A CASE FOR USING SWIVL FOR DIGITAL OBSERVATION IN AN ONLINE OR BLENDED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
McCoy, Selina Lynam, Aoife Kelly, Mary
McCoy, Selina
Lynam, Aoife
Kelly, Mary
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Abstract
This paper examines the use of digital video in order to enhance professional development
for online and blended learning programs in higher education, with particular reference to
initial teacher education (ITE). While digital observation in the context of teacher education
has been the subject of some discussion, the technology considered in this article is
relatively new. Swivl is an innovative technology which allows for nonintrusive digital
observation of, for example, school placement. The benefits of using digital observation for
professional development are numerous, including the recording of information that may
not otherwise be captured and allowing for the retaining of that information for reflection
and analysis purposes. This paper assesses the potential benefits for both staff and
students who work in an online and blended learning environment, as well as identifying
some challenges this technology may present. The paper places a particular focus on the
practical application of Swivl technology in a blended learning postgraduate program for
ITE in Ireland. The aim of this paper is twofold: (1) to explore the use of an innovative
technology called Swivl for online or blended higher education and (2) to present an
overview of a proposed pilot study in which a randomized controlled trial group of student
teachers (N = 50) will use Swivl to self-reflect during school placement. A second paper, in
early 2019, will provide a detailed analysis of the impact of the use of digital technology in
a treatment group as part of the pilot study
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Publication Date
2018
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Begell House
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Keywords
Digital video, Professional development, Online learning, Blended learning, Initial teacher education, technology-enabled education, Swivl