Video screen capture helps instructors understand students’ writing process By tracking activities that take place on a computer screen, video screen capture (VSC) technology makes students’ writing processes visible to themselves and to instructors. For students, this facilitates reflection on their writing behaviours and habits. For instructors, it opens a dialogue between them and students […]
Tag: Quality
Quality
Writing instruction at Ontario universities lacks a systemic approach Ontario’s university writing instruction lacks a systematic, coherent approach according to a new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). The study examined sample programs in arts/humanities, sciences and applied fields at five Ontario universities and found that while many students are receiving […]
Ryerson study examines learning activity in introductory physics course In the on-going quest for improved learning in large-class settings, an active-learning approach for an introductory physics course yielded mixed results, according to a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Modified Peer Instruction in Large Introductory Physics Classes examined […]
Engaging students academically on social networks: the Facebook dilemma Social networks have tremendous potential to connect students in large programs, who might otherwise go through a four-year program without getting to know others who share their academic interests. But to engage these students, institutions face a dilemma between being present on public platforms like Facebook, […]
Report examines the language of learning outcomes Learning outcomes – what students should know or be able to do at the completion of a course or program – are rapidly replacing credit hours as the preferred unit of measurement for postsecondary learning. But assessment has yet to keep pace with growth, according to a new […]
OCAD pilot examines cross-disciplinary development of online learning Capitalizing on the diverse range of experience and knowledge of its faculty, OCAD University launched a program to bring faculty from different disciplines in its School of Design together to develop online learning resources. A new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) found […]
Technology-Enhanced Learning: Pitfalls and Potential Seizing the digital vernacular, technology-assisted learning is trending in higher education. But these new and emerging technologies should be positioned as tools – as means to an end rather than as ends in themselves, cautions a new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO). Technology will be […]
Faculty buy-in necessary for success in outcomes-based education There is growing interest in outcomes-based education (OBE) initiatives that define, teach and assess learning outcomes. But getting faculty on board and changing their attitudes toward outcomes-based processes is important to the successful adoption of learning outcomes in Ontario’s postsecondary institutions, according to a new report from […]
Peer- and self-assessment build community in large classes A common criticism of large classes is that they are impersonal and restrict opportunities for students to interact with instructors and classmates. A new report from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that a learning technology based on peer- and self-assessment can help students […]