learned, explored and refined but the motivation to implement this prototype successfully remains. I am approaching the final lap with an open mind and hunger for knowledge, insight and improvement.