Department of Classics, Ancient History and Egyptology Pompeii by Pebblepad Dr. Joanne Berry j.t.berry@swansea.ac.uk Department of Classics, Ancient History and Egyptology Swansea University

‘Pompeii and the cities of vesuvius’ My aim: To design a non-traditional form of student assessment that would encourage: Creativity Team-work Research-skills Self-reflection

‘Pompeii and the cities of vesuvius’ My solution: Websites to be created by teams of 4 or 5 students, with: Images, Bibliography Student bios Links to other sources of information Individual student blogs

Pompeii by Pebblepad A platform for creating a collaborative website, with individual blogs for ‘open’ reflection. Each student responsible for a set of pages, but all responsible for design and cohesive presentation. = all students had to contribute equally to get a good grade.

Pebblepad training

teamwork Groups were self-selecting and mixed gender Problem groups (!)

Student feedback ‘The blogs were fun to write for the webfolio. It allowed us to give our opinions on the whole project.’ ‘Web-folio design was a great assessment that challenges students in different ways than an essay would.’ ‘I enjoyed the coursework of creating a webfolio, it was an interesting way of translating what I learned in lectures into a piece of assessable work.’ ‘The blog element of the module was great because it allows you to reflect on what you've actually learned and keep up to date with deadlines.’ ‘I really liked the way in which this module was assessed. The Web project is a very effective way to get the student to learn a topic in great detail and is something different to writing an essay.’

Student feedback ‘The blogs were fun to write for the webfolio. It allowed us to give our opinions on the whole project.’ ‘Web-folio design was a great assessment that challenges students in different ways than an essay would.’ ‘I enjoyed the coursework of creating a webfolio, it was an interesting way of translating what I learned in lectures into a piece of assessable work.’ ‘The blog element of the module was great because it allows you to reflect on what you've actually learned and keep up to date with deadlines.’ ‘I really liked the way in which this module was assessed. The Web project is a very effective way to get the student to learn a topic in great detail and is something different to writing an essay.’

Lessons learned By me By the students Some students are reluctant to try new things! They need support and guidance to recognize the value of new types of assessment. Students can do well when they attempt new things in a structured and controlled way. They realized they were learning new skills. They realised these skills would help with the transition to employment. They enjoyed being creative. They enjoyed working in groups (mostly!)

Student comments on pebblepad

To sum up: Recognizable transferable skills. Clear value of regularly reflecting on work and progress. Students had to step outside their comfort zones and attempt something completely new. Students gained confidence in their ability to face new challenges in a positive and constructive manner.

j.t.berry@ swansea.ac.uk Thank you!