Collaborative Observation On-Line (COOL): Addressing under-exploitation of the potential of Technology Supported Learning (TSL) by the development of online peer observation processes
Shirley Bennett1, Patrick Lynch1, Sue Lee2
1University of Hull, United Kingdom, 2University of Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Many teaching staff identify Technology Supported Learning (TSL) as something irrelevant to their own practice and, combined with a lack of opportunities to observe TSL in action, they often lack awareness of what is possible.Pilots of Collaborative Observation On-Line at Hull (Bennett and Barp 2008) and Staffordshire have shown that opportunities for feedback on TSL practice can enhance confidence and self-efficacy even amongst experienced, even skilled, practitioners. Whilst acknowledging the benefits of other forms of social learning such as discussion groups, staff reported added value through the opportunity not only to discuss online experiences, but to focus on the online processes themselves within the context of implementation. Observing aspects of use of TSL helped reassure staff that new tools can be utilised in ways consistent with their teaching objectives to complement and enhance their existing pedagogical approaches. Training courses alone cannot effectively ensure understanding of the reality and challenges of the new mode and strategies to address them.This workshop will show how processes of online peer observation can help to mainstream TSL activity and facilitate transfer beyond isolated pockets of innovative and imaginative TSL activity across varying contexts and disciplines through situated exploration of online practice. It will give participants ideas for implementation in their organisation and a model for consideration.Participants will discuss processes developed by Hull, Staffordshire and other early implementers for supporting online peer observation, exploring the needs of both experienced and new - perhaps even reluctant - users of TSL, and the challenges and opportunities of going into online environments to observe practice.There will be a chance to experience techniques used at Hull as preparation for the actual observation online and a taste of how the observation and reflection work in practice.Participants will explore findings from data gathered from interviews with online observers and observees. Through joint reflection on practice workshop participants will discuss strategies to promote engagement across different institutional divides and traditional roles, and help to develop their own responses to the issues, opportunities and challenges which are emerging as involved in implementing collaborative observation online.Bennett, S. and D. Barp. 2008. Peer observation - a case for doing it online. Teaching in Higher Education. 13(5): 559-570