How can technology be used to enhance learning?

Keith JohnstoneDepartment of Plant Sciences

Virtual learning environments

• A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a software system designed to support teaching and learning in an educational setting

Coursework – Cambridge’s first VLE

Coursework – Cambridge’s first VLE

• Single site for course resources

• Slides and notes• Access 24/7 • Easy interface for

staff

• Copyright • Student attendance

Enhancing learning - MolStruc

Enhancing learning - MolStruc

Enhancing learning - MolStruc

• Java applet• Renders crystal structure of biological

molecules• Learning derived from 3- D representation• Answers to examination questions

demonstrated good knowledge retention• Technological solution was expensive but

resulted in cost savings over 5 years

Enhancing learning – IB PMS

Enhancing learning – IB PMS

Enhancing learning – IB PMS

Enhancing learning – IB PMS

Enhancing learning – IB PMS

Enhancing learning – IB PMS

• Students valued:– Searchable content

– Interactive content

– Video tutorails

• Extensive student engagement• Substantial development and administration

Emerging technologies

Maths for engineers: conventional

Maths for engineers: semantic

Maths for engineers: technologies

Protein structure: semantic

Protein structure: technology

Plant evolution timeline

Publications: semantic

Emerging issues

• Aggregation of information

• Representing complex data

• Bounding information

• Data structures• Technology hurdle• Demonstrating

impact

The future VLE

Digital dashboard:

Personalised data feeds

Integration of information

e.g. student diary

Rich content

e.g. semantic applications

Acknowledgments

Web sites

• <http://www.ucel.ac.uk/eng/index.html>

• <http://www.ucel.ac.uk/eng/maths/flatdata/semanticsearch.html>

• <http://www.ensemble.ac.uk/projects/plantsci/pdb/3d_molecules.html>

• <http://www.ensemble.ac.uk/projects/plantsci/timeline/timeline.php>

• <http://camtools.cam.ac.uk>