Advantages
Supports student flexibility through the use of remote access digital platforms. Enhances
group work
and communication skills by recognising the affordances of social media as a learning tool, while simultaneously catering to student interest in new digital platforms. Real-time digital media commenting/discussion can be used in most disciplines to help engage shy or reluctant students in real time interactions as part of a diversified learning environment.
Challenges
Requires reliable internet access as well as access to mobile devices (tablets, smartphones etc), which potentially raises equity concerns. This has not been problematic in the delivery of this assessment to date, and is managed by encouraging the use of University facilities (internet access and computer labs) and School equipment (e.g. iPads), where available.
Tips for implementation
Course coordinators should be adept at engaging with the social media platforms their students are interested in. Be prepared to speak to your students about what extant and emergent platforms they use and incorporate these into this technique where applicable.
How it supports academic integrity
Group members need to actively participate in their presentation and facilitate peer discussion as part of their presentation. This is actively observed by peers and course staff. Groups are also expected to keep each other accountable in ensuring equal and integrous contribution to the task.