Exploring Community Networks to Enhance Learning in Biology: Learning Networks in Biology

By:
Dr. Nancy N. FitzSimmons,
Dr. Katarina Mikac,
Dr. Robert Fitzgerald,
Sue Bebbington
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We explored the use of an online community network to provide a more dynamic learning environment within a first year biology subject on biodiversity and ecology. Through using this site we aimed to facilitate shared learning among students as they developed blog spaces to demonstrate their learning. Students were required to post nearly all assessment items onto their blog sites, where they often received feedback from other students. Because of the public and visual aspects of these postings, students were given greater choice in the tasks they selected for assessment. We evaluate the choices students made, the extent of communication among students and the quality of their work as compared to previous years. We also compare the use of the social network site to concurrent use of a WebCT site, the later of which included discussion boards and a review module. We provide conclusions from student evaluations and compare student learning to previous years.


Keywords: e-portfolio, Blog, 1st Year Student, Biology, Social Learning, Online Assessment, Inquiry-Based
Stream: Learning Technologies: What They Do and How They Work
Presentation Type: Virtual Presentation in English
Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Dr. Nancy N. FitzSimmons

School of Resource Environmental and Heritage Sciences, University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT, Australia

Nancy teaches in conservation genetics and introductory biology with a strong interest in lab and field-based teaching, experiential learning and inquiry-based approaches. Her research interests are in conservation genetics and ecology of biota in aquatic ecosystems, particularly of marine and freshwater turtles and crocodiles and in the application of this knowledge to management and policy decisions.

Dr. Katarina Mikac

Research Fellow, School of Resource, Environmental and Heritage Sciences, University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT, Australia

Katarina's teaching interests are in biology and comminucation in science, particualry using innovative approaches. Her research interests are in population genetics of invasive insects that impact agriculture and on aquatic insects and ecochemistry of aquatic systems.

Dr. Robert Fitzgerald

Research Fellow, Divisional Research Institute, Division of Communication and Education, University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT, Australia

Robert is a research fellow involved in the implementation and analysis of learning communities at the University of Canberra, and reserching the use of technology to enhance collaborations.

Sue Bebbington

Desktop Publisher, Technology and Educational Design Services, Division of Learning and Teaching, University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT, Australia

Sue collaborates with academic staff to create innovative online teaching and learning resources.

Ref: LS7P0110