Group-based Learning and Assessment by using Collaborative E-portfolio

SCI001 was developed from the original CHE001 module run by chemistry staff, where we focussed on major issues affecting the world: energy and diabetes, using the two main research themes of the department. While SCI001 expanded that to the whole school of science. Academic staff from the departments of chemistry, biological sciences, health and environmental sciences and physics created interactive video lectures to be posted on the learning mall, and we had live tutorials. The assessment comprised an MCQ exam and a group project poster. During the first COVID lockdown, we had to adapt the format of the poster assessment. Firstly because students were not on campus, and then when they were, mass gatherings were not permitted. With the help of EDU colleagues, we identified Connect as a suitable platform to facilitate group work. Students are assigned a group and then create the group through the Connect system, where they can create a webpage with media content. These portfolios were then submitted on LM as the assessment.

SCI001 runs in semester 1 for year 1 students, so the main objective is to help students to transition to university. The group project gives them a lot of freedom, which is difficult at first, but with detailed guidance provided by EDU and tutorials on the expectations and requirements, the projects are well received and often elicit positive comments on the module questionnaire. However, some students don’t like being assigned groups, especially if a group member doesn’t participate. I see this as an essential learning experience for them, and if they report this, students who don’t engage will receive a penalty accordingly.

Connect is an excellent tool for collaborative online projects. It enabled my students to work together in distance during the pandemic. From an assessment point of view, it is also very easy for teachers to mark compared to a live poster event. The technology enhanced the learning and teaching experience and did bring a lot of convenience to us. Using technologies wisely in education could simplify the activity management process and improve the interactions between teachers and students and among students.

As with any assessment, using Connect portfolio to conduct group activity needs to be well planned by the teachers. More importantly, providing a lot of scaffolding content helps guide students to work on an unfamiliar activity. The guidance content can be a document or video. And we should make sure we are accessible to students when they have questions.