Writers in Action: Modelling and Scaffolding Second-Language Learners’ Writing Process

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 […]

If You Build It Will They Come An Evaluation of Whiteboard a Networked Academic Profiles Project

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, […]

Cross-Disciplinary Collaborative Course Design: Successes and Challenges from an Implementation at OCAD University

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 […]

@ Issue Paper No. 22 – Pitfalls and Potential: Lessons from HEQCO-Funded Research on Technology-Enhanced Instruction

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 […]

Building a Sense of Community in Large Sized Classes via Peer and Self Assessment

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 […]

Engaging Students to Think Critically in a Large History Class

Not all students benefit equally from engagement technologies in large classes Online quizzes and clickers are just some of the technologies being introduced into large university classes to improve student engagement. While these tools have shown promise in studies of science, technology, engineering and math, less is known about their effectiveness in the humanities. A […]

The Role of Planetariums in Promoting Engagement and Learning

Digital planetariums:  Despite the “wow factor,” more evaluation of effectiveness needed Digital planetariums – in which the night’s sky is projected on domed ceilings – have a decided wow factor and today’s interactive versions can bring to life academic studies in astronomy.  But more research is needed into their potential effectiveness as a learning tool, […]

Undergraduates Understanding of Skill based Learning Outcomes: Can e-portfolios Help?

Many University Undergraduates Struggle to Articulate Skills Learned in Class While students understand what many of the transferrable skills sought by employers are, a new report examining psychology students at Brock University by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that university undergraduates may not have strong awareness of their skills and the […]

Enhanced Learning of Manipulation Techniques using Force-Sensing Table Technology (FSTT)

Research Summary: Force-Sensing Table a Useful Tool for Teaching Chiropractic Skills A tool for teaching chiropractic techniques, Force-Sensing Table Technology (FSTT) measures the nature of the force being applied to the spine and provides real-time feedback to the student and instructor. A new study by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) finds that […]