Educational Technologies

The use of technology to enhance the learning process is integral to modern education. It has the potential to increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching, provide flexibility for studying, allow greater individual control and increase engagement. Our research includes investigation of the design of interactive e-lectures, the effect of interactivity on learning, computer-based assessment, the use of social media as a teaching tool, and the design of electronic toolkits to introduce children to coding.

Projects

Virtual University

Using learning technology to rethink teaching and assessment

The Virtual University Project explores ways in which learning technology may be used to rethink teaching and assessment. The project involves combining four teaching elements: interactive e-lectures to replace conventional face-to-face lectures; computer-based assessments to provide feedback on learning progress and help structure learning; face-to-face sessions as part of "flipping the classroom" to help students understand the materials; the use of Twitter to answer queries and share understanding. The e-lectures provide students with the flexibility to study when, where and how they choose. They allow students to review ... Read more…

Social Media for Learning

Using Twitter for engagement and collaboration

The Social Media project investigates ways in which social media can be used to enhance the learning process. We have been exploring the use of Twitter for teaching. There is evidence that it can enhance the learning experience of students, provide increased personalisation and quicker responses. Read more…

Interactive Learning

Creating interactive features to enhance the teaching of human-computer interaction

The Interactive Learning project involves developing support materials to enhance the teaching of modules in the UCL Interaction Centre. This includes the development of online "interactivies" to help students learn about specific techniques in interaction design; the creation of multiple-choice question banks for self-assessment; and the production of "talking head" videos in which experts talk about their subject areas. The project forms part of a UCL ChangeMakers proposal. Read more…

X5GON

X5GON - Transforming online learning into a whole new experience

Imagine you want to learn more about AI. Where would you start? Most people would begin by typing into Google search "learning about AI". But this will bring up nearly 4 million results! Which do you look at and how do you know it is a good way to start? What materials are the most up-to-date? Should you watch a YouTube video, a TED talk, or follow a free online course? The choice can be overwhelming and this can result in giving up: many people don't get very far ... Read more…

WeDraw

weDraw is a two-year EU H2020 funded research project to investigate and design different types of digital learning environments using a range of senses (such as sight, sound, touch and movement) to teach mathematical concepts to primary school children (aged 6-10 years). Technology will be used to explore arithmetical concepts through rhythm and music, and geometrical concepts through body movement and drawing. For example, digital devices which use resistance and force to create and explore edges and shapes through touch; or moving in space to create and manipulate sounds as ... Read more…

Code Me

How can we introduce the next generation of children to coding? Many electronic toolkits have been developed with the aim of lowering the threshold for making and learning about electronics concepts. Through our research we have developed MakeMe and SenseMe cubes that enable learning about electronics, programming, making and the Internet of Things engaging, playful, challenging, collaborative and discovery-based. See CodeMe The CodeMe project is changing how children learn to code - by transforming it into a series of engaging, challenging and creative activities that combine physical, internet and media ... Read more…