Simple Sense

Simple SenseAn implementation of A Short Programming course for students unable to access an online tutorial

About Me.Im Peter Scott and I am a tutor on the Open University Module TU100 My digital LifeIm also frustrated!My presentation at the H818 Conference will discuss why I am frustrated and what I am trying to do about it.

Why am I frustrated?You know how it is, you prepare for an online tutorial

Why am I frustrated?You upload your slidesYou open up the online tutorialAnd you wait....

Why am I frustrated?......And you wait!

Why am I frustrated?Then nobody turns up! So, Is that why I am frustrated?No, not really.

My frustrations.TU100 is a level 1 module.A large amount of the module focuses on developing learning skills.Content covered in online tutorials is frequently the area students trip up on in TMAs.So why dont students turn up?

Reasons for non attendanceI conducted a straw poll in my tutor group.Reasons given included:Time or day was not convenientIm shy of speaking in a new groupIsnt the same stuff covered in the programming guide?The pace is either too fast or too slow.

Addressing the problems.Working together is a Key learning skill in the modern world of education.My project is based on the creation of a Mini MOOC called simple senseThe site is created using Moodlecloud and activities are available so that learners can collaborate online at a time suiting them.Underpinned by a connectivist approach to learning.

Simple SenseSense is the programming toolkit we use to teach TU100 students programmingMy project is aimed at complementing the existing online tutorialsThe course is also Available for refreshing existing knowledge or revisiting programming topicsA range of challenging programming Problems available to be solved

Did it work?My presentation to the H818 conference will discuss:The theory behind the projectHow I implemented the projectThe challenges encountered along the wayHow students accessing the project site responded to itHow my fellow TU100 tutors reacted to it

The ConferenceDid I achieve my aims? Find out at the H818 Conference.My presentation will take place on Monday 15th February 2016 The conference is open between 18:00 and 21:15.Come along and find out more, you know it makes sense