I am a researcher at Ultralab and am
currently predominantly examining online learning and pedagogy. After completing
my BA in Education and Geography with Mathematics at Keele University, where I
also completed my PGCE I moved in to research at Anglia Ruskin University's Health
Business School where I had became involved in researching online communities
for health professionals, with particular attention to the use of video resources
as a stimulus to social learning. I moved over to the lab in 2003 and found a
new home with the Ultraversity project where many of my research interests are
central.
Presently I am researching a number
of dimensions of online learning and pedagogy, both independently and as part
of the wide collective and collaborative project that is Ultraversity.
As part of my MA Education research I have recently undertaken a study
of personalised learning in online higher education ; this study
sought to discover what strategies may be used in an online environment to promote
autonomous learning. In addition this work critically examined the concepts
of personalised learning in given context. As part of my exploration in to personal
and autonomous learning online I have also contributed to a collaborative
paper visible here.
In addition I am currently undertaking a piece of action research to explore
and identify what actions in terms of the creation of course resources impact
on learning, particularly social learning.
Much of the research at Ultraversity is embodied in artifacts and products which
are the cumulative outcome of research from the whole team (for further explanation
of this process see Action
Inquiry & Ultraversity) . Personal contributions to this process
include :
Methods of facilitation
The role of blogging in distance learning | literature review of the topic contained
here
Refining online induction
Developing pre-induction/recruitment community
Resource development (including the use of audio as complementary media)
Refinement of the peer review process
The evolution of community structures
Methods of personalising (and scaffolding personalised) learning in practice
Developing strategies for remote
management of online distance education
Some insights in to the reflective
practice and action research may be seen on my blog www.lydiaarnold.net.
VIEW MY COS PROFILE
lydia@ultralab.net
