using google+ communities to enhance student feedback and learning

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Using Google Plus Communities to enhance student feedback and Learning Neil Everill - Information and Learning Technology Officer Biomedical Science.

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Page 1: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

Using Google Plus Communities to enhance

student feedback and LearningNeil Everill - Information and Learning Technology Officer

Biomedical Science.

Page 2: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

For the 2014/15 academic year, BMS implemented the University’s Google+ ‘communities’ platform as a feedback channel between staff and UG students.

• To provide supplementary information for lectures and coursework material etc.

Aims:

• To provide answers to student-based questions arising from:• Lectures/Practicals (i.e. questions asked to staff at the end)• Emails directed to staff members individually

• To act as a general hub of activity and communication.

i.e. BMS Office information, news items, links, reminders, careers events etc.

• To encourage staff/student participation and peer feedback.

Page 3: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

Background

We’ve used year level (or module) discussion forums for the past 12 years, or so, on various platforms:

• MUSE• MOLE• uSpace

Some years have been moderately successful but generally these forums are underused by BMS students and ranked low as an effective learning tool.

Page 4: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

Reasons for inactivity/lack of engagement:

Unattractive platforms (Mole ‘clunky’, uSpace ‘un-locatable’)

Visibility. For example, students had to access a mole course to check for new postings (inadequate notification methods on many platforms)Identity – some students unwilling to ask questions or contribute to postings on a public platform. Prefer to email staff members (or have face-to-face teaching time).Mobility – restricted to desktop computers/laptops (accessibility)

However, we know students are active users of discussion forums, but more in a social media context (Facebook, Twitter) than educational.

We wanted to see if a more attractive and ‘accessible’ platform with a ‘social media feel’ would encourage our students to participate in a formal learning context.

Page 5: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

Why Google+ ?

It’s part of the full suite of educational Google Apps installed on the Sheffield University domain.

Every UoS member (staff or student) has an account.

Communities can be created and restricted to University members only (private).

Attractive user interface. Simple to use.

Mobile and tablet friendly with the Google+ App.

Page 6: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

Setting up

We set up three BMS UG communities – one for each year level

Each restricted to the University of SheffieldAnyone can join as long as they’re part of the UoS.Let members search for the Community and join manually - or you can send invitations, post a link from a mole course etc.

Page 7: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

Accessing Google+Once you’ve joined a community, access is simple. Login to MUSE and access any of the Google Apps. Gmail for example.

Click on the Plus link

From the drop-down of the G+ front page menu select Communities.

You can also link in through email notifications or directly with the Google+ App on modular devices.

Page 8: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

Example – BMS UG Level 2 Community

General post

Users can reply to this post here

Lecture FB post

Members can post new messages from hereEmail notification settings

Page 9: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

Using the Hashtag to group topics and module codes

Hash-tagging a module code means topics can be filtered. For example clicking on the #BMS235 link opens all posts related to BMS235.

Page 10: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

With the Google+ App, the platform is accessible on mobile and tablet devices.

Email notifications inform users of new posts

Google+ is mobile and responsive.

Page 11: Using Google+ Communities to Enhance Student Feedback and Learning

Summary

Overall, the Google+ Communities have proved a very effective communication tool

Easy to set up and for members to join. Student membership is high for each level.

Efficient (and productive) way for staff to give different types of feedback. i.e. emailed questions are posted to the community rather than emailed back to the individual (names withheld). The year level or class benefits as a whole.

Has proved effective for distribution of targeted year level information as well.

Email notifications means users can receive updates without having to access the community. Alternatively, the Google+ App notifies of new posts.Students are engaging but appear happy to use the platform as a feedback mechanism rather than posting directly.High number of BMS and external staff using the platform. We hope to encourage more next year.