Can an Interactive Virtual Orientation e-Resource Reduce Cognitive and Sensory Loads to Support the Transition to Higher Education?

Stockwell, P., Soler, L. and Odedra, S. (2023) Can an Interactive Virtual Orientation e-Resource Reduce Cognitive and Sensory Loads to Support the Transition to Higher Education? 16th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, 29 Mar 2023.

Abstract

Access to Opportunity may be fostered, or hindered, even before a student physically sets foot in a new learning environment. Through the judicious and creative use of technology, we may be able to support the transition to Higher Education, thereby widening the participation of students who may otherwise not feel comfortable with making this critical decision to take this step and embark upon the path to Higher Education. This transition from school to first year undergraduate studies is challenging for many students and student anxiety in new teaching environments is prevalent across all subjects, especially those requiring practical/clinical work or the use of unfamiliar equipment. This can be a daunting experience, leading to heightened anxiety, and a diminished learning experience, even before entering the laboratory. Here, we continue our research into how, and if, these barriers can be reduced through the creation and use of bespoke interactive lab e-maps. We extend the focus of our work to include not only the impact of cognitive load but also the impact of sensory load for incoming students. Therefore, through a careful combination of media and technology, we strive to recreate both the visual and audio landscape of these new environments. This, a student-staff collaboration, seeks to address these factors through creation of an interactive laboratory map for our Synthesis-1 laboratory. In addition to allowing students to virtually explore the laboratory space, with 360° interactive images, and explanations, there are sections dedicated to potential sensory triggers. An audio landscape is recreated as well as time-lapse footage of various aspects of the labs, some from first point-of-view. As well as showing the physical layout of the lab environment (including the different experiment stations, waste disposal areas, and emergency exits), interactive hotspots give students further explanations of the equipment and compounds. It is hoped that provision of detailed information of the lab environment, prior to entry, will help reduce the cognitive load that is associated with lab learning: adjusting to a new physical environment, safety issues, recognition of equipment, where to dispose of items, where to clean, where to get help, and simply, where to find the lab itself. Provision of videos and sound-clips may also help to address some anxieties related to sensory overload. First-time visitors are able to use the tour to virtually locate the School of Chemistry on the campus and the lab within the School. Furthermore, locations of building facilities (such as toilets and lockers) are also included. By involving a student in the creation and evaluation of this resource, we aim to tackle real issues faced by the students and to ease the transition process for future cohorts. Along with a demonstration of the e-map and embedded resources, we will share our findings from our evaluation of this resource and the impact on the student experience. We envision our findings will influence transition support across disciplines, taking into account both the cognitive and the sensory impacts on students.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Additional Information: Awarded best digital poster prize.
• Keywords: Sensory load, cognitive load, transition, anxiety, interactive e-map, HTML5, Genial.ly, chemistry laboratories, education.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Odedra, Dr Smita and Soler, Dr Linnea
• Authors: Stockwell, P., Soler, L., and Odedra, S.
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General); L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education; Q Science > QD Chemistry
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry

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