Question time: stimulating participation in lectures via mobile devices

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Question timestimulating participation in
lectures via mobile devices

• Ben Abell
• Biosciences
• Sheffield Hallam University

2
Lecture-based learning

• Problems- students easily become passive
  learners- discussion hard to promote and
  manage
• Project aim- promote student participation
  using mobile devices- using online questions

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Context

• Level 4 Biosciences module
• Plant physiology and anatomy- whole plants to
  molecular detail at cellular, DNA and protein
  level- photosynthesis and biochemical pathways
• 40 students
• Typical structure- 15-30 min chunks of lecture
  material using Powerpoint- questions included in
  slides- 5-10 min breaks to discuss questions-
  class discussion

4
Technology

• Audience response systems- powerful, but need to
  manage equipment and software
• Text responses- ConnectTxt links with
  Blackboard- Polleverywhere now combines txt and
  web responses, but limited numbers (40 is free),
  and less control over saving questions and
  different question types
• Web responses via Google Docs Forms- free using
  Google account- using excel-type question
  sheet- range of question types- easily saved
  and modified

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Setting up the form
Open Google Docs
Forms app
Enter questions
Go to live form
QR codes?
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Using Google Forms
Access the live form using a weblink Long
version https//docs.google.com/spreadsheet/view
form?formkeydFRxWjhJZHU2Q1FuVFBYc1lrZ1JCMWc6MQgi
d0
Shortened using goo.gl online http//goo.gl/Z5iMr
- Also tracks devices and browser used
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Using Google Forms via QR code
QR code apps availablee.g. i-nigma for
iPhone Fast direction to weblink
http//goo.gl/Z5iMr
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Using Google Formssession structure
Lecture for 15-30 min
Group Qs 5-10 min
Discussresponses 5-10 min
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Student experience

• Survey of 40 students, 37 responses
• Generally positive would like more use of
  quizzes, and online is preferred method
• Most valued aspects- Staying alert and enjoying
  session- Peer learning (groups 2-4)- Learning
  facts- BUT NOT understanding concepts

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(Some) problems solutions
Problem Solutions
Access to mobile device Training on accessing web and QR codes Group quizzes Provide iPod Touch or iPad
Mainly fact recall Set some complex and open ended questions
Class management Ensure easy access Structured timing
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Acknowledgements

• Susannah Diamond and mobile learning project
• Robin Gissing (HWB e-learning)
• Plant Physiology students