Technology to the current generation has become more of a necessity and it is only fair that it be utilized as a L&T tool in higher education. More and more people are arming themselves with smartphones and other electronic devices to stay informed and Fiji is no expectation. According to a press release by Vodafone Fiji C.E.O. in one of the dailies this week, it was claimed that there is a 78% smartphone penetration in Fiji compared to the global benchmark of 75%.
At U.S.P. the most recent initiative towards e-learning has taken off with free e-tablet distribution to first year students which began in year 2017. This has noticeably resulted in a shift towards paperless classroom learning as most students in my class now access tutorial questions, charts, graphs, tables, solutions, etc on their personal devices. Consequently, most if not all teaching content is now available online through learning management system, namely Moodle as well as assignment and test submissions in some cases. Additionally, supplementary learning materials such as open educational resources can be easily pointed out to students. However, it can be difficult at times to police if students are indeed using it for the intended purpose during class.
Many at times, would have noticed that our social account pages, (Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, etc) would show adverts, videos, and posts that are related to recent searches or viewing history. This is done through data gathering and analysis by these sites based on our usage behavior and has now become an important source of revenue generation. (Article on Social Big Data by Business Insider, Australia: https://www.businessinsider.com.au/types-of-user-data-collected-by-social-networks-2014-7) .Similarly, learning analytics can be used effectively to design teaching strategies that promote learner interaction as well as early intervention for those at-risk. Analytics can be used to:
More than ever it has become evident to provide compulsory feedback to students that assist in transforming their learning experience. Hence moving away from traditional assessment techniques and adopting ones that promote reflective learning should be encouraged. Most appropriately, this has been put into practice in ED courses where e-assessments, peer and self review, and feedback are utilized. Additionally, marking rubrics act as guide towards self directed learning activities. The learning activities are cleverly designed such that learners are trapped (in a good way I must add) in to attempting activities and readings. On the same note, hope this post had you trapped till now.
Many at times, would have noticed that our social account pages, (Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, etc) would show adverts, videos, and posts that are related to recent searches or viewing history. This is done through data gathering and analysis by these sites based on our usage behavior and has now become an important source of revenue generation. (Article on Social Big Data by Business Insider, Australia: https://www.businessinsider.com.au/types-of-user-data-collected-by-social-networks-2014-7) .Similarly, learning analytics can be used effectively to design teaching strategies that promote learner interaction as well as early intervention for those at-risk. Analytics can be used to:
- predict learner performance
- provide learners with personal learning experience
- help improve future e-learning courses
According to a ADB report titled ' ICT for better Education in the Pacific' all PICs are expected to see a rapid increase in internet connectivity by the year 2021 and as a result strengthening its human capital resource. As a consequence a lot more courses and programs would be offered through e-learning at the peoples' 'doorsteps'. Latest features that are becoming a mainstay in smartphones are the inclusion of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) platforms. In VR, the real world is replaced by a virtual one via the use of headsets and can provide an immersive experience that replaces your vision. On the contrary, AR adds to your vision in the real world such that information is overlayed on to the natural surrounding. AR apps can be useful in visualizing and analyzing existing structures such as bridges and roads that might require redesigning upon completion of their useful life. This could be given as project based learning activities to engineering students where critical measurements could be acquired through AR apps (Measure in iOS is one such example). Such projects could be undertaken in a VR environment and students could experiment with creative designs and analyses whilst having a more realistic and engaging learning experience. Perhaps the inclusion of VR in 1st year B.E. design course would greatly assist students in visualizing 3D drawings in CAD lab classes as well as in their design projects hence providing a more creative and meaningful introduction to their B.E. program.
More than ever it has become evident to provide compulsory feedback to students that assist in transforming their learning experience. Hence moving away from traditional assessment techniques and adopting ones that promote reflective learning should be encouraged. Most appropriately, this has been put into practice in ED courses where e-assessments, peer and self review, and feedback are utilized. Additionally, marking rubrics act as guide towards self directed learning activities. The learning activities are cleverly designed such that learners are trapped (in a good way I must add) in to attempting activities and readings. On the same note, hope this post had you trapped till now.
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