“Increasing Learners’ Engagement”
An ETF Funded OTLA Digital Project
What Have We Done So Far?
As of 10th September 2018, we’ve had our first lessons with our learners. These sessions introduced the use of the digital platforms. We have also conducted surveys to ascertain learners’ usage of specific social media applications and asked them if they agree that particular social media applications and sites could be used for educational purposes.
Teachers have produced schemes of work showing how they are incorporating social media into their lessons and some have started to use Padlet with their students (see example of class Padlet below).
Checking the project’s progress will be measured over the coming weeks via evaluation forms and a preliminary focus group. Data for last year’s attendance is still being currently gathered and will be crosschecked with current data for comparison. Finally, a feedback form will be completed weekly by learners to measure how beneficial they found that week’s usage of the digital platform in lessons.
What Have We Learned So far?
Young learners are enthusiastic about using snapchat and were really surprised that teachers even knew about it!
Perhaps, surprisingly, adult students are very open and willing to try new ideas! Although only about 20% of each cohort involved in this project use social media in their daily lives, many are willing to learn and use the apps to improve their learning.
Unfortunately, not all adult students are able to participate outside of class due to different factors - (no smartphone, no Wi-Fi at home, not enough data on phone etc.) - these students are encouraged to use the facilities provided in the College Library in order to ensure that they are not left out.
Overall, the project is gathering pace and some momentum. Teachers are very positive about the ‘buzz’ which using different digital apps brings into their lessons.