Workshop – Patricia Xavier

Using tablets/ laptops/ phones to teach interactively in large groups.

Can we increase student engagement and learning by connecting to their digital devices (laptops, tablets, phones etc.), or does this enhance distraction ?

The College of Engineering has moved to a ‘paperless’ teaching environment since 2013/14. Paper notes are no longer provided to Levels I and II, requiring all students to access their notes on blackboard using the internet. This has led to a fundamental shift in the way students access learning material and has resulted in a high proportion of students bringing their own devices to lectures.

There are different levels of engagement with devices from teaching staff. The default option is to simply store all learning material on blackboard. However, having all student devices connected to the internet offers the potential for levels of interaction that can enhance even large classes of up to 300 students.

This interactive session will explore and demonstrate the concept of BYOD (bring your own device) in HE, and share the experiences of lecturers who have used software, websites and apps that connect directly to student devices. The opportunities, pitfalls and lessons learned will be discussed.

You must bring your own device to this session to be able to participate fully.

The aim of the session is to expose the delegates to useful and easy to use software that can help their teaching.

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