A Pedagogical Design for ICT-Supported Cross-age Peer Interaction

Maria Boel Klok Gudiksen, Line Helverskov Horn, Torben Broe Knudsen, Louise Landbo Larsen

    Publikation: Bidrag til bog/antologi/rapport/konference proceedingKonferenceartikel i proceedingForskningpeer review

    Abstract

    The present paper is an account of a design-based action research study. The research question focused on how to create a pedagogical concept for ICT-supported peer interaction that enabled cross-age students to share experiences and knowledge in relation to internships. Internships in higher education are a natural booster of the elusive concept of professional identity. Students return from internships with a better understanding of what they do, know and are
    professionally. The learning that takes place for the intern remains individual and is only shared with a supervisor. The present study is based on the idea that internship students’ individual learning could be shared with younger peers through online interaction. In the context of a bachelor programme in Northern Denmark, the concept was implemented as discussion forums embedded in the local LMS. In these forums, the students engaged in discussions of professional matters and accounts of daily practices in internships. The analysis of the forum interactions, a survey and a focus group interview revealed that the students perceived the concept as a meaningful activity. The key findings centered on issues regarding: responsibility, relevance and roles. The students felt a strong sense of responsibility toward each other in providing meaningful content and frequent activity and replies to posts, which served as a source of motivation. The question of relevance relates strongly to the timing of the activity, as well as clear expectations and purpose. To the cross-age students, tutor/tutee roles could have provided further direction and purpose of the interaction, but this was not initially part of the concept. This research gave insight into the creation of a pedagogical cross-age concept supported by ICT that could benefit
    practitioners and researchers in higher education.
    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    TitelProceedings of the 15th European Conference on e-Learning ECEL 2016
    RedaktørerJarmila Novotná, Antonín Janaík
    ForlagAcademic Conferences and Publishing International
    Publikationsdato2016
    Sider249-255
    ISBN (Trykt)978-1-911218-18-0
    ISBN (Elektronisk)978-1-911218-17-3
    StatusUdgivet - 2016
    BegivenhedECEL 2016: 15th European Conference on e-learning - Charles University, Prague, Tjekkiet
    Varighed: 27 okt. 201628 okt. 2016
    http://www.academic-conferences.org/conferences/ecel/

    Konference

    KonferenceECEL 2016: 15th European Conference on e-learning
    LokationCharles University
    Land/OmrådeTjekkiet
    ByPrague
    Periode27/10/201628/10/2016
    Internetadresse

    Citationsformater