A blended approach to collaborative learning: can it make large group teaching more student-centred? |
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OverviewThe course (Materials Engineering) is one with a large (300+) first-year cohort, and content-rich subject matter (materials science for engineers). In addition to lectures and laboratory sessions, the course was already successfully using computer-based tutorials (Box et al., 2001), and when the Educational Development and Technology Centre (EDTeC) at UNSW was requested by the School of Materials Science and Engineering to review these with the intention of providing them online via WebCT, it was seen as an ideal opportunity to use the online learning design to improve student engagement, and to incorporate learning for graduate attributes such as problem-solving and team-work. It was decided that for this course a student-centred approach could enhance the engagement and motivation of students, provide a more authentic learning experience, and develop generic skills. An online, problem-based group project was planned that could incorporate these elements while utilising the upgraded computer-based material as project resources. The online course was designed by a project team comprising the academics involved in implementing the course, and an educational designer who advised on the design of the online components and built the online course. There was substantial production support, including a multimedia designer for ‘Flash’ elements in the online tutorials. Project teamBelinda AllenBelinda Allen is Educational Graphics Manager and Educational Designer at the Educational Development and Technology Centre, UNSW. Alan CroskyAlan Crosky is a Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, UNSW. Iain McAlpine Mark Hoffman, Paul Munroe |
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