Active apps: using content curation apps to facilitate active engagement in flexible learning environments

This project aims to ascertain the perceived effectiveness of using content curation digital apps in active learning environments upon student learning and engagement. Specifically it focuses on the use of content curation apps that can be used in class as part of active learning sessions. It is anticipated that they will encourage students to bring their own device for learning (BYOD4L) and engage in active and collaborative learning. The proliferation of ‘smart’ mobile devices amongst the population has filtered through to virtually all industries and spheres of business including that of education. This project builds upon existing pedagogic research in relation to the use of pre-existing mobile content curation apps that can organise and present subject specific information for students to access through their smartphones or tablet devices. Bolan and Kearney (2015) and Bolan et al (2016) have found that students are highly receptive to such a resource for their studies, and their use results in much higher engagement, rates of access and usage than more traditional academic sources, thus indicating the huge potential to harness digital technology as an active learning resource. On-going data gathering through a range of techniques including student focus groups and staff reflective logs is taking place between September 2016 and May 2017, aiming to ascertain the implications for social and collaborative learning, encouraging students to take more ownership of their own learning and moving beyond ‘teacher-centred to ‘student-centred’ learning.