15th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
The digital learning experience I would like to share at EDULEARN23 can be categorised into four parts: engagement before class for class discussion, application of self-learning, reflective practice, and assessment. 1. Engagement before class for class discussion: one example is using the VLEs’ (Moodle) posted-notes function. First, it initiates the reflective practice process, helping students discover themselves. Second, it allows sharing, creating a sense of ‘we are in it together’ and ‘we are in the same boat’. And finally, it creates content for discussion in class. 2. Application of self-learning: for this purpose, I use a VLEs tool (H5P available on Moodle) that allows the input of an answer and the subsequent generation of feedback. I have been using this tool, especially in teaching the Issue, Rule, Analysis, and Conclusion (IRAC) method, to answer legal problem questions, a typical legal exercise. Once the student has ‘self-learnt’ and practised how to use and apply IRAC (learning that will happen in preparation for class), the class discussion can then rely on and build on this knowledge and move on with the learning, then take the approach of ‘checking homework’. 3. Reflective practice: using a reflective journal impacts personal development and getting to know oneself. It also teases out the recognition of transformative practice. I have been using reflective practice as a minor component in most of the four modules’ assessments; however, this specific assessed reflective journal is set as a stand-alone piece of assessment in the last module. It brings enhanced features aiming to allow students to engage with their skills. 4. Assessment: I use a range and varied assessment diet in all my teaching. By doing so, students can practice and apply a different set of skills (such as in the case of online discussions). It also helps to manage students’ learning time by either having the assessment as a learning tool or spreading it across several weeks. I have recently tested a new way to assess students aligned with the teaching content, encouraging class attendance. These blended learning methods have been presented and shortlisted for Birkbeck’s Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, 2022-23.
Watch and listen to my conference presentation.