Self-Funded PhD Research Project

School of Engineering and Built Environment

CCIS

Project Reference Number: SEBE_SELF_JP_1

Project Title: Investigation of mobile technology to support feedback as an mechanism to enhance engagement and interactivity in the lecture environment

Self-funded research applications are invited for the following PhD project at Glasgow Caledonian University. Please note that as this project is not funded by a university studentship, the successful candidate will be required to source external funding for the research degree fees and living expenses while studying at the university.

Research Discipline areas

Computing, Education, Information Technology

Research Theme(s)

Interactive and Communications Engineering

Research Supervisor Contact

Candidates are encouraged to contact the following researcher for further details on the proposed research project area.

·  Jim Devon, Lecturer, Dept of CCIS:

·  Robert Law, Lecturer, Dept of CCIS:

Research Project Summary

The UK National Student Survey indicates that students consider assessment and feedback to be relatively unsatisfactory elements of their experience of higher education when compared with other aspects of University life. In particular, the promptness of feedback is identified as an issue. Feedback can be made more immediate by introducing technology as a way of engaging students and interacting in new ways. For example, the use of online tools for multiple choice questions and quizzes has been around for many years and can be used as a quick method of assessing understanding. The nature of the student experience in education environments is changing and challenging for staff with the use of ever-newer technologies always needing to be explored.

We see the rise in popularity of smartphones in the UK and in particular the uptake in smartphone ownership within the student population opening a new dimension for this type of interaction, feedback and engagement research. At GCU we are pioneering the use of students’ smartphones as a client platform for Audience Response Systems (ARS). ARS technology, traditionally using dedicated ‘clicker’ devices, provides a means for the lecturer to engage and interact with the students using the responses to offer the student audience feedback, leading to further discussion and the opportunity for student reflection.

This project proposes to examine the use of mobile technologies to enhance the immediacy of feedback and the impact that these have on the student experience. The research will investigate and evaluate ways in which mobile technologies using appropriate cloud services and technologies on a range of platforms can be integrated into the lecture/lab/tutorial environment to enhance student participation and engagement. This may involve development of prototype systems as well as studies of the effectiveness of applying these technologies.

Mode(s) of Study

Delete as applicable:

This project is available as a:

·  PhD: 3 years full-time

·  PhD: 4.5 years part-time

·  1 + 3 route to PhD: Undertaking MRes [1 year full-time or 2 years part-time] + PhD as above

Institute/Research Groups (if applicable)

·  Education Research

·  Visual, Affective and Pervasive Systems Group

APPLICATION DETAILS

Eligibility

Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.

Specific requirements of the project (if applicable):

The successful applicant should have a minimum of a first degree (2:1 or above). Previous experience of a range of programming skills will be desirable; with an awareness of using cloud services being advantageous.

How to Apply

Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisor contact for the project before applying.

Applicants should complete the GCU Research Application Form (available from: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/phdresearchopportunities/) stating the project title and reference number and attaching a research proposal.

The form should be sent with copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references and any other relevant documentation to: . Applicants shortlisted for a PhD will be contacted for an interview.

Application Deadlines

The PhD programmes commence in 01 October, 01 February or 01 May of each year. The application deadlines for 2015-16 are as follows:

·  October 2015 Start - 30 June 2015

·  February 2016 Start - 1 December 2015

·  May 2016 Start - 1 March 2016

Research Degree Fees

Current fee information: http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/feesfinance/researchfees/

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