Learning with Technology Survey

University of Ulster

Presentation by Vilinda Ross, TELE Sub-Committee, 9 April 2013

Technology: Its Role in Your Learning

• Survey developed to:– gauge the impact of the use of technology on the

learner– better understand the needs of learners with respect to

technology– inform staff who would like to incorporate new

technologies into their teaching and learning

Learner Technology Survey

• Online survey sent to all learners April 2012

• Prize draw of Kindle and £50 Amazon vouchers

• Survey Response – 1,846 learner responses

• Learner Profile

Devices that Learners Own

Desktop ComputerLaptop Computer/Netbook

iPad/Tablet PCMobile PhoneSmartphone

Electronic Book Reader (e.g. Kindle)Digital Camera

Media Player (MP3/iPod)Handheld games device

Other

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100%

48%

95%

14%

45%

64%

15%

71%

67%

21%

4%

Devices that Learners Bring On Campus

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

Mobile Phone 42%

Smartphone 63%

Laptop/Netbook

65%

iPad/Tablet PC 8%

Other 7%

Other Technology Devices• Kindle/ebook reader• Pen reader• Dictaphone• ipod

“Kindle, breaks are boring”

“ipod – in addition to music it contains readings for supplementary practice in aural skills”

Support Using Technology

EmailPhone/MobileFace-to-faceSelf-paced guide (e.g., handbook)Online TutorialsFAQsGoogle/Search EngineAsk a friend/fellow student

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

20%

3%16%

4%13%

1%27%

16%

Learners’ Perceived Skill with Technology

1% 6%

52%

35%

6%Not at all skilled with technology

Not very skilled with tech-nology

Fairly skilled with technology

Very skilled with technology

Expert with technology

Average Hours Per Week Spent Using Technology

10%

26%

24%17%

22% 2%

1 to 5 hours

6 to 10 hours

11 to 15 hours

16 to 20 hours

More than 20 hours

I don't know

Main Reasons for Using Technology

29%

59%

1%9% 2%

Communicate with others

Find information that I need

Collaborate with other students

Flexible access to course

Receive timely feedback from course

Reasons for Using Technology

Learner Satisfaction with Online Services

Very Sa

tisfied

Satisfi

ed

Dissati

sfied

Very Diss

atisfie

d

I Don

't Kno

w0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200Communicate with othersFind information that I needCollaborate with other studentsHave flexible access to courseReceive timely feedback from course

Social Technologies

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

Social Technologies (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, SMS) can be used effectively for educational purposes.Social Technologies (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, SMS) should ONLY be used for recreational purposes.

Technology Statements % Strongly Agree

% Agree Total Response Count

I believe it is important to use technology in my studies at University

70% 28% 1,806

I use technology effectively in my studies

45% 47% 1,802

I often use a range of technologies to help me learn

35% 46% 1,796

Learning with technology is fun 35% 52% 1,663

I like to use novel or different technologies to help me learn

26% 43% 1 660

Staff should ask their students what technology they would like to help them learn with

37% 45% 1,660

“Although Facebook is a distraction to work it also allows you to create groups based on your class, where everyone can discuss assignments, work etc. and also what they find difficult and so on. It creates a support system”“Technology is great but not enough emphasis is put on actual real social exchanging anymore, would rather have face-to-face contact”

Benefits Using Technology1. Benefits (1,586)

2. Benefits (1,489)

3. Benefits (1,280)

ACCESS ACCESS ACCESS

“allows me access to information I otherwise would not be able to without technology”

“easy and quick access to cutting edge research – rather than out of dates in the library

“Being able to access a 24-7 portal of information”

“Access when required, not timetabled”

“Access to class notes, extra help and further reading for the course”

“I can access information that I need from anywhere with 3G on my phone”

“Can access feedback from assignments quickly”

“Access to tapes of native Irish speakers”

SOCIAL/COMMUNICATION SOCIAL/COMMUNICATION SOCIAL/COMMUNICATION

“Connecting to professionals, teachers and instructors as simple as to a neighbour”

“Helps me to stay in contact with my friends from high school who don’t go to University”

“Allows you to connect with other students and share ideas/opinions”

“Community it creates”

“Potential for assisting in academic collaboration, for example Skype”

“Connectivity with others”

“Keeps the learner in touch with the vast social media happening around us”

“I can maintain contact and interest in events and happenings in the University of Ulster from home”

Benefits Using TechnologyBenefits

(1,586)Benefits (1,489)

Benefits (1,280)

INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE

“Creates a platform of data”

“I can have something explained over and over again at the click of a button”

“Broadening of learning horizons”

FLEXIBILITY FLEXIBILITY FLEXIBILITY

“I have the opportunity to do an MSc without travelling”

“Unrestricted timeframe – study when suits”

“Flexibility to juggle the course whilst looking after my children”

“Learning in a mobile environment”

“Kindle helps me to carry books with me when I cannot work from home”

“Flexible course learning with online tutorials”

GENERAL GENERAL GENERAL

“Makes learning fun”

“Excellent for researching, broad range of information skills

“Helps with my dyslexia”

“Speed of information dissemination”

“Makes me more employable”

“RefWorks is a huge benefit”

“Innovative new technologies make the world go around”

Benefit of Using Technology (1)Tagcloud created @ www.wordle.net

Benefit of Using Technology (2)

Tagcloud created @ www.wordle.net

Benefit of Using Technology (3)

Tagcloud created @ www.wordle.net

Positive Impact of Technology“The range of materials available is

absolutely incredible. Being able to access information and keep in touch with tutors online has been a great bonus for me. It fits with my family commitments – very important to us oldies!”

“As a disabled student I have gained confidence and ability using Mac and Dragon Dictate, I am better able to work in a focused way when I am not in severe pain. Technology allows me to keep up to date with relevant news stories and articles of interest to my work and blogging”

The Impact of Technology on the Learner ExperienceTagcloud created @ www.wordle.net

Enhancing Teaching and Learning through Technology

Tagcloud created @ www.wordle.net

Enhancing Teaching and Learning through Technology• “..asking students what type of technology they would prefer to use

…..”• “Use more visual methods of technology…”• “Stop assuming that everyone has the same level of technology

experience. Some lecturers are convinced everyone has internet and a laptop…”

• “…I would strongly encourage all those who teach to produce podcasts of lectures for distance learners. I find the podcast elevates the quality to a new level….makes us feel at a distance feel a little closer too!”

• “I think Skype and video conferencing would be useful during placements”

• “Give tablets or tablet purchasing scheme so that they can be used in all classes…”

• “I think Ulster should set up their own type of ‘Facebook’….a more informal social network where learners can discuss and share ideas…A type of relaxed, social platform for all Ulster students but that will be collaborative and conducive to learning”

“By keeping up to date with new and emerging

technology and by making this available to

me”

Summary FindingsStudents…

• view technology use as an integral part of the learning experience

• value quality information and interaction with staff and fellow students

• value the convenience and flexibility of using technology to support their learning

Summary Findings

• Large proportion of students bring their own device to the University to support their learning

• Use of e-readers to read course resources in informal learning scenarios and has likely grown

Summary Findings• Rated usage of and satisfaction with current

services is positive

• Supportive of more technology use, e.g., additional access to – interactive whiteboards, voice tools, video conferencing, collaboration tools, immersive environments

• Satisfaction with staffs’ technology use is mixed

• More input into technologies they use

Potential areas of improvement

• Use of technology to enhance f2f teaching

• Extend and enhance the use of VLE and other online tools

• Provide support for learners with diverse range of technology skills and confidences

• Consider issues relating to network quality and access

• Raise awareness and support the use of technologies available to support student learning