Learning outside the classroom
Learning outside the classroom: the use of iPods for revision and assessment
The Cookery team at the School of Hospitality are well on their way to compiling a full collection of video-based learning resources for their students. Their efforts are fast winning the support of those looking to better juggle non-traditional working hours with hands-on education and assessment.
In July 2007 lecturers began to video practical cookery lessons covering everything from gnocci to nicoise and post the clips on YouTube.com for students to access and refer to in their own time. The blog site www.otagocookeryl4.blogspot.com was then launched and has thus far received a massive 65,000 hits.
“We were then asked to deliver these lessons in a portable format – to put demonstrations onto student’s personal iPods” explains Catering Lecturer Stephen Ellwood, adding that the iPod format was chosen as the cheaper and more accessible option for students and was compatible with iQuiz and theory notes.
“We see this as important when it comes to teaching cookery as our students work all hours. Now they can access demonstrations for revision at 3am, or on the bus, or wherever they happen to be.”
Cookery has won funding from the Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund to purchase an iMac computer, new editing software and a new video camera in order to generate a full collection of high-quality photographic and video resources for level 3 and 4 programmes.
The project aims to improve the presentation of existing and future practical lesson movies, present all course materials on iPods for flexible delivery and enhance course material for the kinaesthetic and visual learning styles of cookery students.
“Students have been raving about the videos – they want more and more” adds Stephen. “Staff are also closely monitoring assessment outcomes. We believe video demonstrations are improving practical assessment in the classroom.”