Interactive, Engaging and Fun: A Story of SoTL Success in Pivoting Online

Soler, L. and Odedra, S. (2021) Interactive, Engaging and Fun: A Story of SoTL Success in Pivoting Online. 14th Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 18 Jun 2021.

Abstract

Using the creativity of a final-year Chemistry SoTL student, fully online and interactive teaching resources were designed, created, deployed, and evaluated. Knowing the difficulties posed by the Covid-induced remote learning pivot, especially for students transitioning into first year, we wanted to create a welcoming and fun learning environment whilst designing resources to reduce cognitive load and stress. Our project student, using reflective practice and pedagogy, led the design with an informal and whimsical approach, using the power of gifs and Genial.ly, to build relatability and a sense of connection. Genial.ly is tool {HTML5 (aka H5P)} for creating interactive customised on-line experiences and we successfully used this to substitute two face-to-face lab experiments. We will show how easy it is to learn to create interactive on-line multimodal learning resources. These resources can be imbued with a local flavour to create a sense of belonging (e.g. using in-house videos/photos of UofG on-campus learning facilities and/or equipment). By using interactive elements and by embedding fun (e.g. positive reward cycle for “quizlets”)., we have found that these e-units can both engage and maintain attention throughout. Whilst we are showing how we have applied this methodology to the creation of e-learning units for our Quant-1 chemistry labs, this approach can be utilised easily in any discipline. Our scholarship evidences overwhelming support for this approach to student learning and engagement.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Soler, Dr Linnea and Odedra, Dr Smita
• Authors: Soler, L., and Odedra, S.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry