Flinders University of South Australia
Centre for Educational ICT
Why and how do research students participate in online communities? Can online communities contribute to solving the problem of isolation for research students? To address these questions, a ‘virtual ethnographic’ methodology is applied.... more
Why and how do research students participate in online communities? Can online communities contribute to solving the problem of isolation for research students? To address these questions, a ‘virtual ethnographic’ methodology is applied. Case studies of existing Web 2.0 and other collaborative sites, and the results of an online survey conducted with 58 research students at the University of South Australia are analysed. The outcomes of this study address the further question: Can a model or framework be established to ensure the success of online communities for research students? A model of
design features that support an effective online community is outlined. Recommendations consider the application of Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis and discussion forums; and a framework for their adaptation at the institutional level that ensures their integration with other systems and the research culture.
design features that support an effective online community is outlined. Recommendations consider the application of Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis and discussion forums; and a framework for their adaptation at the institutional level that ensures their integration with other systems and the research culture.
In this paper we argue that a messy design process does not mitigate against sharing and transfer of artefacts across educational domains. In fact, such a process can aid in developing a model for learning and teaching that is reusable... more
In this paper we argue that a messy design process does not mitigate against sharing and transfer of artefacts across educational domains. In fact, such a process can aid in developing a model for learning and teaching that is reusable and authentic. We describe the planning and design of an integrated and interactive blended learning environment for students while demonstrating that messiness does not necessarily preclude modelling. Drawing on the educational design literature, our aim in the project discussed in this paper was to develop sustainable designs as a key feature and to facilitate applicability across disciplines. We are proposing a planning and design process framework for blended learning that may be shareable, reusable and flexible while being neither ill-structured nor ill-defined.
An educational designer and an academic with responsibility for supporting staff who work with first year students at Flinders University have developed a First Year Support Strategies (FYSS) portal within the learning management system... more
An educational designer and an academic with responsibility for supporting staff who work with first year students at Flinders University have developed a First Year Support Strategies (FYSS) portal within the learning management system (LMS) to contextualise and improve the take-up of first year resources by academic staff. The portal is open access, with self-enrolment for Flinders staff who may wish to take advantage of its interactive aspects. This Emerging Initiative presentation will provide a brief background to the portal's development and will then focus on a demonstration of the portal and linked sites before moving into the question and answer segment. It is the facilitators' intention to seek feedback on this resource package, from an audience beyond their own institution, so it can be refined and reviewed. Feedback on the portal will be sought from staff at Flinders University on an ongoing basis.
- by Ann Luzeckyj and +1
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- Educational design, First-year Experience