The Digital Switchover – ‘Architectural’ Technology Enhanced Learning

Today’s students are considered to be ‘digital natives’, the first to grow up immersed in new technology and using it as a communication, educational and social tool. Consequently thereis a growing expectation among students that technology will be to the forefront of their university experience. The above expectation puts pressure on lecturers, many of whom are ‘digital immigrants’, to utilise the latest technology to aid teaching, learning and assessment. This presentation explores how technology can be used to enhance the student experience with a focus on the Architectural Technology and Management programme at the University of Ulster. Over the last four years a number of innovative teaching, feedback and assessment methods have been integrated into the programme to try and enhance student performance, engagement and the overall learning experience. These innovations have included the use of video and screencasting technology as a teaching aid, screencasting as a feedback method, online assessment, quizzes to aid formative assessment and the development of a series of iBooks, incorporating video, text and interactive features to provide students with a comprehensive resource for their studies. The inclusion of such transferable technologies within the programme has received positive feedback from both students and academics, and the presentation will look at how similar techniques could be incorporated within other discipline areas.