Getting the Romans Online: e-learning, student engagement and contextual knowledge in the humanities Dr James Gerrard & Emma Gooch History, Classics and Archaeology

Motivations Increased fees and concerns (real and perceived) about ‘value for money’ Student focus on high value summative assessments > Deep strategic learning at expense of breadth Threshold Concepts / Contextual Knowledge Need to explore online resources and use them to their full potential Continuous formative assessment – enabling students to gauge their progress

NWE Bursary Following discussions within Archaeology it was decided to use a NWE bursary to develop e-learning for UG Roman period modules Wanted student involvement in the design and development process Formal application process and interview > careers skills Emma Gooch Stage 3 Anc. Hist. and Arch. appointed in December 2013.

Application Process Student Perspective Formal process Application – Career’s Service advice Interview – Invaluable experience Outcome

General Tests Aims To have wide-ranging applicability To enhance knowledge of threshold concepts To provide revision aids Geography of the Roman Empire: Early Provinces I Series Dates Images of Emperors Geography of the Roman Empire

Module-Specific Tests Aims To enhance and broaden learning within modules To provide visually-stimulating learning resources To encourage the learning of key information Examples Anatomy of a Roman Fort Anatomy of an Early Byzantine Church Hadrian’s Wall Forts Identification Antonine Wall Forts Identification Anatomy of a Roman Fort

Resource-Based Tests Aims To encourage use of Module Handbooks To promote interaction with key resources Examples Late Roman Amphorae Buckles and Burials at Lankhills

Late Roman Amphorae: Types Identification Test

Feedback Positive Progressive Advisory Multiple attempt enabled tests Incorrect Feedback Try revising the form and notable characteristics of Late Roman Amphora types, which makes it easier to distinguish between the different forms. Useful sources to aid your revision include: rb_2005/index.cfm Hayes, J.W. (1997) Handbook of Mediterranean Roman Pottery. London: British Museum Press. Peacock, D.P.S (1982) Pottery in the Roman World: An Ethnoarchaeological Approach. London: Longman. The image used here was sourced from: 005/zoom.cfm?id=236&img=PEC335&CFID=72514&CFTOKEN=8888F C A1BF6AF

The Resource Created Approximately 45 tests Variety of question types to engage interest Range of key topic areas covered Suitable for use across modules Personal progress awareness (Students)

Benefits Value added to courses Enhances learning Students can assess progress (so can staff) Forces students to engage with resources ‘Fun’ / addictive Cost effective Automatically assessed Frees up time and resources