Changing the learning landscape Enhancing fieldwork learning with the use of technology Julian Park, Alice Mauchline (University of Reading), Derek France, Katherine Welsh (University of Chester), Brian Whalley (University of Sheffield).

Changing the learning landscape Objectives of session To describe the Enhancing Fieldwork Learning project and resources To discuss the benefits and challenges of using technology/social media for fieldwork To consider and try a few examples…

Changing the learning landscape Technology line up I use little or no web 2.0 technology in my teaching I use some web 2.0 technology in my teaching Web 2 and social media are an integral part of my teaching I use quite a bit of technology and social media in my teaching

Changing the learning landscape Reasons why fieldwork is important Tutors' most important reasons from 2010 survey: 1To experience real biology 2To learn key practical skills (including taxonomic skills, quantitative methods, observation, field sampling etc.) 3To enthuse and motivate students 4To develop group and social cohesion and learning 5To develop professional skills (including teamworking, IT skills presentational skills etc.)

Changing the learning landscape Use of Technology in Fieldwork Aim – To enhance student learning during fieldwork through the use of technology Investigating use of mobile technologies to enhance learning including concept of Bring Your Own Device Website for technically oriented fieldwork teaching resources Change workshops and wild weekendswild weekends

Changing the learning landscape Use of Technology in Fieldwork What are the benefits? What are the barriers?

Changing the learning landscape Benefits for use of technology in fieldwork Welsh et al. (in press) Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with technology: practitioners perspectives. JGHE Tutors' most important reasons from 2011 survey: 1Cost; availability of kit, cost to buy & maintain, risk of losing/damaging equipment, roaming charges, insurance 2Reliability of kit/durability in rugged conditions 3Staff competence/confidence/imagination 4Student concerns; reluctance/competence, reluctance to use own equipment, dont all have same devices 5Staff preparation time/keeping up to date with technology

Changing the learning landscape Barriers to the use of technology in fieldwork Tutors' most important reasons from 2011 survey: 1Data processing; faster, easier, storage, security, sharing & analysis in field, improved accuracy 2Skill development; general ICT skills, subject-specific technologies e.g. GPS, employability 3Post-fieldwork revision/reflection/reporting 4Enhancing the learning experience 5Facilitate communication; between students in the field, between countries, between field and base, for safety Welsh et al. (in press) Enhancing Fieldwork Learning with technology: practitioners perspectives. JGHE

Changing the learning landscape When? Pre phase – Video and audio (LOs, feed forward, site spec, assessment criteria) – Set up a communication group (BB, twitter, yammer) – Introduce useful apps Peri phase – Apps in the field – Data collection and spreadsheets – Group communication – Recording via geo-referenced photos, videos, fotobabble etc Post Phase – Collating and sharing data – Video and audio diaries – Group documents like Wikis

Changing the learning landscape Fieldwork apps Ruggedized, waterproof case ipads in fieldwork…

Changing the learning landscape ihe 2014: First International Conference on the use of iPads in Higher Education: Challenging the boundaries of learning and teaching in HE Dates: March 2014, Paphos, Cyprus

Changing the learning landscape The benefits/ barriers identified Barrieripad Cost From ~ £300 Buy class set & share? BYOD Reliability/durability Ruggedized case Staff competence Take a look at the EFL project website for examples of good practice….& have a go! Student concerns Staff preparation time Benefitipad Data processing Skill development Post-fieldwork reflection Enhancing the learning experience Facilitate communication, pre, during and post

Changing the learning landscape Students thoughts on ipads

Changing the learning landscape Try a few apps.....but there are many more Geomeasure: the area of hyde park Skitch: Annotate a photo and store in dropbox Photobabble: have a go and tweet it Splice Pocket birds Quake watch Leaf Snap Clinometer igeology Twitter Yammer Youtube Pinterest Evernote

Changing the learning landscape The enterprise social network A secure, private social network Similar to Facebook, but closed for private communication within organizations or between pre-designated groups Ideal for communication before, during & after fieldwork or other group working events

Changing the learning landscape Yammer case study Used for a hazard assessment response scenario Based on hypothetical eruption of M Vesuvius Follows visit for onsite exploration & study of area Students subjected to an emergency simulation given plans, protocols, maps, flow data etc. Only given Yammer for communication Must act as Hazard Analysis Officer to manage the situation Miller & France (2012) Developing a Web 2.0 technology for hazard response simulation. Proceedings HEA-STEM Annual Conference

Changing the learning landscape Usefulness of the case.... Benefits of Yammer: Effective risk communication Critical decision making skills Resource utilisation Experience and confidence-building Analyse Yammer activity & assess feedback to deepen understanding following the exercise

Postcard ideas to myself

Changing the learning landscape Thank you and feedback on twitter please