Towards a More Blended Learning Future: Good Practice and Lessons Learnt from Our Covid-19 Response

OVERVIEW OF THE ROUNDTABLE

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic all universities had to make a very rapid transition to remote, online learning, and alternative assessments.  We have enjoyed an exhilarating period of educational development on fast forward: a period in which teaching faculty were compelled to think carefully and innovate in their learning, teaching and assessment practices.  New educational approaches were developed and tested; new tools were discovered and mastered; new problems have been encountered; there has been success and there have been failures; mistakes have been made and lessons have been learnt.  We must now ensure that this period of rapid innovation yields enduring changes in practice and attitudes that ultimately enhance the student experience.

As the dust settles from our immediate, rapid response to the crisis this Roundtable provides an opportunity to reflect; to share good practice and lessons learnt, and to look ahead to the “new normal” – the pedagogy and practice of a more blended learning future.

KEYWORDS

Remote learning; distance learning; online learning; blended learning

ACTIVITIES

During the Roundtable session, participants will discuss, from the perspective of both learners and teachers, issues around alternative approaches to:

• Lectures
• Small-group tutorials/problem classes
• Laboratory classes
• Capstone & other group projects
• CAD, simulation and modelling classes
• Alternatives to traditional exams & other assessment approaches
• New & returning student induction

Discussions will explore pedagogic, practical and human issues relevant to a more blended learning future with much reduced face-to-face contact.  We will share good practice and lessons learnt; and we will identify the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.

After the session participants will be invited to submit short case studies detailing their innovations and these will be disseminated to the wider CDIO community.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This roundtable is targeted at anyone involved in the design and delivery of student learning activities; particularly those involved in practical and project work.  Those with experience and expertise in remote and online learning are particularly welcome.

FOLLOW-UPS

A case-study based guide to good practice will be compiled and disseminated.  A working group might be established to collaborate during the next academic year and to present their results at CDIO 2021.

This session is lead by:

Matt Murphy is a Senior Lecturer in Engineering Design at School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, UK.  He is a metallurgist by background with a PhD and 10-year technical research career in the additive manufacture (3D printing) of metals.  For the last 14 years Matt has worked primarily on learning & teaching and has held several leadership positions in the School of Engineering, with special responsibility for curricular and pedagogic reform.  Matt teaches a range of courses in materials science & manufacturing, but most enjoys leading the group design project modules.  He establishes and supervises a broad range of student projects in fields such as energy from waste, urban farming, sustainable transport; veterinary healthcare; circular economy; and the local recycling of thermoplastics.  In recent years Matt has focused on developing authentic learning and assessment experiences that seek to replicate industrial practice within taught programmes.  Matt has been a CDIO collaborator for 15 years; was co-Chair of the UK & Ireland Region for 6 years; and has been a CDIO Council member-at-large for 4 years.

Petros Siegkas is a senior lecturer at the department of engineering, at Nottingham Trent University. He has been working in the field of solid mechanics and particularly in developing and implementing experimental and modelling techniques related to material behaviour, impact energy absorption, 3D printed engineered materials and biomechanics. He has been involved in developing and delivering modules such as innovation and engineering solutions, industrial design and product case studies, and sports technology, with a strong emphasis on the practical elements including design and prototyping.

Anna Rosengren, PhD, led the working group responsible for the transition to online education at Jönköping University and holds the position as chairperson of the Pedagogical development group and as Quality Coordinator at the School of Engineering, Jönköping University. She has twenty-five years’ experience from industry and academia in Belgium, The Netherlands and Sweden, notably in change management, project management, marketing and management consultancy. Her academic career began with PhD studies in 2006, and she received funds from the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) to conduct research 2015-2019 on privacy and openness. She has worked as a university teacher for ten years and is the CDIO representative of her university.

When? Wednesday the 10th of June at 1.10 pm (UTC+2)