Developing a Community of Practice Andrew Stiff: Course Leader MA Digital Arts, Camberwell College of Arts David Rowsell: Senior Research Fellow, IT Research and Development Unit University of the Arts London
Context Use of Blackboard VLE – By all of the University for last 4 years 40,000 VLE accounts First Online Distance courses MA Digital Arts - Started in 2001 Online Course - Started in 2004
Learning Design Pattern of activities on a weekly schedule Minimum of one Chat session per week Activities matched to Discussion Boards Weekly reflection submission Blogs and journals Weekly tutor feedback
AV Tools Building Block
Screen shot
MA forum (1) Forum for all MA students to talk about their courses and work Blended learning and blended modes of study Forum part of an assessed unit of study Theme ‘What is Digital Art’
MA Forum (2) Created a ‘Common Room’ Blackboard site Student organised chat sessions Presentation by both sets of students Online students presented through the AV Tools Building Block F2f students presented live Live dialogue between online and f2f students (audio and Chat)
MA Forum (3) Projections in the seminar room showing student work and live video feed
Bartlett school of Architecture Theme ‘Digital Space’ Lecture Lecture and debate Online as ‘Virtual Actors’ Classroom is Virtual Classroom is Transient
Virtual Actors Tutor and live video projection
Virtual Actors Tutor and projected student work
Why is blending important? For Online students it: Enhances the Camberwell Experience Gives a physicality (sense of place) to Camberwell Widens the debate (increased “voices”) Develops a focal point for learning Expands the research and resource pool
Why is blending important? For F2F students it: Enhances the Camberwell Experience Widens the debate Aids understanding of the “agency” of the virtual environment Expands the research and resource pool
Evaluation: Feedback Enriched communication between students Active learning through participation in a live event Using technology outside of project work Debates around subject enhanced Deeper questioning of student’s own practice
Future Collaborations Bartlett School of Architecture Critical debates PGPD Final show
Thank you for your attention Andrew Stiff David Rowsell