Asked students to create their own blog and then answer a big question each week related to the content of the lecture.
Masters students studying EDU8213 The Future of Learning
Students are asked to create their own blog. This is important because it becomes a representation of themselves online which is publically available and so students tend to put more effort and thought into the design of the blog and the writing of each blog. At the end of every lecture students are asked to address a big question relating to the content of that lecture. The question should be open and without a definite answer. For example “Will robots replace teachers in the future? Discuss”. The questions should encourage students to think and express their own opinion. The content of the blogs is then reviewed and a short presentation developed which is then used to aid further discussion in the seminar. You can find out further information on the blog.
Using this approach is an excellent way of encouraging students to reflect and think more deeply about the issues discussed in each lecture and to express their own opinion. It also provides each student with a permanent record of each lecture which is useful when it comes to writing assignments. As the blogs are publically available, students can also read each other’s blogs and learn from each other. Plus I will always learn new things from reading their blogs and so everybody benefits. Finally, as Module leader it also allows me to quickly identify those students who may be struggling and need additional support.
Feedback from students has been positive and it’s been encouraging to see how students’ writing skills develop throughout the course. Some students will always need more support and encouragement to help them get started.
Blogs for big questions
Assessment and Feedback, Student Engagement, Technology Enhanced Learning
Postgraduate taught
Education, Communication and Language Sciences
blogs
Up to 50 students in a group
To try something new