Technology for the sake of it, I don’t think so!

Technology for the sake of it’ This is one of the most common statements I hear when running learning design sessions with academic and support staff at Ulster University. It’s a valid one and I couldn’t agree more. Technology should not be used without sound pedagogic reasoning and relevance to learning outcomes. My challenge as a curriculum design consultant is to encourage the appropriate, scalable and accessible use of technology that is pedagogically sound which not only meets an educational need, but also enhances it. In the past, I have used Jisc’s viewpoint cards in learning and curriculum design workshops to start the debate and encourage reflection, this has been very successful, however staff often leave with the start of a plan to work on themselves due to the time bound nature of the sessions. When designing the workshop for the Apps for Active Learning pilot which focussed on Nearpod and Aurasma I wanted staff to leave with a plan for at least one session, the confidence to deliver it (Plan A, B and C) and a support network around them. How did I achieve this? The session was planned around 4 aspects: Mind map of tools based on viewpoints cards – encouraging reflection of current practice and how to enhance it; Storyboarding – planning based on reflections; Technology training – putting the plan into practice; Coffee for continued support – regular catch-ups creating a community of practice (the most important bit).
This workshop session will utilise Nearpod with ALTC delegates using their own devices (BYOD) to share the practice I have gained over the last 2 years to encourage Ulster staff to utilise technology to enhance the student learning experience in face-to-face, blended and distance learning environments. Participation in this session will be facilitated using the interactive tools within Nearpod, such as polling, quizzes and the draw it tool. It’s not just about staff, students have to be on-board too, I will also reflect on inducting students, feedback from students and the challenges to engagement with using technology in the classroom, such as not all students having a device, battery issues, Wifi issues, aging infrastructure, environments and a passive learning culture.