In May 2013 one of my online dissertation cohorts at Edge Hill achieved outstanding
results - 57% of students (n=47) obtained a First in the module.
This presentation will focus on my (the tutor’s) experience, outlining the approach
taken and the rationale – as well as reflecting on the experience since. The main tool
was a series of discussion boards (2,573 posts with over half the cohort engaging),
combined with web conferencing and student tracking. Colleagues have suggested one
of the main reasons for the success was my implicit belief that the technology would
benefit the student experience; perhaps my faith made it work?
I’ve taken this approach with other cohorts, and although the success has not been
replicated, anecdotal evidence (personal tutorials with parallel cohorts) indicates that
the open feedback given on discussion boards has had a significant impact on
outcomes. Also – the discussions have been used, retrospectively, by two students that
intercalated in 2013 – their grades being First / Iii.
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