using blackboard for blended learning delivering the geography curriculum at kingston college...

Using Blackboard for blended learning

Delivering the Geography curriculum at Kingston College

Blackboard Regional User GroupTransforming Institutions – Transforming Learning

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Blackboard RUG 1st March 2006 Transforming Institutions – Transforming Learning

Outline

Blackboard and curriculum delivery Advantages and disadvantages

Why use Blackboard for A-level Geography? Teaching geography online

Key functions and their applications

Evaluating online delivery Lessons for the future

Kingston College implementation of the Blackboard virtual learningenvironment to promote learning and teaching in A-level Geography

Kingston College implementation of the Blackboard virtual learningenvironment to promote learning and teaching in A-level Geography

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Blackboard and A-level Geography

A range of functions… Learning materials Multimedia delivery Assessment Communication &

collaboration Tracking, monitoring

and user management

Blackboard implemented at Kingston College in 2001

Key component of ILT strategy

Still exploring most productive use!

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Why use Blackboard?

Advantages Provides a suite of integrated

tools for enhancing learning Provides balance between

ease of use and flexibility Simple to create and publish

content Supports students working at

their own, place, time and pace

(Relatively) easy to create interactive learning resources

Consistent interface Supports a range of teaching

& learning methods

Disadvantages Not all students have access

to networked PCs Preparing and delivering

VLE-based learning activities takes time

Designing high-quality e-learning resources and activities is difficult

Students take a while to adjust to new ways of working

Online technology does not, in itself, lead to effective learning or teaching

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Why use Blackboard in A-level Geography?

Engage students and stimulate learning

Caters for a range of learning styles

Provides structure and coherence

Multi-sensory and interactive opportunities

Decision made to step-upapplication of Blackboard froma supplementary to a focal resource for 2003-4 and further Extend this 2004-5. Heavy use during 2005-6.

Decision made to step-upapplication of Blackboard froma supplementary to a focal resource for 2003-4 and further Extend this 2004-5. Heavy use during 2005-6.

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Teaching geography online

AQA A-Level Specification A

A2 component Replaced a single

1 hour session each week

Students required to spend 2 hours online

Support… Induction and review sessions Fieldwork Documentation

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Organising the course

Discussion forums

Links to gradebook, glossary etcWeekly online lesson link

Main areas for learning content

Induction activities etc

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Accessing the materials

Interactive scheme or work

Announcements Tasks How-to guide…

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Using Blackboard

Key functions Announcements Text Images Web links Tasks Learning Units Content packages Multimedia Tests Surveys Discussion Board Assignments

Key functions Announcements Text Images Web links Tasks Learning Units Content packages Multimedia Tests Surveys Discussion Board Assignments

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Discussion Board

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Tests and assignments

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Evaluating online delivery

What worked well Greater flexibility for

students and staff Framework for

learning Short self-contained

activities Re-use of the materials

What worked less well Technical problems Navigation Superficial engagement

of some students Type of interaction Feedback

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The future of Geography online?

There is a role for e-learning with 16-19 year olds

As a supplement to face-to-face lessons New opportunities are provided

Geography can benefit from these Students need lots of guidance, support and

encouragements Don’t make assumptions about skills

High quality materials and presentation are critical

Technical developments will encourage greater efficiency, versatility and interaction

using blackboard for blended learning delivering the geography curriculum at kingston college...

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