A blended learning approach to Discovery Theme module development
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The document outlines the design and development of a new discovery theme module at Leeds University, emphasizing a blended learning approach that incorporates both online and face-to-face elements. It highlights the creation of interdisciplinary discovery themes that allow students to choose from over 1,000 additional modules beyond their core studies, and discusses the importance of utilizing recent developments in online learning. Additionally, it reflects on the lessons learned from implementing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to enhance the learning experience.
A blended learning approach to Discovery Theme module development
- 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
- 2. 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 1. Background 2. Drawing On Experience 3. Module Showcase & Future
- 3. Background
- 4. • Leeds has always been active in promoting study outside the core of a chosen degree via additional elective modules • 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 • Supported by a comprehensive website providing choice and information (adapted from: https://leedsforlife.leeds.ac.uk/Broadening) What are Discovery Themes?
- 5. • 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)
- 6. Discovering A New Approach… New Module Fit with timetabling pressures? Can students attend face- to-face? Provide support off- campus? How to provide high-quality resources? To 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
- 7. 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 Approach… New Module (Blended Approach) Rich resources – video, discussion, activities Potential for seminar and lecture time to be used differently (flipped learning ) Face-to-face grounds the online sections Course materials, resources and some interactions via the VLE Accessible off- campus: Potential advantages of using new blended approaches to creating a new module
- 9. Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) portfolio FREE ONLINE COURSE Sign up at futurelearn.com https://futurelearn.com/courses/when-worlds-collide Sign up to ‘Exploring anatomy: the human abdomen’ http://futurelearn.com Coursestartson 10 February2014 For 3 weeks, 4 hoursper week Explore the inner workings of the human abdomen with experienced anatomy lecturer Dr James Pickering http://twitter.com/accessanatomy #FLanatomy Learn about the structure and function of vital organs, and through discussion relate this to common surgical scenarios and current research. Interested in the anatomy of the human body?This course is for you. https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/anatomy
- 13. Animation
- 14. Expert discussion & debate
- 15. Interactive elements • Exercises • Quizzes • Online polls
- 16. MOOCs – lessons learned 97% 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
- 17. Translating the MOOC approach to the taught student education context: • Consultation with subject matter experts • Instructional design: repurposing for online and blended learning delivery • Guidance: pedagogical and technical relating to best use of the VLE SDDU’s Experience SEC4 2015 The Leeds Graduate – the distinctive journey
- 18. Pedagogy first Constructive alignment (Biggs, 99): • Module approval form • Module handbook SEC4 2015 The Leeds Graduate – the distinctive journey Learning outcomes Assessment Learning resources and activities
- 19. Development also informed by: • Lecturer’s pedagogical approach and time • Requirements of learners • Capabilities of VLE tools • Good practice in relation to usability, accessibility and mobile • ULTRA and ULTA1 SEC4 2015 The Leeds Graduate – the distinctive journey
- 20. Module Showcase & Future
- 21. Digital learning on campus New discovery theme module created in a ‘MOOC’ style
- 22. Design elements support module navigability & learner journey
- 23. Lesson overviews presentation of learning outcomes
- 24. Case studies video materials and activities to investigate issues
- 25. Interactive presentations/activities promote engagement and introduce complex principles
- 26. Blogs and social tools encourage user interaction, debate and discussion
- 27. Cross-platform testing usability across student devices
- 28. Re-use of assets - digital learning on campus Content re-used in existing modules FREE ONLINE COURSE Sign up at futurelearn.com https://futurelearn.com/courses/when-worlds-collide Sign up to ‘Exploring anatomy: the human abdomen’ http://futurelearn.com Coursestartson 10 February2014 For 3 weeks, 4 hoursper week Explore the inner workings of the human abdomen with experienced anatomy lecturer Dr James Pickering http://twitter.com/accessanatomy #FLanatomy Learn about the structure and function of vital organs, and through discussion relate this to common surgical scenarios and current research. Interested in the anatomy of the human body?This course is for you. https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/anatomy
- 29. Re-use of assets – Discovery Theme modules Content re-used in new discovery theme module
- 30. Re-use of assets - iTunes U portfolio
- 31. Questions? SEC4 2015 The Leeds Graduate – the distinctive journey