A Blended Approach to Discovery Theme Module Development

Slide 1

SEC4 2015 The Leeds Graduate the distinctive journey A blended approach to Discovery Theme module development

Carol Elston, James Little, Gareth Walker, Kirsten Thompson and Gillian Snape

SDDU and Digital Learning Team

Speaker: James Little.

Introduce us all (name and title)Carol Elston (Digital Learning Team Manager) James Little (Learning Technologist / Academic Staff Developer)Gareth Walker (Project Manager & Course Designer)Kirsten Thompson (Academic Staff Development Officer)Gillian Snape (Learning Technologist)

Gillian and Gareth will answer questions after the main section

To DoAdd New slide for introduction of people and overview of presentation 3 sections done.Background (funding and this specific module); Rationale/Good Practice; Showcase & Future - James Little done.

Change red section on intro to be solid red James Little done.Add funding context to discovery theme background (i.e. funding to make some elements online and buy expert time) James Little done.Add recent developments blended learning approach context text to last background slide James Little done.

Split moving sections to new slides Carol Elston done.Rationalise sections 15-25 Carol Elston. Put speakers on slide notes James Little done.1

Overview

An insight into the design and development of a new Discovery Theme module; providing a blended learning approach through the VLE. Developed in collaboration by Professor William Young, Students, the Digital Learning Team and SDDU

Background Drawing On ExperienceModule Showcase & Future

Speaker: James Little.2

Background

Leeds has always been active in promoting study outside the core of a chosen degree via additional elective modulesDiscovery modules (previously known as electives) have been grouped into 10 interdisciplinary Discovery Themes.Discovery Themes enable students to explore and choose from over 1,000 modules on offer outside their courseSupported by a comprehensive website providing choice and information

(adapted from: https://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk/Broadening)What are Discovery Themes?


Discovery modules (previously known as electives) have been grouped into 10 interdisciplinary Discovery Themes.Discovery Themes enable students to explore and choose from over 1,000 modules on offer outside their course

(adapted from: https://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk/Broadening)Ten Themes

(Image from: https://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk/Broadening)


Ten Themes Can search by theme, keywords, subjectClearer and easier to find out about5

Discovering A New ApproachTo enable a rich, high-quality experience whilst enabling students to fit study most easily around their existing course commitments.Considerations affecting creating a new module


How to provide a high-quality experience. Considerations: Timetabling pressure Can students attend face-to-face? New modes of support Provide support off-campus? Flipped learning Understanding and information Rich resources video, discussion, activities

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Funding from Discovery Theme leaders was pooled to enable some modules to be created using recent developments in blended learning approaches in use around the University

Discovering A New ApproachPotential advantages of using new blended approaches to creating a new module


Drawing on Experience

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) portfolio

Speaker: Carol Elston

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The learning journey


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Using green screen


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Learner discussions


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Animation


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Expert discussion & debate


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Interactive elements

ExercisesQuizzesOnline polls


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MOOCs lessons learned52,646 registered learners97% found the structure of the course fairly/very clear 97% found the educator(s) engaging 95% believed the course had fulfilled their expectations 92% rated the overall experience as good or excellent

Speaker: Carol Elston16

Translating the MOOC approach to the taught student education context:

Consultation with subject matter expertsInstructional design: repurposing for online and blended learning deliveryGuidance: pedagogical and technical relating to best use of the VLESDDUs ExperienceSEC4 2015 The Leeds Graduate the distinctive journey

Speaker: Kirsten Thompson

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Pedagogy firstConstructive alignment (Biggs, 99):Module approval formModule handbookSEC4 2015 The Leeds Graduate the distinctive journey


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Development also informed by:Lecturers pedagogical approach and timeRequirements of learnersCapabilities of VLE toolsGood practice in relation to usability, accessibility and mobileULTRA and ULTA1SEC4 2015 The Leeds Graduate the distinctive journey


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Module Showcase & Future

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Digital learning on campus

New discovery theme module created in a MOOC style


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Design elements support module navigability & learner journey

22Speaker: Kirsten Thompson

Lesson overviews presentation of learning outcomes


Case studiesvideo materials and activities to investigate issues


Interactive presentations/activitiespromote engagement and introduce complex principles


Blogs and social toolsencourage user interaction, debate and discussion


Cross-platform testingusability across student devices


Re-use of assets - digital learning on campus

Content re-used in existing modules


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Re-use of assets Discovery Theme modules

Content re-used in new discovery theme module


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Re-use of assets - iTunes U portfolio


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Questions?SEC4 2015 The Leeds Graduate the distinctive journey

Speaker: All

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Education

A Blended Approach to Discovery Theme Module Development