Mobile learning and speech technology for language teachers’ professional development: A design-based study
Concise paper
Tran Le Nghi Tran
The University of Queensland
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 11.40am - 12pm
Stream 1
Room H102
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the use of mobile learning to provide pronunciation training for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) lecturers from Vietnamese provincial universities. Mobile learning offers a potential solution for the delivery of professional development to lecturers based outside major cities thanks to its capacity to enable learning anytime, anywhere. Mobile learning and speech technology are expected to facilitate lecturers’ self-direct learning to fulfil their professional development needs using their own devices. This paper reports results from a pilot study which serves as the first phase of an on-going design-based research project. The pilot study was carried out to explore the feasibility of an online pronunciation course and identify potential problems for future course iterations in the context of participants living outside major cities in a developing country. The objectives of the project are to establish and test a set of fundamental principles for mobile learning to be an effective way of providing online professional development for lecturers based outside major cities and to shed light on the necessary adjustments in course design to make it a scalable model for future education planning. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected during two iterations of an online pronunciation professional development course for EFL lecturers from Vietnamese provincial universities.
About the Author
Tran Le Nghi Tran
Tran Le Nghi Tran is currently a PhD student at School of Education, The University of Queensland. She works as a casual lecturer, tutor and research assistant across different schools at The University of Queensland and Griffith University. Her research interests include educational technologies, English language teaching and learning and professional development.
Improving transnational and industry-supported student engagement through immersive videoconferencing in a 3D virtual environment
Innovation Award (2016)
Sasha Nikolic
University of Wollongong
Mark Lee
Charles Sturt University
Christian Ritz
University of Wollongong
Farzad Safaei
University of Wollongong
Tom Goldfinch
University of Wollongong
Wanqing Li
University of Wollongong
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 12pm - 12.30pm
Stream 5
Room C204
Abstract
The aim of this project has been to use a novel immersive video collaboration technology to enhance the learning experience of transnational students, and to facilitate student interaction and engagement with their peers and with industry representatives. The goals are twofold: firstly, to afford offshore-enrolled students (those studying at overseas satellite campuses and partner institutions) equivalent learning experiences to locally enrolled students by emulating the essence of a single university campus environment, irrespective of their physical location; and secondly, to provide relevant and authentic learning opportunities for all students through real-time involvement of professionals and other subject-matter experts.
About the authors
Sasha Nikolic
Sasha Nikolic received the B.E. (telecommunications) in 2001 and PhD in Engineering Education in 2017 from the University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia. He spent several years in industry and then in 2006 commenced as Laboratory Manager, involved in improving and developing the teaching laboratories and sessional teaching staff with the University of Wollongong. In 2014, he became an Associate Lecturer in engineering education and in 2016 a Lecturer. Dr Nikolic became Chair of the NSW Chapter of the IEEE Education Society in 2014. He won a university Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning Award in 2011. In 2012, he was awarded a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning as part of the Australian Awards for University Teaching. In 2016, he also received awards for his contribution to engineering education through the IEEE, AAEE and ASCILITE.
Mark Lee
Christian Ritz
Farzad Safaei
Tom Goldfinch
Wanqing Li
The Student Relationship Engagement System: Empowering teachers to collect, analyse, and act on meaningful data to engage students at scale
Innovation Award (2016)
Danny Liu
The University of Sydney
@dannydotliu
Kevin Samnick
The University of Sydney
@kevin_samnick
Ruth Weeks
The University of Sydney
@ruthwsydney
Adam Bridgeman
The University of Sydney
@adambridgeman
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 12pm - 12.30pm
Stream 1
Room H102
Abstract
The Student Relationship Engagement System (SRES) was developed at the University of Sydney to help academics personalise engagement with large student cohorts. Academics consistently report that positive feedback from students "shows how helpful the SRES is in allowing us to give the kind of personalised attention to students that time wouldn't otherwise allow". From marking attendance, analysing grades, collecting live feedback, and providing easy ways to personalise bulk feedback to students via emails and web portals, the SRES gives academics access to data that are meaningful in their contexts and helps them to create personalised learning environments with targeted feedback and support. This unique and inherently practical application of learning analytics is currently used across 20 departments in over 120 units and reaches over 20,000 students at the University of Sydney. It has been credited with increasing student engagement, improving retention rates, and enhancing students’ learning outcomes. The SRES is also being piloted at a number of other Australian universities, and we are keen for more collaborators. In this presentation, you will use the SRES live, hear about its implementation, wider adoption, and impact, and explore how it could impact students in your contexts.
About the authors
Danny Liu
Danny is a molecular biologist by training, programmer by night, researcher and academic developer by day, and educator at heart. A national teaching award winner, he focuses on wrangling technology to improve learning and teaching by working at the confluence of educational technology, student engagement, learning analytics, and professional development and leadership.
Kevin Samnick
Kevin is an Educational Designer with a background in secondary STEM teaching, pharmaceutical research, and biology. He is an advocate for education, learning, technology, and ensuring students and teachers are our first priority in higher education.
Ruth Weeks
Ruth is an Educational Design Manager with a background in teaching English as a foreign language and academic writing. She is passionate about teaching with technology and the future of digital education.
Adam Bridgeman
Adam is Director of Educational Innovation at the University of Sydney and has received institutional and national awards for teaching and is an Australian National Teaching Fellow. He aims to invigorate and change learning and teaching culture through a focus on blended, collaborative, and interactive learning designs.
Debating the use of social media in higher education
Lightning talks 2
Julie Willems
RMIT University
@Julie_Willems
Chie Adachi
Deakin University
@ChieAdachi
Francesca Bussey
Deakin University
@fbussey1
Iain Doherty
Deakin University
Henk Huijser
Queensland University of Technology
@hhuijser
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 12pm - 12.30pm
Stream 3
Room L206
Abstract
To an international audience on 28 November 2016, and as part of the presentations at ASCILITE 2016, a ‘great debate’ on the use of social media in higher education was conducted by a team of researchers. As part of the debate, there was an opportunity to tap into the collective wisdom of our attending experienced colleagues. Approximately 150 conference delegates attended the hour-long session in order to engage with both sides of the argument. The research team carefully crafted the arguments to ensure that the debate covered key areas of interest and concern found in the literature of teaching and learning, as well as concerns within the higher education sector as a whole. The aim was to prompt the audience to participate and contribute to a discussion reflective of multiple perspectives, albeit within a specialist group cohort. Using a roving microphone to draw contributions from the floor, as captured via the live video streaming tool Periscope, and in addition to comments captured in the live debate Twitter feed from both the audience participants and beyond, rich data was captured. As both sources of data are available in the public domain, research ethics exemption was granted. While the findings of this research will be compiled for a journal publication for further exploration, this presentation summarises the findings and expands on some key ideas that emerged from the debate and broader collegial input. These findings will form the basis for further exploration.
About the authors
Julie Willems
Dr Julie Willems holds qualifications in education, the humanities, and nursing. Her research interests include media and technology in formal and informal learning, along with educational and digital equity as social justice issue. She is a Senior Lecturer in RMIT’s central unit, the Learning & Teaching Academy. Julie was a of the auDA Foundation's national 2011 research grant for the i-Survive Project investigating the use of ‘back channel’ communications via mobile technologies and social media during Australian emergencies and disasters. Julie has a community focus and has served on a number of committees and boards relating to educational technology and social justice in education over the course of her career. She served on the national Executive of ODLAA from 2011 to 2014, and is currently in her second term on the ASCILITE national Executive. Julie is an active member of the ASCILITE 2018 conference to be hosted by Deakin University.
Chie Adachi
Dr Chie Adachi is a Lecturer within the central learning and teaching unit at Deakin University, Melbourne. She holds a PhD in Sociolinguistics and Masters and Bachelor degrees in Education (TESOL). Combined with her teaching and research experiences in the Higher Education sector for over 10 years across Japan, UK and Australia, she enjoys daily thinking about and researching within the area of digital learning, peer learning and intercultural communication.
Francesca Bussey
Dr Francesca Bussey is an academic at Deakin University working with Learning Futures, and the Faculty of Arts and Education, to lead and support innovation and capacity building in all areas of teaching and learning in higher education. Working with a small dedicated team, she specialises in curriculum development, online learning, MOOC delivery, quality assessment strategies, and the use of targeted digital technology to support learning and teaching. Francesca also teaches out of the School of Education, chairing a unit in the History and Philosophy of Education. With over 20 years’ experience working in higher education, Francesca has developed knowledge and skills in policy and planning, project implementation, outreach and student equity, academic skills delivery, building digital identities, teaching and learning, and online delivery. Francesca’s principal research interests are in the History and Philosophy of Technology and Education. Her research is informed by her academic background as an historian and her professional experience as a social equity practitioner. Special interests include social justice, feminist theory and philosophy for children.
Iain Doherty
Dr Iain Doherty heads up a team of academic, resource development and production specialists (the Pod) who work with the Faculty of Arts and Education to ensure effective course enhancement using Deakin’s Curriculum Framework. As a teaching and learning professional, Iain has a career history that has seen him develop knowledge and skills in inclusive leadership practices; strategic and operational planning; project management; and change management. Iain's collaborative approach to facilitating change in teaching and learning is grounded in a sound knowledge of: teaching and learning theories; curriculum and course design principles; purposeful use of technologies to enhance teaching and learning; and creating effective professional development opportunities for teachers. Iain has been research active throughout his career with a publication list that reflects his areas of career expertise along with his appreciation of collaborative research.
Henk Huijser
Dr Henk Huijser has been a Curriculum Designer in the Learning and Teaching Unit at Queensland University of Technology since September this year. Henk has a background and a PhD in screen and media studies, but has worked as an educational developer in Australia, the Arabian Gulf, and China since 2005. He has published widely in both the areas of learning and teaching in higher education, and media and cultural studies. For more information please visit: http://henkhuijser.webs.com/
Me, us and IT: Developing approaches and support strategies for changing learning spaces
Lightning talks 2
Meredith Hinze
The University of Melbourne
@mmhinze
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 12pm - 12.30pm
Stream 3
Room L206
Abstract
The design of learning spaces is changing from the traditional lecture theatre style of academia. At the same time, some disciplines in Higher Education are seeing a shift in curriculum towards seminar-style teaching, with an intentional focus on active learning strategies to enhance teaching and learning. The redesign of learning spaces provides affordability for remodelling subjects. This presentation provides insight into professional development approaches and support strategies developed for staff to meet these challenges. It explores some of the eTeaching and eLearning support strategies to help teaching staff remodel their subjects for more active, seminar-styled approaches for teaching in the humanities and social science disciplines, in the redesigned learning spaces of the new Arts West building at The University of Melbourne.
About the authors
Meredith Hinze
Meredith is Manager of eLearning/eTeaching in the Faculty of Arts, at the University of Melbourne, and manages a small team that supports teaching staff integrate technology in teaching and learning. Meredith has a strong background in teaching digital media and ICT in the humanities and social sciences at both undergraduate and graduate levels, in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne. She also has over 20 years experience in providing ICT support and professional development training for academic staff, and over 15 years experience in IT & Web management, managing both large and complex websites as well as small project sites. She has special interests in social media and digital communications and their application in teaching and learning.
Personalised online professional learning on digital literacies for in-service teachers of English as a second language
Lightning talks 2
Trisha Poole
University of Southern Queensland
@_t2p_
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 12pm - 12.30pm
Stream 3
Room L206
Abstract
This Lightening Talk presents an overview of a study that is focused on developing a framework for personalised online professional learning (POPL) on digital literacies for in-service teachers of English as a second language, and the associated development and implementation principles. Two key issues of digital literacies and digital literacies in language teacher education are addressed through developing POPL that is provided over an extended timeframe, is situated, is personalised, and is social. These four key features of the POPL are critical to its implementation and differentiation from other professional learning. In particular, the personalised aspect of the POPL is framed around the participant being provided with opportunities to personalise the content and their experience to their context and situation. That is, the participants can “choose their own adventure” through engaging with materials and selecting the learning path that aligns best with and facilitates their learning. The personalisation in the online space provides a new perspective on professional learning that tailors the experience to the learner-identified needs. Through these aspects of the POPL, it is expected that the professional learning will be effective in developing in-service ESL teachers’ own digital literacies and integrating digital literacies into their ESL curriculum.
About the authors
Trisha Poole
Trisha has worked in higher education for more than 15 years and throughout this time has focused on educational technologies and English as a second language. Her roles in higher education have included both academic and professional positions. Currently, Trisha is studying her PhD in education with the topic of “Personalised Online Professional Learning on Digital Literacies for In-service English as a Second Language Teachers”. Her PhD brings together her experience in ESL teaching and teacher training, and her passion for technology and digital literacies.
The effect of digital game-based language learning mobile application on the development of complexity, accuracy, and fluency in foreign language monologic oral production among Chinese Learners of English as a Foreign Language
Concise paper
Feifei Han
The University of Sydney
Zehua Wang
Shaanxi Xueqian Normal University
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 11am - 11.20am
Stream 1
Room H102
Abstract
The study reports the effect of a digital game-based language learning (DGBLL) mobile application “Speaking English Fluently – An Automated Scoring Artificial Intelligent Tutoring System on Spoken English” on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency in foreign language (FL) monologic oral production among 31 second year Chinese university learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The participants’ monological oral production was measured in the first (week 1) and last (week 21) weeks of a semester using the same narrative picture description task. The oral production was audio-recorded and transcribed. Both the transcripts and audio-files were analyzed on the complexity, accuracy, and fluency dimensions. The complexity was measured using the number of Mean (M) words per T-unit, the accuracy dimension was measured using the number of repairs and errors per 100 words; and the fluency dimension was measured via speech rate (i.e., number of words per minute), and M length of pauses. Students were required to download the mobile application and followed the monological practice section twice a week for 30 minutes each time. Using paired sample t-tests, we found that even though the participants’ repair rate and speech rate remained unchanged, they produced more complex monological speech, had significantly fewer errors, and reduced average length of pauses after 20 weeks treatment using the mobile application, demonstrating a positive effect of the DGBLL mobile application on FL learners’ monological oral production.
About the authors
Feifei Han
Feifei Han currently is an educational researcher at the University of Sydney. Her current research interests comprise of three broad themes: (1) language and literacy education; (2) teaching, learning, and educational technology in higher education, and (3) educational psychology.
Zehua Wang
Zehua Wang obtained a Bachelor of Arts (2010) from Xi’an International Studies University, and a Master of Education (2013) from the University of Sydney. Currently she is a Lecturer in the Department of English at Shaanxi Xueqian Normal University, Xi’an, China. Her current research interests are (1) language learning strategies and (2) educational technology in higher education. Ms. Wang has received funding on four research projects in China and she has published a number of journal articles.
The power of Us: Investigating the value of interaction and community in postgraduate studies
Concise paper
Oriel Kelly
New Zealand Tertiary College
@oriel.kelly
Nuhisifa Seve-Williams
New Zealand Tertiary College
Binky Laureta
New Zealand Tertiary College
Keshni Kumar
New Zealand Tertiary College
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 11am - 11.20am
Stream 2
Room R113
Abstract
The power of community – of Us – has long been assumed to be important in adult learning. Student interactions on discussion forums are encouraged, and it has been claimed that they foster a learning community which makes a difference to student outcomes through collaboration and joint construction of knowledge. This paper reports on interim results of a research project to establish, firstly, if there is a correlation between student participation in forums and their overall course outcomes, and secondly, shares a matrix designed to code both social and cognitive forum activity, to support an investigation into the existence of a learning community in student forum conversations – the power of Us.
About the authors
Oriel Kelly
Oriel Kelly is the Academic Manager at NZTC. She has a Masters in Educational Administration and her tertiary background is in staff development, the uses of technology to support teaching and learning and educational leadership. She is a Fellow of the New Zealand Association for Educational Administration and Leadership and a winner of a New Zealand national Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award. Her research interests include learning technology, online communities and the NZ eLearning Guidelines. She has been teaching online now over 15 years, five with NZTC.
Nuhisifa Seve-Williams
Dr Nuhisifa Seve-Williams hails from the island of Niue but raised in NZ.
She completed her PhD in Education Sociology in 2009 from the University of Auckland. She is currently the Research Manager at NZTC.
Binky Laureta
Binky Laureta has a Masters in Family Life and Child Development and is a registered teacher in early childhood education. She has been involved in teaching for 20 years, both overseas, and in New Zealand. She started her career as a preschool teacher and then joined the tertiary sector. Currently, she is working as lecturer and Program Leader for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching ECE program at New Zealand Tertiary College. Her interests are in inclusive education, social competency, cultural diversity, multicultural education, adult/higher education teaching and learning, teacher training, online teaching and learning, curriculum and learning support.
Keshni Kumar
Keshni Kumar has a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and has 17 years experience in education. Her research interests are in science and early childhood education, and other curriculum areas. She is currently a lecturer in early childhood at NZTC.
The synergistic and dynamic relationship between learning design and learning analytics
Concise paper
Dirk Ifenthaler
University of Mannheim
@ifenthaler
David Gibson
Curtin University
@davidgibson
Eva Dobozy
Curtin University
@edobozy27
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 11.20am - 11.40am
Stream 3
Room L206
Abstract
The synergistic relationship between learning design and learning analytics has the potential for improving learning and teaching in near real-time. The potential for integrating the newly available and dynamic information from ongoing analysis into learning design requires new perspectives on learning and teaching data processing and analysis as well as advanced theories, methods, and tools for supporting dynamic learning design processes. Three perspectives of learning analytics design provide summative, real-time, and predictive insights. In a case study with 3,550 users, the navigation sequence and network graph analysis demonstrate the potential of learning analytics design. The study aims to demonstrate how the analysis of navigation patterns and network graph analysis could inform the learning design of self-guided digital learning experiences. Even with open-ended freedom, only 608 sequences were evidenced by learners out of a potential number of hundreds of millions of sequences. Advancements of learning analytics design have the potential for mapping the cognitive, social and even physical states of the learner and optimise their learning environment on the fly.
About the authors
Dirk Ifenthaler
Dirk Ifenthaler is Professor and Chair of Learning, Design and Technology at University of Mannheim. His research focuses on the intersection of cognitive psychology, educational technology, data analytics, and organisational learning. Dirk’s research outcomes include numerous co-authored books, book series, book chapters, journal articles, and international conference papers, as well as successful grant funding in Australia, Germany, and USA. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Springer journal Technology, Knowledge and Learning (www.ifenthaler.info).
David Gibson
Professor David Gibson, Director of Learning Futures at Curtin University in Australia and UNESCO Chair of Data Science in Higher Education Learning and Teaching, received his doctorate (Ed.D. Leadership and Policy Studies) from the University of Vermont in 1999 based on a study of complex systems modeling of educational change. His foundational research demonstrated the feasibility of bridging from qualitative information to quantifiable dynamic relationships in complex models that verify trajectories of organizational change. He provides thought leadership as a researcher, professor, learning scientist and innovator. He is creator of simSchool, a classroom flight simulator for preparing educators, and eFolio an online performance-based assessment system, and provides vision and sponsorship for Curtin University’s Challenge, a mobile, game-based learning platform. He consults with project and system leaders, formulates strategies, and helps people articulate their vision for innovation; then helps connect people with the resources needed to fulfill their aspirations. His research has extended from learning analytics, complex systems analysis and modeling of education to application of complexity via games and simulations in teacher education, web applications and the future of learning. Dr. Gibson has also advanced the use of technology to personalize education via cognitive modeling, design and implementation.
Eva Dobozy
Associate Professor Eva Dobozy is Deputy Dean, Learning and Teaching in the Curtin Business School. She is engaged in Learning Design research, investigating the efficacy of traditional and new technology-enhanced learning and teaching offerings. Dr Dobozy is involved in the discovery, integration, application and testing of new learning design models and frameworks. Currently, she is working as part of a learning design group on the design and implementation of transdisciplinary pedagogical templates. Her research spans the intersection between learning theory, learning design, technology-enhanced learning and teacher professional development. She is the winner of a number of prestigious research and teaching awards. Her current research focuses on sustainable futures in higher education and the pedagogical modelling of novel course designs and quality assurance practices.
Us and IT: Capacity-building for blended learning - an intersection between educator, pedagogy, and technology
Concise paper
Kaye Cleary
Victoria University
Gayani Samarawickrema
Victoria University
Sally Gauci
Victoria University
Catch this session
Tuesday 5 December, 11am - 11.20am
Stream 5
Room C204
Abstract
When Victoria University (VU) Australia, adopted a new learning management system (LMS) as part of its Blended Learning Strategy and Operational Plan in 2014, it introduced a range of support structures including a staff support and training program. Complementing this, the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (the course providing professional development for early career academic staff) offered an elective AET4010 Blended Learning Design and Development fusing the pedagogical and theoretical aspects of blended learning to foster teaching as a design science. In this study we investigate the effectiveness of AET4010 in developing participants’ capacity to design and, develop blended learning.
In this paper we report on the data from the first stage of this investigation. Data is derived from assessment rubrics. Complementary qualitative data will be collected in the second stage via interviews conducted after the participants complete the unit. We analyse our findings against the JISC Building Digital Capability Framework mapped to the UK Professional Standards Framework. This Framework identifies early career academics’ capabilities (Associate Fellows). The emerging findings indicated the value of capacity building through a structured unit of study enabling participants to experience learning from their own learner’s standpoint while reflecting on pedagogical perspectives and ‘teaching as design’.
About the authors
Kaye Cleary
Kaye Cleary coordinates Victoria University’s Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education, one facet of her wider brief of Professional Development Coordination. She has taught online for eleven years and in a blended mode of on-campus and on-line learning for four years. Professional development initiatives for academics moving into teaching in an online environment has been a focus of her research.
Gayani Samarawickrema
Gayani Samarawickrema is an Educational Developer at Victoria University with research interests in learning and teaching with technology.
Sally Gauci
Sally Gauci is an Educational Developer at Victoria University. She is the unit coordinator of AET4010 Blended Learning Design and Development, an elective unit in the Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education. Her recent work involves supporting university learning and teaching initiatives in the discipline area of Health and Biomedicine.