Research
As part of the Faculty’s Teaching and Learning Network, the overall objective of Arts eLearning’s educational research is to further and encourage the development of strong scholarship in blended learning (and learning and teaching in general), and the diverse ways it can enrich students’ learning experience.
Scholarship of Learning and Teaching (SOLT) is based on the scholarly inquiry into student learning; it “encourages an empirical examination of teaching in relation to student learning.” (Darling, 2003), and involves critical reflective practice and the development of pedagogical research, with the aim to “make transparent how we have made learning possible” (Trigwell et al., 2000, p. 156).
Within a context of increasing use of online learning and student diversity, new approaches to teaching and learning are taking special significance in modern curriculum design, and are having a significant impact on academic work, thus creating a pressing need to develop effective scholarship in learning and teaching.
Arts eLearning is currently running a number of research projects into e-learning practice, organised around three major areas of focus:
- the use of online discussions as forms of assessment, and their influence on student engagement in learning,
- the integration of online media and its effects on both learning and teaching, and
- the conditions and impact of eLearning adoption on pedagogy and curriculum design.
These projects support the work of Arts eLearning Educational Designers with evidence-based research, and constantly inform eLearning development and practice in the assistance they provide to academics in Schools.
This site gives updates on the on-going research projects in eLearning and Learning and Teaching, as well as access to resources related to eLearning and learning & teaching issues.
Arts eLearning also examines student evaluation data to inform the way it provides guidance and assistance in areas such as the design of assessment or student online interactions, and the various ways to foster student engagement in learning.
Arts eLearning provides advice and consultancy for the writing of grant applications in learning and teaching, research project design, and publications related to learning & teaching.
For further information, please contact
References
Darling, A. L. (2003). Scholarship of teaching and learning in Communication: New connections, new directions, new possibilities. Communication Education, 52 (1), 47-49.
Trigwell, K., Martin, E., Benjamin, J., & Prosser, M. (2000). Scholarship of teaching: a model. Higher Education Research & Development, 19(2), 155–168.