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Stuart McGugan, Susi Peacock, Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh

Online Support for Placement Learning: Evaluating the Potential of a Virtual Learning Environment. Stuart McGugan, Susi Peacock, Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh. LTSN Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism – Pedagogic Research Event, 4 th April 2003. Background to Research.

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Stuart McGugan, Susi Peacock, Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh

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  1. Online Support for Placement Learning: Evaluating the Potential of a Virtual Learning Environment Stuart McGugan, Susi Peacock, Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh LTSN Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism – Pedagogic Research Event, 4th April 2003

  2. Background to Research • Placement Learning • Problem/Opportunity • Research Aims • development of a VLE to support placement learning using WebCT software • evaluate the implementation of this VLE from both a student and tutor perspective • Good Practice Guidelines/LTSN

  3. Action Research Approach • Action research is a small-scale intervention in the functioning of the real world and a close examination of the effects of such an intervention. (Cohen and Manion 2000:226) • The aims of any action research project or programme are to bring about practical improvement. (Zuber-Skerritt 1996:83)

  4. The WebCT Module • Information Repository • FAQS: video of lecturer • documentation (interim report, progress report) • Previous experiences: video clips of students • Link to QMUC Ejournals • Calendar • Discussions

  5. The WebCT Module • Information Repository • FAQS: video of lecturer • documentation (interim report, progress report) • Previous experiences: video clips of students • Link to QMUC Ejournals • Calendar • Discussions

  6. Evaluation • Student evaluation of VLE • focus group interviews (previous students and after placement) • 3 questionnaires to determine student attitudes and access to online support during placement (beginning, middle and end of placement) • In-depth interviews with QMUC tutors and learning technologists • The monitoring of student participation in the VLE/discussion forum • External evaluation - placement tutors in UK

  7. Research Pilot • 40 students • First iteration • Over 80% female • Predominantly 20 - 22 years old • Undertake 24-week placement at the end of the second year

  8. Findings • Student attitudes towards VLE • Tutor attitudes towards VLE • Student participation • Student access • Tutor participation • The social dimension of discussion

  9. Implications for Placement Learning • VLE additional ‘pedagogic space’ • useful support for the majority of students • provide informal/emotional support • potential to encourage reflection and link the classroom to the workplace • role prior to work placement • role during work placement • link between year cohorts

  10. Contact Stuart McGugan: smcgugan@qmuc.ac.uk Susi Peacock: speacock@qmuc.ac.uk Visit: http://www.qmuc.ac.uk/placementlearning

  11. References Cohen, L and Manion, L (2000) Research Methods in Education (fifth edition). London: Routeledge.Springboard UK, (2001), The Impact of Student Placements: Valued Experience or Missed Opportunity, Festival 2001 Research Findings. Zuber-Skerritt, O (1996) New Directions in Action Research. London: Falmer.

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