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Centre for Academic Practice

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/29

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Author: search.filters.author.Peacock, Susi

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    An exploration into the importance of a sense of belonging for online learners
    (Athabasca University, 2020-04-30) Peacock, Susi; Cowan, John; Irvine, Lindesay; Williams, Jane
    Online learning provides flexible learning opportunities but with it come notable issues. Fostering a sense of belonging and a personal connection is seen as fundamental by many educational researchers regardless of the learning environment. For online learners, nurturing a sense of belonging may present a way of improving their experiences and attainment as well as reducing attrition rates. Limited research has explored specifically sense of belonging and online learning. This article addresses that gap and reports a small-scale exploratory study using qualitative data collection and analysis methods to investigate its importance, or not, for postgraduates’ online education, by exploring the origins and nature of their lived experience of online learning and their sense of belonging therein. Our initial findings emphasise its importance for them as online learners and has identified three significant themes: interaction/engagement; the culture of the learning; and support. These early findings highlight the importance of their role in promoting a sense of belonging and in ensuring that there are opportunities for meaningful group and peer interactions and will be of interest to all engaged in online education
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    Supporting staff transitions into online learning: A networking approach
    (Edinburgh Napier University, 2018-09-05) Peacock, Susi; DePlacido, Christine
    As online programmes in higher education continue to grow in number, the literature identifies emerging areas of concern. Whilst appreciating the flexibility and accessibility of online learning, learners often experience challenges in balancing their professional and personal lives whilst studying. In addition, such students have complained that their online educational experiences may be irrelevant and inappropriate, with tutors having limited presence or interest. Online learners’ experiences are contingent upon the skills and characteristics of the tutors, who face the challenges of changing and developing practices, such as taking a more student-centred approach in order to provide opportunities that foster deep learning. Current, familiar practices may no longer be appropriate. There is a need to support tutors as they develop and expand their practices, facilitating familiarity and confidence with the opportunities afforded by a range of technologies. Research indicates that communities of practice as a form of staff development may assist tutors in this transition. This paper shares the early experiences of a recently formed Network for online tutors at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland. This community of practice was based upon an adapted Community of Inquiry Framework (Peacock & Cowan, 2016). The Network, endorsed by management, was launched in 2017, with two co-leads, one from an educational development unit and one from the School of Health Science. Sub groups, all led by members of the Network, were subsequently developed to look at specific aspects of online delivery and development within the University. The purpose of the Network and the successes achieved in the first academic year are outlined. The challenges arising in the early stages of implementing the Network are reported, and proposals for progress in the next academic year are discussed. Finally, suggestions are offered to those embarking on a similar endeavour.
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    How do diverse groups of learners in the health sciences respond to a new virtual learning environment?
    (Queen Margaret University College, 2005-06) Peacock, Susi; Hooper, Julie; Learning Teaching Support Network for Health Sciences
    Aims of the project In the original proposal, the stated aims of this research were to: 'Investigate learners' responses to their first exposure to a new learning experience in a VLE Examine learners' attitudes to the VLE as an effective learning environment through the project Compare and contrast attitudes to a VLE in two different physiotherapy programmes.' Objectives of the project The main objective of the research (as stated in the original proposal) was to provide a detailed analysis into the experience of two specific and differing physiotherapy student cohorts who were new to using VLEs in the learning experience. We aimed to: 'Provide an overview of the literature on the use and value of VLEs in the health sciences. This will focus specifically on initial learner attitudes to Information Technology in learning Conduct a study exploring students' reactions to, and participation in a VLE during the lifetime of the project Identify issues in preparing students in the use of a VLE drawn from diverse groups Evaluate the findings of the study which will: Review students attitudes to the use of a VLE in physiotherapy programmes Highlight individual, social and technical barriers for the meaningful implementation of the VLE from the student perspective Consider the potential for VLEs for the health science community as a whole as well as to the individual lecturer Raise awareness, throughout the duration of the project, of the potential roles of VLE in improving students learning.'
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    Using feedback and ePortfolios to support professional competence in healthcare learners
    (AABRI, 2012-07) Peacock, Susi; Scott, Alison; Murray, Sue; Morss, K.
    This article presents a learner-centric approach to feedback for healthcare students based upon current research literature and the authors' own research into student experiences of feedback using ePortfolios. Feedback is essential for all learners but for healthcare learners failure to engage with feedback may impact on patient care with potentially life-threatening consequences. Therefore, the aim of this practical approach is to support learners in the development of their professional competency and identity through deeper and broader engagement with feedback facilitated through learner-generated internal reflective and external dialogues. Such an approach requires learners to broaden their conceptual understandings of feedback, embracing its different forms and types regardless of when it is provided and by whom. Learners are also required to become active agents in the feedback process seeking out feedback opportunities in all their learning environments within and outwith academia. Fundamental to the approach is the ePortfolio providing a highly flexible, integrative environment for learners to create, record, collect and collate feedback over a period of study which can be used for reflective dialogue, appraisal of current progress and to plan for future learning activities. Practical tutor guidance is provided and the suitability of this approach for other disciplines is also discussed.
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    Tutor response to implementing an ePortfolio to support learning and personal development in further and higher education institutions in Scotland.
    (John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2010-09) Peacock, Susi; Gordon, Lisi; Murray, Sue; Morss, K.; Dunlop, G.
    Emergent research indicates that electronic portfolios (ePortfolios) can have a positive impact on the learning experience, but there are significant challenges-pedagogical and technological-which may limit their effectiveness. This paper contributes to research by providing further evidence about such challenges from the tutor perspective and offers suggestions about how institutions may address these issues. The paper draws upon 23 semi-structured interviews conducted with tutors in a range of subject areas, from Scottish further and higher education. Tutors were positive about the role that ePortfolios could play in the learning environment to encourage personal development and a more reflective approach to studies, assist student transition and, in some cases, support assessment. Concerns were raised, however, relating to moving paper-based assessed portfolios online, the legal issues of implementing an ePortfolio and the technical robustness and flexibility of systems. Barriers were identified regarding tutors' lack of understanding about personal development and reflection, and their role in the academic environment, initiative fatigue and lack of access to information technology. It was felt that these could be overcome, especially with long-term institutional commitment, significant staff development and the creation of tutor support networks. These findings should assist academics, staff developers and managers to implement an effective institutional ePortfolio solution.
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    Using roundtables to impact on staff development : a case study to improve staff awareness of accessibility legislation
    (ALT/TechDis, 2002) Peacock, Susi; Ross, D.; Skelton, J.; Phipps, Lawrie; Seale, Jane; Sutherland, Allan
    Recent legislation in the United Kingdom, including the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act 2001 (SENDA), as well as the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Code of Practice concerning disabled students [1], has significantly impacted on the learning and teaching environment in post-16 education. One of the key barriers for institutions is the lack of staff awareness with regard to accessibility, which is compounded by a resource-scarce environment: lack of time and money. This chapter describes the development and planned deployment of a module in a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) at Queen Margaret University College (QMUC), Edinburgh.
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    From pioneers to partnerships : the changing voices of staff developers
    (Swets and Zeitlinger, 2003-01-01) Littlejohn, A.; Peacock, Susi; Seale, Jane
    The aims of the book are to use the topic of institutional implementation to present a review of the impact of learning technology on tertiary education over the past few years; and to highlight and discuss key changes and developments that are shaping present and future activities and consider the implications for individual enthusiasts who work in the field of learning technology. The book outlines the context in which individual enthusiasts have operated and institutional implementation has occurred over the last ten years.;Four key themes are highlighted throughout the book: the individual enthusiast and their role in institutional implementation; the institutional enthusiast and their role in local and global e-learning initiatives; finding the evidence to justify enthusiasm and underpin implementation; and reinventing the individual enthusiast.
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    Learning technology and its potential to support student placements in hospitality and tourism education
    (Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Network, 2005-04) McGugan, Stuart; Peacock, Susi
    This study explores the contribution that learning technologies can make to support students and enhance their learning on placements. Using action research, the implementation of a virtual learning environment (VLE) with undergraduate students studying hospitality and tourism management is evaluated. The study reveals that it is feasible to create an online environment that can be beneficial for some students. However, barriers exist which prevent the full potential of such a facility being realised, and more needs to be done to promote the use of a VLE to assist students' abstract learning from experience. This may reflect the view held by many students and staff that the academic environment and the workplace are two distinct learning contexts.