Student Inductions 2012 - Do you like my shoes?
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| Michael Porter - http://flic.kr/p/Ybv7 |
We adopt the use of TurningPoint clickers in our student induction sessions, with the main focus being on letting the students steer the session to what they want to talk about.. yes there is an underlying motive of gathering data about social network use and students technical capabilities. We have shifted what we talk about into two sections, the institutionally owned software (VLE, E-Portfolio) and the individually owned software which consists of Twitter, Diigo, Mahara, Google Docs.
For the institutionally owned software we run through the usual support protocols for each service and a quick demo of login procedures, we also talk about what they are mainly used for.
Even though the onus is on the students to select were to push the emphasis next, the biggest players are Twitter and Google, I'm betting mainly because they are names most people are aware of, plus the subtitled descriptions of each tool adheres to what they want to do most, using Twitter as a Personal/Professional Learning Network and Collaborative group working in Google Docs. After running through Google Docs and Twitter and asking the question "After this session, who will go and try out these services?" nearly all the students in a full session raise their hands and nod their heads.
Even though the onus is on the students to select were to push the emphasis next, the biggest players are Twitter and Google, I'm betting mainly because they are names most people are aware of, plus the subtitled descriptions of each tool adheres to what they want to do most, using Twitter as a Personal/Professional Learning Network and Collaborative group working in Google Docs. After running through Google Docs and Twitter and asking the question "After this session, who will go and try out these services?" nearly all the students in a full session raise their hands and nod their heads.
I think its important for institutions to encourage their students to explore other tools outside of the walled campus, especially ones that will ultimately help students in their learning. It gives off a sense that the institution cares not only about the students well being and making sure they're hitting all the right clubs and pubs but also how they are learning outside of the institution.
There is a massive health warning with this approach however, the institution can't support these 3rd party tools, we always mention this before trundling on with the demos.. can't be getting their poor hopes up now can we!
So far the student inductions have gone down very well, I would say the feedback we have received has been hugely positive however the only feedback I have be given at my sessions was 'Dave, we think you should stop smoking and buy new shoes'.. So there it is, before I go parading my shoes around to students, at least make sure they are presentable!
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