Conference presentation
Improving learning experiences by building collaborative and co-operative networks through the integration of work integrated learning (WIL) and social media technologies in assessment tasks
2011 Learning & Teaching Week Program and Abstracts Book, p.25
Learning & Teaching Week, 2011 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 19-Sep-2011–23-Sep-2011)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2011
Abstract
Demands of globalisation mean educational leaders need to find innovative curriculum solutions suitable for a diverse, "always on" audience. In 2010, social media technologies (e.g. Facebook) and WIL were embedded within assessment tasks to create the opportunity for a collaborative cycle of learning whereby: the lecturer teaches the student, who teaches the business, who teaches the student who shares their experiences with the lecturer and other students, who each share the information and knowledge gained to the wider community. This research hypothesises that this approach facilitates the building of networks between university staff, students and local businesses that will positively affect learning outcomes including: the building of co-operative relationships with the local business community; improvement of graduate destination opportunities (employability); enrichment of the student experience and positively affect retention. This is an ongoing study. Qualitative and quantitative questions and social network analysis are being used to map and analyse the relationships emanating from the lecturer (as the central node). Preliminary results reveal over three quarters (76%) of students stated the use of social media enhanced their learning, increased their enjoyment of the course (TSM313), improved their networking opportunities and incorporating a WIL project positively influenced their desire to continue studying at USC. Qualitative responses revealed this approach increased levels of student engagement and interaction resulting in a high quality learning experience with 'authentic', 'real-world' relevance. Comments from business supervisors indicated that working with, and learning from, students gave them the confidence to further investigate other innovations within their businesses.
Details
- Title
- Improving learning experiences by building collaborative and co-operative networks through the integration of work integrated learning (WIL) and social media technologies in assessment tasks
- Authors
- Vikki Schaffer (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Business
- Additional notes
- Award: Best presentation.
- Publication details
- 2011 Learning & Teaching Week Program and Abstracts Book, p.25
- Conference details
- Learning & Teaching Week, 2011 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 19-Sep-2011–23-Sep-2011)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2011
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448889802621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
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