Professional Practice Innovation
Name
- Netzahualcoyotl Hernandez-Cruz
- Samuel Moore
- Paul McCullagh
Summary
Active Learning in Systems Software Education (ALISSE) is a framework tailored for designing computing teaching material. ALISSE was used to redesign laboratory material in a Year 1 Systems Software module. The case study showcases the delivery with synchronous tutor support to a large cohort (N=225), coupled with a staged online assessment encouraging exploratory investigation to promote active learning. Monitored average attendance shows an increase in the students’ engagement from 47% (2019-20) to 80% (2020-21), enhancing the quality of the student learning experience in unprecedented challenging times.
Feedback was delivered upon test completion to allow students to reapply effort to succeed during module delivery. The assessment facilitated the adoption of in-module assessment and recovery (IMAR) to boost continued engagement with eight students benefiting. ALISSE has positively impacted the students’ access and helped in their academic formation towards industrial placement preparation in Year 2. In addition and to showcase the transferability of ALISSE, the module was subsequently delivered to the Ulster College in Xi’an, China (SUST), where the staff members expressed its usefulness and effectiveness in supporting students learning.