Education Commons^™

Transformative Potential Of Constructivist Blended Problem-Based Learning In Higher Education, Roisin Donnelly

Books/Book Chapters

This chapter critically explores the design and implementation of a blended problem-based learning (PBL) module for academic professional development in higher education. A core aspect of the chapter is the overview of the design framework used for the application and specific use of learning technologies in the PBL module. As it would appear that e-learning courses are often lauded on the basis of their constructivist approach to learning, but in reality sustained interstudent contact and discussion can be difficult, an underlying purpose of the chapter is to show how interactional analysis helps in understanding the potential of transformative pedagogy within …

The Production Of High-Quality Video For E-Learning, Eugene Mcgovern, Audrey Martin, Roy Moore

Conference papers

As video capture, editing and transmission capabilities become more accessible, video is increasingly being considered when developing e-learning content. However, the skills required for video production are not commonly part of many e-learning developers backgrounds. This paper presents the experiences of academics from the spatial information sciences when developing high quality video content for an on-line e-learning module in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Video comprises one element of the module and is designed to, as far as possible, address the lack of ‘hands-on’ experience of GNSS equipment and observing procedures. The video element of the module was used by …

Encouraging Student Creativity In Higher Education, Roisin Donnelly, Terry Barrett

Articles

This chapter focuses on how teachers encourage the development of creative states of flow in their students and in themselves. The chapter aims to stimulate educators in higher education to think freshly about creativity and to widen their range of strategies for encouraging student creativity.

Creating Constructive Criteria: Evaluating The Perceived Usefulness Of Eportfolios To Support Different User Needs, Roisin Donnelly, Jen Harvey, K.C. O'Rourke

Conference papers

The use of Portfolios and ePortfolios in HE signifies a potential move towards a self-directed, student centred approach to learning and assessment through processes such as personal development planning, reflection and negotiation of evidence of learning. New and emergent technologies can now provide a diverse range of opportunities to represent, store and present different kinds of knowledge within a dynamic multimedia environment. Whilst many institutions place value upon the concepts underpinning the use of ePortfolios, there has, in the past, been reluctance to engage with ePortfolio systems for both technical and economic reasons. A key challenge for institutions is the …

Analysis Of The Transformative Potential Of Blended Problem-Based Learning In Higher Education Faculty Development, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

A hugely important area in any form of PBL delivery is the role of the instructor; in a blended learning environment, it is even more crucial. Hughes and Daykin (2002) have suggested that a move to online delivery needs a greater attention to design and development of facilitator skills than has been previously recognised. A blended module for faculty, delivered using a problem-based learning approach, is the setting for continuing research into the transformative role that an instructor can play during the learning process. Coppola, Hiltz and Rotter (2001) identify a number of roles played by instructors in e-learning, but …

Content Analysis Of Computer Conferencing Transcripts, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

As conferencing tools become an increasingly common feature in students’ experience, tutors need to have an understanding of how these tools facilitate the formation and maintenance of collaborative learning communities. Inevitably the pursuit of this understanding requires some form of analysis of the interactions involved. This analysis of the written transcripts, created by students during computer mediated conferencing (CMC), invariably takes the form of a systematic content analysis. For small-scale work the analysis can be undertaken manually but when the volume is large, as might arise from courses delivered wholly online or in a blended learning approach for example, some …

Online Problem-Based Learning Approach In Higher Education., Roisin Donnelly

Books/Book Chapters

This paper begins with a brief review of the history of problem-based learning (PBL) integrated with online learning, and surveys relevant learning theory, including constructivism and cognitivism. Recent case-study research on a postgraduate diploma module in learning and teaching for faculty and lecturers in higher education is then provided to illustrate the key issues for both faculty and students in this evolving area. Emerging trends in combining PBL and online learning are outlined, along with potential opportunity to continue to research the topic in a different light. The paper concludes with an overview of the research area, aspects of which …

Development Of An E-Learning Module For Global Navigation Satellite Systemstraining, Eugene Mcgovern, Audrey Martin, Kevin Mooney

Conference Papers

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has been operational since the early 1990’s. The system is constantly being upgraded while the Russian GLONASS and the European GALILEO systems will complement GPS in the next few years. Generically, these satellite-based positioning systems are referred to as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Previously, a part-time evening course in GPS was run at the Technological University Dublin (DIT) by the Department of Spatial Information Sciences (DSIS). This is now being replaced by two e-learning modules in GNSS designed for distance-based, on-line delivery. The first module covers GNSS for navigation and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) …

International Collaboration In Blended Problem-Based Learning, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

European education today is characterized by two dominant trends. First, e-learning has made impressive advances in the past five years. Second, European higher education has become increasingly internationalized. Within this, there has been an obvious shift towards more social, collaborative and communal perspectives of learning reported in recent educational research. Various forms of collaborative and inquiry-based learning include the idea that learning should be understood as a combination of participation, knowledge creation and internal processes. This paper discusses the blending of e-learning and problem-based learning (PBL), based on these observations and as a comprehensive approach encompassing the learning environment, curriculum, …

Problem Based Learning In Spatial Information Sciences: A Case Study, Audrey Martin, Eugene Mcgovern, Kevin Mooney

Conference papers

This paper describes the introduction, implementation and evaluation of a Problem Based Learning component in the Geodetic Surveying syllabus of the fourth / final year of the honours degree programme in Geomatics at the Department of Spatial Information Sciences, Technological University of Dublin,Ireland. The reasons behind adopting this constructivist educational approach as opposed to traditional instructivist methods more commonly employed are addressed, together with an evaluation of the process from both the educator (academic) and student (learners) perspective. The results of this case study are considered in the context of a number of interconnected pedagogical issues including (a) enhancement of …

The Experience Of E-Learning: Progress Towards A New Learning Paradigm, Audrey Martin, Eugene Mcgovern, Kevin Mooney

Conference papers

This paper reviews the use of E-Learning in the spatial information science programmes of the Technological University of Dublin (DIT).

The spatial information science programmes are placed within the context of the use of E-Learning across the Institute and this paper draws on the experiences of the DIT Learning Technology Team (LTT). The LTT has just completed the initial brief given to it by the DIT strategic planning group charged with ensuring the implementation of E-Learning as a resource in support of the change from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred paradigm.

E-Learning was first introduced in the Department of Spatial …

Online Learning Delivered Via Blended Problem-Based Learning, Roisin Donnelly

Books/Book Chapters

Course and Institution: Online Learning Module on the Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching; located in the Technological University Dublin. Teaching Strategy: Blended Problem Based Learning approach for 10 weeks. Students/Participants: 10 lecturers/academic staff members from a variety of higher education institutions from around the Republic of Ireland. Average Age: mature participants; some are new to teaching in higher education, and some have been teaching for anywhere between 5-25 years.

Can Blending Face-To-Face Teaching With E-Learning Support The Development Of Phase 4 Apprentices In Mathematics? A Formative Evaluation Research Study., Peter Hinch

Theses

This thesis is a formative evaluation research study. Its purpose is to establish if blending face-to-face and e-learning delivery methods can support the development of Phase 4 apprentice plumbers in mathematics in the Department of Construction Skills in the Technologicl University Dublin. The study also included the design, development and evaluation of a mathematics web site called Plumatics 4 U which is grounded in established theoretical criteria for effective blended delivery within third level education. This web site is currently in use by Phase 4 apprentice plumbers and is delivered through WebCT. The CD accompanying this thesis contains a short …

Exploring The Relationship Between Espoused Philosophies Of Teaching And Practice, Roisin Donnelly, Marian Fitzmaurice

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Hardening The Categories - The Problem Of Reliability In Identifying Themes Using Grounded Theory While Investigating What Theories Underpin E-Learning, Roisin Donnelly, Marian Fitzmaurice, Robbie Burns

Conference papers

The background research to this paper is focused within the context of a Higher Education Institution in the Republic of Ireland. The question, which drove the main focus of the research as a whole is: - ‘How can the Institution improve Staff Development processes to enable staff to develop blended (including online) learning, to enhance Learning and Teaching? This paper describes a critical element of the main research process. In seeking to answer the question our individual participation in the research as agents as well as researchers is acknowledged. Clearly there are all kinds of questions of subjectivity, objectivity, distance …

The Truth About E-Learning: Lessons Learnt For Architecture., Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This presentation will introduce key ideas about

designing e-learning experiences for students.

It is organised around the following topics:

Designing E-learning: Pedagogy and Practice

Model of E-learning: Blended Learning

Changing student and teacher roles: online tutoring

Integrating Online Resources

DIT Case Studies in the Built Environment:

WebCT Courses in Architecture

E-Portfolio Exploration

Different Thinking Hats: The Continuously-Evolving Role Of The Instructor In E-Problem Based Learning (E-Pbl), Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

A hugely important area in any form of PBL delivery is the role of the instructor; in an e-learning environment, it is even more crucial. Hughes and Daykin (2002) have suggested that a move to online delivery needs a greater attention to design and development of facilitator skills than has been previously recognised. An e-learning module for lecturers, delivered using a problem-based learning approach, is the setting for continuing research into the many hats that an instructor has to don during the learning process. Coppola, Hiltz and Rotter (2001) identify a number of roles played by instructors in e-learning, but …

Architectural Registration And It's Diversity Vortex., Shannon Chance

Articles

Architects: take a serious look at your demographics. While other professions are making strides to represent the diversity of America's population, yours lags markedly behind. Most U.S. architecture schools began admitting women and minorities between 1965 and 1972, but many who completed architecture degrees in the interim haven't yet received professional licensure. The ranks of licensed architects remain mainly white and mainly male, which denies society fair representation in shaping the built environment. Consider that African-American females comprise roughly 7% of the U.S. population but less than 0.2% of licensed architects; they've achieved proportionally higher success in law, medicine, and …

Creating Spaces For Voices: The Portfolio As A Framework To Support Enquiry Into Third Level Teaching And Learning, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This paper will discuss qualitative research that was conducted in our professional practice in supporting academic staff in third level learning and teaching. Our goal was to understand more fully the process of compiling a teaching portfolio through supporting the academic staff in their development of an authentic voice. The scholarship of teaching has been of growing interest to the institution from which this Postgraduate Certificate in Third Level Learning and Teaching Course is delivered. This reflects a worldwide focus. Badley's research on HEFCE (2002) "what is required is for all teaching to be animated by scholarship and for scholarship …

An Online Dilemma: The Pull Of Individuality Pitched Against Peer Collaboration In An Online Problem-Based Learning Group, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

In early 2001, a new Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching was launched for lecturers from a range of higher education institutions in the Republic of Ireland. This paper describes ongoing research undertaken for the re-design of one module out of the eight offered on the Postgraduate Diploma: the Online Learning (OL) Module delivered using the pedagogical strategy of Problem-based Learning (PBL). This Postgraduate Diploma is entirely voluntary and only lecturers who are keen to implement novel pedagogical approaches in their own subject disciplines apply for a place on the modules. The aim of the OL/PBL module is …

Delving Deeper With Online Learning?, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This paper describes a study being undertaken to explore whether course material delivered using a combination of online and problem-based learning approaches will lead to a deeper understanding of the learning issues by the students. The process of delivering an Online Learning (OL) Module using a Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach in a Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching at a higher education institute in Ireland. The students who undertake this Module are a cohort of academic staff (Faculty Members) in Higher Education who are taking this module part-time. They are hitherto referred to as participants. This module is …

Teaching Postgraduate Research Methods Using A Novel Problem-Based Learning Approach, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This session describes both the reasons for and the process of designing and delivering a Research Methods Module using a Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach in a Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching at a higher education institute in Ireland. The students who undertake this part-time Module are cohorts of academic staff (Faculty Members) in Higher Education (HE). They are hitherto referred to as participants. This module is one of eight offered on the PG Diploma, all designed and delivered using Problem-based Learning. The entire PG Diploma is voluntary, and only Faculty who are keen to implement novel pedagogical …

Experiencing Technology: Integrating Learning Technology Within The Experiential Learning Cycle Of A Pg Certificate In Third Level Learning And Teaching., Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This paper will discuss how a PG Certificate Course in Third Level Learning and Teaching for lecturers in higher education has adopted a particular approach in teacher education. In light of the findings put forth by Collis (1999), the paper will explain the practical aspects of how Learning Technology (LT) is fully integrated into both core Learning and Teaching modules of a PG Certificate Course for academic staff. As an important aspect of the successful integration and use of learning technology is the way in which it effectively reflects and articulates a given learning model, this PG Certificate Course has …

Combining An Online And Problem-Based Approach: With Learning As The Common Denominator, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This paper describes the design and delivery of a specialised Online Learning (OL) module in a Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching for academic staff at a higher education institute in Ireland. It is designed and delivered online with the WebCT Online Learning Environment using a Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach, with an emphasis on group learning in a real life multi-disciplinary learning environment for the module participants. The aim of the OL/PBL module is to enable the academic staff participants to become aware of the practicalities of developing, co-ordinating, supporting and evaluating an online course in their own …

Planning And Developing An Interactive Computerised Tutorial For Learning In Higher Education., Roisin Donnelly, Michael Gorman

Articles

This paper describes how a researcher-lecturer in higher education attempted to identify, in her course, the constraints within which the teaching was required to operate. To better understand this particular problem area in her professional practice, it was necessary to take the student voice seriously and to suggest a possible solution to the problem. It appeared that the 'Information Technology' module on a specific postgraduate course was particularly unattractive to the postgraduate students required to take it. The solution proposed was to develop and introduce into the module a form of innovation in course development, namely a Computer Assisted Learning …

The Planning And Development Of An Interactive Computerized Information Technology Tutor For Postgraduate Students, Roisin Donnelly, Garry Patterson

Articles

This paper describes the design and implementation of a computer‐assisted learning tool to support the learning environment provided for postgraduate students following courses in Information Technology. The tool is called ‘ICITT’ — an acronym for Interactive Computerized Information Technology Tutor. The paper presents the unique aspects of this tool and the overall educational benefits of the system are briefly discussed.

An Interactive Computerised Assessment System., Roisin Donnelly

Articles

No abstract provided.