{"title":"Open Educational Resources: the challenges of ‘usability’ and copyright clearance","authors":"S. Whitfield, Z. Robinson","doi":"10.11120/PLAN.2012.00250051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/PLAN.2012.00250051","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This article reflects on the experiences of Keele University's participation in repurposing teaching materials for open access as part of the GEES consortium within the Higher Education Academy/ JISC Open Educational Resources (OER) pilot project. The team at Keele contributed over 100 separate OER, principally PowerPoint slide sets, reading lists and activity sheets across a number of climate change and sustainability-related themes. This paper explores some of the challenges that arose in the ‘repurposing’ of existing teaching materials for open access, including the issues of end-user usability and obtaining copyright clearance for image intensive resources. The paper concludes with advice for those interested in making existing or new resources suitable for open access.","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"20 1","pages":"51 - 54"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90775468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Student difficulties in learning geoscience","authors":"H. King","doi":"10.11120/plan.2012.00250040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2012.00250040","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A small-scale pilot study with three institutions (from the UK, USA and Canada) tested a methodology for identifying student and staff perceptions of difficulties in learning geoscience. A mixed-methods approach was used with questionnaires, interviews and a card-sort exercise.","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"83 1","pages":"40 - 47"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73920333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Overcoming the barriers to the use of journal articles within the geosciences","authors":"R. Waller, P. G. Knight","doi":"10.11120/plan.2012.00250027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2012.00250027","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Journal articles offer students an invaluable insight into current research and active debates. However, students are reluctant to engage with journals, and citation analyses suggest that their use is declining in favour of more accessible sources such as the internet. This project examined barriers to student engagement with journal literature and the extent to which these can be overcome by additional training. A questionnaire survey revealed various barriers including the complex content, the difficulty of finding relevant articles, the associated time commitment, and access problems. To address these barriers, two interventions were implemented: a detailed guide on how to find relevant literature; and tutorial sessions at which set reading was discussed. Citation analysis of pre- and post-intervention coursework indicated a significant increase in the use of journal articles. A focus group confirmed the value of the interventions and provided feedback that has informed a series of recommendations.","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"20 1","pages":"27 - 32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72866155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrating fieldwork and classroom teaching using 3D and 4D models: benefit or hindrance to student learning?","authors":"D. Paton, Jacqueline Houghton","doi":"10.11120/plan.2012.00250065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2012.00250065","url":null,"abstract":"Visualising and understanding concepts in 3D/4D is an essential skill in the Earth and Environment sciences that students often find difficult to grasp. With the increase in availability and associated reduction in cost of higher level computing and visualisation facilities, there is an increasing use of modern visualisation modelling techniques and technologies in teaching. The question we address here is “does the use of new technology enhance or hinder student learning?”","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"25 1","pages":"65 - 71"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79207996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using constructivist teaching tools to stimulate active learning in first year environmental management undergraduates","authors":"J. Sobels, Gertrude Szili, David Bass","doi":"10.11120/PLAN.2012.00250021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/PLAN.2012.00250021","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The authors seek to demonstrate how the use of a constructivist teaching approach and tools turned normally pragmatic, minimalist work ethic, first year students into active, enthusiastic learners. Whilst the use of learning journals is not unique, their value as a teaching tool and form of assessment at first year undergraduate level has proven to be surprisingly successful in terms of student engagement and promotion of life-long learning principles. The analysis utilised student writings and showed how they were motivated towards active participation in their own learning. The students' entries in a learning journal, in particular, demonstrated evidence of changes in their thinking and learning behaviour.","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"7 1","pages":"21 - 26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86564747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tailoring GIS materials for distance learning in geoscience","authors":"T. Argles","doi":"10.11120/plan.2012.00250002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2012.00250002","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Nurturing spatial literacy is a key component of any geoscience course, and the difficulty of this task is magnified for distance educators. This paper describes the context, challenges, and achievements of a teaching fellowship at the Open University (OU) focused on developing materials for distance learners based on Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Some examples of materials created for a distance module are outlined, along with the rationale behind their specific formats, and some general considerations on designing GIS materials to be used in distance education.","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"5 1","pages":"2 - 6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2012-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81598647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Open Fieldwork Project – bringing together open licensed resources for fieldwork education","authors":"","doi":"10.11120/plan.2011.00240096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2011.00240096","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"102 1","pages":"96 - 96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75812686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"GEES Shorts – sharing the good, bad and nightmarish","authors":"","doi":"10.11120/plan.2011.00240021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2011.00240021","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"52 1","pages":"21 - 21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83990800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The moon has no gravity: examples of idea-mixing in explanations of physical processes","authors":"J. Libarkin, A. Stokes","doi":"10.11120/plan.2011.00240050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2011.00240050","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This paper presents a discussion of the role of student alternative conceptions in learning, and the ways in which non-scientific ideas can influence the acquisition of scientific models. Sample interviews with students provide a window into the role that prior knowledge plays on the development of ideas within the general adult public, and particularly the ways in which instruction can interact with this prior knowledge. We find evidence for a variety of ways in which students mix scientific and non-scientific ideas within geoscience. This work is in alignment with prior work on student conceptual understanding, and further supports the idea that lecturers must pay careful attention to prior knowledge when presenting new theories, models or paradigms. We conclude with suggestions for instructional approaches which are useful for uncovering students' prior knowledge.","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"18 1","pages":"50 - 54"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86313588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Providing specialist support to peers: evaluating a student mentoring scheme for semi-independent overseas fieldwork","authors":"D. Simm, R. Schaaf","doi":"10.11120/plan.2011.00240030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11120/plan.2011.00240030","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This article explores how a pilot student peer-mentoring scheme can be used to support semi-independent overseas fieldwork. Students returning from an extended period of living and working in a developing country are seen to contribute by acting as a role model of what can be attained and providing valuable insights into the overseas experience. The students return with more knowledge of a particular place, culture or research project than their tutors. Other benefits include providing identity to the degree programme, enabling social interaction between academic cohorts, and as a recruitment tool. This article explores the experiences of student mentors and mentees, identifies the benefits and issues, and makes recommendations on how these can be addressed in a more formal mentoring scheme.","PeriodicalId":85255,"journal":{"name":"People & the planet","volume":"33 1","pages":"30 - 36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90401894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}