Students with Attitude

Student attitudes to Learning with New Technologies

Dr Stephen Gomez Faculty of Applied Sciences, UWE

A learning opportunity
Quality time with students

Student attitudes
Liberating research NLSF bursary

Methodology
Questionnaires

Interviews

Importance of student attitudes to cbl Increased usage of cbl Decreased lectures

Widening participation
Attitudes inform development of cbl

Background to study
Revolutionary development in the educational process
E-Universities

Background to study contd

Promise of cbl & web-tutorials

24/7 access to materials.
Interactivity through formative tests & quizzes. Ability to browse material at a speed suitable for the individual learner.

Background to study contd

Promise of cbl & web-tutorials

Ability to navigate material in a way appropriate to the student. Linking to other material on the Internet to extend the knowledge pool.

Summary of Situation

Personal experiences with web-tutorials

An early adopter

Early student attitudes Early lecturer attitudes

Learning culture

Portfolio of cb materials
- Student guides to physiology practicals - Materials to support lectures - Formative self-assessment tests - Peer learning - Websites to support student placements

Ideal situation
Web-tutorials More student engagement Improve student performance

Richer on-line learning environment

Encourages me/ others to produce more tutorials

Student comments General points Contradictions Reading from the [computer] screen hurts my eyes printouts read hotmail/visit websites/play games related to context use [cbl] if other students use it

Student comments Level of study

Level 1

distractions first year is for living not just learning do minimum only need 40%; does not count for anything do not choose modules
less receptive to cbl/web-tutorials

Student comments Level of study contd

Level 2

get a bit wiser doing minimum is not advisable marks count towards final degree loans are for a fixed time

can choose modules more receptive to cbl

Student comments Level of study contd

Level 3

want to knuckle down marks count for a lot anyone not interested would be out by now can choose modules
more interested in cbl

Reason for the tutorial

Look at web-tutorials if there is a specific task laziness poor time-management paid work

busy lifestyle
preparing coursework working on projects

Is it a useful method of learning?

It is useful for getting notes from missed lectures

YES

Its a good way of testing your knowledge Interactive Private Unlimited attempts Qs related to actual exam Printout questions

Sources of anxiety
Poor computer skills

scared of doing things on the internet logging in can be tricky annoying when modules dont have material hate it when there is no material impression that lecturers are not bothered follow modules that are supported

Sources of anxiety contd

Long wait for computers at Uni No computer/ I-access at home

Place of lectures
much prefer lectures prefer to be told than to find out lecturers can put emphasis and animate certain points [cbl] can never replace lectures take in more from a lecture

can ask questions I like personal contact with lecturer I like people!

What would improve usage of cbl? well presented material students need to be told about tutorials students will only use cbl if they think it will benefit them, what will I get out of it? should say it will be beneficial for exams set an assignment on cbl and force them to use it

What would improve usage of cbl? Contd

need to be tested on [cbl] work has to be compulsory work better when forced

Summary There is less contact time

Fewer lectures More students More students with a wider range of abilities Students have a large no. of hours self-directed study Many students have poor time management abilities

Conclusions Move from self-directed study directed study Provide students with a weekly plan of learning activities
CBL would form part of the directed learning activities

if week was organised, performance would be better

Conclusions contd CBL material needs to be: Shown to be invaluable; learning outcomes Integrated into the curriculum Produced to a high standard - Not within skills of most - Consider using professional materials - Encourages you to learn when well presented