What is an e-module?
In this context, an e-module is an asynchronous, online learning module on a specific, standalone topic within a larger course.
At the start of this academic year, the following two e-modules – a collaboration between Course teams and the Digital Learning team – were made available to select students from the Screen School:
- The impact of AI e-module – Moving Image & Digital Arts Programme (900+ students enrolled across different units / courses. This e-module is a pilot.)
- FTV Production Risk Assessment e-module – Film and Television Programme (900+ students enrolled across different units / courses.)
Students were asked to complete and pass the e-modules to gain either a certificate of completion or badge.
Why the e-module?
The primary motivation for introducing The impact of AI and FTV Production Risk Assessment e-modules was to solve a problem. In both cases, Course teams identified a need for consistent messaging on an important topic within the curriculum that impacted all students. The aim of the e-modules, therefore, was to distill each key topic down to an agreed, manageable number of core take-aways to be presented interactively, using mixed media and in a time-efficient manner (the e-modules are intended to be completed in less than 1.5 hours).
The asynchronous delivery mode was chosen for its flexibility and ease of access across multiple courses, while a bespoke Moodle page ensured the content and related resources (external links, downloadable documents, glossary of terms, etc.) were collated centrally and accessible at any time.
How were the e-modules designed?
The content, structure and assessments were discussed and agreed with Course teams, while Digital Learning managed the learning design, format and activities, with final sign-off from Programme Directors.
Click here to watch a walkthrough of one unit of the FTV Production Risk Assessment e-module. (This video has no sound and is 1.51 minutes.)
What do the students think?
Over 90 students have so far voluntarily provided feedback on their experience of taking the e-modules.
83% of respondents thought that having ‘an e-module for students on the topic of AI is a good idea’, with 54% stating that taking The impact of AI e-module ‘changed their thinking about using AI’.
Free text comments included:
I appreciate the effort that went into these lessons.
Thank you for making this module 🙂
The feature I found most valuable were the clips from interviews as well as links to articles and such on the matter.
Suggestions for improvements point to a potential need for real-time clarification and / or a clearer introduction to the material.
What do staff think?
Benefits highlighted by staff included:
- Consistency in messaging: the e-module ‘has taken the pressure off Course teams’, ensuring ‘consistent delivery on a shared topic’.
- Consistency of resources: the e-module and related Moodle page allows the ‘students to have a record’ they can refer to and access as many times as needed.
- Scalability – there are plans to scale the e-modules, both this academic year and next. These plans include adding extension e-modules to build on the initial content with related topics (FTV Production Risk Assessment e-module), and adapting the content (The impact of AI e-module) for different Programme areas.
The main challenges of this mode of delivery so far have been gauging the level of student engagement and motivation.
What’s next?
The above feedback has already been extremely valuable in informing future iterations of the e-modules and will shape upcoming decisions around design and rollout.
If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas for a possible e-module tailored to your own students’ needs, please get in touch with Sam at s.birkett@lcc.arts.ac.uk.