THE DUCKLING PROJECT DELIVERING UNIVERSITY CURRICULA:
KNOWLEDGE, LEARNING AND INNOVATION GAINS
Dr A Armellini & Dr M NieBeyond Distance Research Alliance
21 April 2009
http://www.le.ac.uk/beyonddistance/duckling/
3 programmes, 2 disciplines, 2 years Online MA in Applied Linguistics and
TESOL
MSc Occupational Psychology
MSc Psychology of Work
Project started in January 2009Funded by JISC
Stakeholder involvementKey stakeholders:
Course teams Students Employers
Challenges for both teams Interaction between students and tutors Materials too ‘dry’ Personalisation Mobility and flexibility
Specific pedagogical challenges (so far!) Psychology: assessment and support
DissertationEssaysSupervision processThreshold conceptsResearch methodsFeedback provision
Education: learning and teachingUsing each medium for what it does best, e.g.
audio for varieties of English and discourse analysis
DUCKLING: 3 technologies to enhance curriculum delivery
Podcasting
E-book readers
Second Life
Psychology podcast series Dissertation podcast series
20-25 podcasts to enhance the supervision process
Module 1 podcast series15-20 podcasts to address research methods
challenges Threshold concepts
Currently being planned, within various modules Feedback to assignments & dissertation
4 podcasts so far
Producing Outstanding DissertationsKey concepts Sections Purpose Duration Who
Navigate handbookInformal supplement to handbook
1Introduction/InspireGet students to use handbook
1 min Andrew
SocialiseHelp at design stageSupervisors: who they are
2 State who we are & roles 2 mins All
Structure of dissertationDifferent routes 3 Explain/ Discuss
deliverables 4 mins Sue
Help you to do justice to workProcedures, adviceExpectations
4 Outline of the whole podcast series 2 mins Ray
Love your dissertation handbookKey concepts Sections Purpose Duration Who
Professional developmentHow handbook was developedPurpose & common issuesBenefits for students (dissertation less stressful!)
1
Provide link with 1st podcastHighlight utility of handbook‘Selling’ the handbook
3 mins Ray
Walk through main bitsSequence of the handbook 2
Highlight contentHow to maximise benefit
3 mins Sue
Continuous useQuick reference guide (e.g. marking criteria, plan structure)Start with the end in mind
3 How to use handbook 3 mins All
Link to BlackboardSupervisor’s roleGeneral advice
4Using it alongside the rest of supervision process
1 min Ray
What makes a good research question
Key concepts Sections Purpose Duration Who
Achievable?Novelty/repeat?Narrow/broad
1To highlight the importance of good, researchable questions
3 mins Andrew/Kelly
Read aroundOperational problemResearch issueDeveloping method/instrument
2 Explain focus/stimuli 3 mins Andrew/
Kelly
Private/public agendaStrength of idea to meet criteria 3
Explain aims you need to have in mind
3 mins Andrew/Kelly
Main points 4 Recap 1 min Andrew/Kelly
Education podcast series World Englishes series
Interview with BDRA colleaguesIntegrated into Module 3: Language, Discourse
and Society, SOCIOLINGUISTICS, Unit 3 World Englishes
Middle English series Phonology series Student-produced podcasts for learner-
learner interaction, study skills, time management, etc.
World Englishes examples Example 1 – Birmingham (6’ 30’’) Example 2 – Bulgaria (7’ 24’’)
Summary 1st iteration of curriculum delivery changes
implemented through the integration of podcasts
Interventions using SL and e-readers planned
Creative ideas already under discussion to address specific pedagogical challenges
Subsequent design and delivery interventions informed by action research loops
