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Newsfilm Online Digital Resources - Supporting and Enhancing Student Learning

Type: Case Study

Student Views of Bologna

This was a large-scale collaborative project between the Subject Centre for History, Classics and Archaeology, the Subject Centre for Sociology, Anthropology and Politics (C-SAP), the Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES), and the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Reusable Learning Objects (RLO-CETL). The Project commenced in April 2007, and delivered its outputs by March 2009. It was funded under the JISC Distributed e-Learning Programme Phase II. Thirteen online Exemplars (subject tutorials) were developed using materials from the Newsfilm Online archive, one of the outputs of the JISC Digitisation Programme. The Exemplars were created by academics from teaching taking place in UK HEIs with wide geographical coverage (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and demographic diversity. The wider subject communities will thus be provided with access to the pedagogical and subject-specific knowledge of the exemplar creators and with models of good practice in the creation of online resources utilising images. The Exemplars will provide resources for teaching at all levels of FE/HE, and material available in the Exemplars could also be utilised within the schools sector. The Exemplars will be suitable for use with many learner groups, including face-to-face teaching in small and large groups, and online distance learning provision.

Pedagogical issues to be addressed by the Exemplars are effective embedding of images within teaching; development of historical understanding; development of empathetic skills; development of critical thinking skills through contextual analysis of newsfilm and related materials (rushes, running orders), and comparative work with textual materials such as print media and secondary sources; development of evidence-based argumentation skills; development of group skills (though, for example, provision of an online forum or use within seminars); development of independent learning skills; and the use of reflective learning logs.