Listening to the student voice: Evaluating student experiences of e-learning Helen Lyons, Carin Fyfe and Rebecca Trewarne Sheffield Hallam University

“A commitment to reviewing [student] feedback, making enhancements where appropriate and communicating responses to students has encouraged students to share a sense of ownership in the e-learning development agenda” OBHE/ACU Consultants Report HEA/JISC e-learning benchmarking exercise

Consistent with previous research – holistic, qualitative, focus on understanding the day to day activities and challenges that face students Method –Pre-Study Questionnaire –Diary –Post-Study Interview

Overview of Findings What makes a good module site? Think about your learning experience without technology. How would it be different and why? Describe your last assessment and how technology could have been used. How important is e-learning to your overall learning experience?

Carin Fyfe Part-time Postgraduate student MSc Management Distance learning course

Current Experience Current learning experience predominantly paper-based 4 of my 10 modules have resources on blackboard Blackboard used inconsistently / sporadically by tutors

Distance learning can be challenging Mix of media could enhance learning experience –paper-based pack delivers theoretical content –dynamic e-learning content complements pack Online student forum –advice and reassurance –post questions –user-added content, sharing useful resources

Rebecca Trewarne Full-time Undergraduate student Advanced Diploma Nursing

Current Experience All modules are currently supported by Blackboard Blackboard provides a central location for course information Assumption of students technical ability

Sites need to have a clear purpose A more consistent site design would make it easier to navigate sites Barriers to Communication –Connect students with tutors –Connect students with other students –Allow development of full potential

What next? Informing the direction of Corporate Plan Confirmation of importance of rationale & structure “You said, we did” and “They said, you could” Next phase – what to drill into

Any Questions? Helen Lyons