This is the third in a series of posts exploring the 6 guiding principles behind why we promote e-learning at Sheffield Hallam University. Each of the principles underscores the benefits of integrating e-learning opportunities into the curriculum, and each is supported here by student quotes from research into how our students use technology to support and enhance their learning.  Today’s guiding principle:

Opportunities to extend interaction beyond the classroom, engaging with peers, tutors and experts across the globe

Online environments present a chance to continue discussions on lecture or tutorial contents outside of the classroom.  Some students are more likely to raise questions with peers when they are more anonymous online, or would prefer to ask a question after they have had a chance to think about something.

“Because of the size of the lectures, sometimes it is not possible to socialise or have a close friend at hand to discuss work with. A student forum is an ideal way of doing this.”

Online technologies, such as blogs and wikis, allow additional possibilities for having students interact outside of the University.  For instance, students could publish content online and receive feedback from the wider discipline community rather than just their local peers and tutors.

“I mean at the moment I only share ideas with 17 people. I would love to share ideas with 1,000 people because I will get a 1,000 more ideas back and that’s the whole thing about it is the more you share it with the more feedback you’re going to get.”

For further information on all the guiding principles, you can read them in a handout we’ve created.