Start using open software in the classroom for workshops to encourage participation
This was for our Graduate Development Module, which is a group of around 20 students. There are also 3 or 4 teaching staff.
We introduced Coggle.it to aid a whole-cohort discussion whilst reviewing previous submissions. Students read and discussed strengths and weaknesses in their groups and then the 'note taker' added comments to the "coggle" which mapped the discussion across the room, drawing out similarities and differences and stimulating further debate. The coggle updates in real-time so we projected it on the main screen so students could see each other's contributions. I also tried Padlet.com to support a group discussion where every student could write their comments on a virtual 'pad' or 'wall'. This helped me see where there was common understanding and where key topics had not even been mentioned. The 'pad' can have a themed background and title and can be added to at any point. Students simply need the URL to contribute. We used Socrative during our Partnership Session in which we co-decided on aspects of the assessment - like the weighting, and differences between Stages and Group Projects etc. There was an oral discussion around the topics, but then everyone was able to vote anonymously. I also threw together a quick evaluative survey at the end of a different workshop, when I wasn't sure how well it had gone, to grab a snapshot of the class' mood and understanding.
Coggle.it is online software I use in my day-to-day work as a helpful, non-linear organiser. I wanted to best utilise the very productive discussions that happen in small groups, but are less productive when the whole class are invited to speak. It's non-linear planning meant students could contribute anywhere on the diagram and build up their discussion. With Padlet, the initially anonymous contribution then made it easier for students to own their comments in the context of others' contributions. I just wanted to see if it would help conversation, and it did to a certain extent, although some students were still more reserved in wanting to 'own' their contributions. With Socrative, previously students had been quite shy in presenting their opinions, and sometimes still can be, but with anonymous voting, it meant all students were able to contribute to the final outcome instead of the confident few. Using Socrative is very simple for the students, with no login details needed.
Coggle: Yes! We even have students now using coggle.it for their own personal work, and their projects within the module. Using live editing, and also with a chat function, it could be used for online learning communities with ease. Padlet: Was so super easy to use, both from my end and theirs. Lots of contributions were added, but it didn't stimulate conversation as much as I had hoped. However, it did give me a good sense of the understanding in the room. Socrative: The students responded really well, with full participation, and no one had technological issues with 'joining the classroom' online. The technology was even mentioned in the feedback they were giving through Socrative!
Trialing online software in a workshop context (Coggle, Padlet and Socrative)
Assessment and Feedback, Student Engagement, Technology Enhanced Learning
Undergraduate (all Stages)
Combined Honours Centre
Other
Up to 25 students in a group
To try something new