Building an engaging learning community in the virtual world using Spatial Chat
Ms Agneetha Amarnath , Ms Syeda Zakia Begum , Dr Gee Chong Ling , Dr Tammy Tang
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Over the last 2 years where we were plagued by the COVID pandemic , it was ( and still ) a tough challenge to establish a truly engaged online learning community with our students . Within BABS , the technical team collaborated with the teaching team in trialling novel interactive platform which aligns with UNSW ’ S 2025 vision and initiatives of continuing innovative delivery of our education and student experience in and beyond the classroom . The platform i mproves student interactions and engagem ent in the virtual learning environment while successfully delivering the course content .
Spatial chat was introduced in a first year ( 300 students ) and third year ( 42 and 65 students ) courses to deliver live online trivia , group discussion and symposium . Students were represented in a personalised icon , interacting with those who are in close vicinity , hence “ spatial ,” simulating a true classroom interaction where mini group discussion is possible without sending participants away into another room . The vicinity of the spatial distance resembles the social interactions that we have missed throughout the lockdown . The tool can be adapted to different learning activity by customising the virtual environment and sharing teaching resources in various formats .
The benefits of using spatial chat are , it i mitates social interaction virtually during lockdown , it promotes mental health and wellness of staff and students , several learning activities can be conducted on the same platform and it also provides the educators with a bird ’ s eye view on the students in the newly introduced learning platform .
We found that this platform provided students ’ an opportunity to experience a virtual classroom atmosphere as well as a fulfil the learning outcomes of the course . Students appreciated the interaction and engagement element present in spatial chat as it was flexible , efficient and fun . Overall , this technology takes us one step closer to reality , creating an exceptional learning experience for our students .
Agneetha Amarnath
Syeda Zakia Begum
Dr Gee Chong Ling
Agnee is a Technical Officer within school of BABS who supports both F2F and online Teaching , and Research labs in the disciplines of Molecular sciences , Biochemistry and Biomedical sciences . She has wide experience in online teaching , course management system and platforms .
Zakia is a Technical Officer within the school of BABS who facilitates Research , on campus and the online delivery of laboratory teaching in the Disciplines of Molecules , Cells and Genes , Biochemistry , Applied Biomolecular Sciences , Molecular Frontiers , and Genetics . she is involved in conducting Hybrid class and digital resources for laboratory teaching .
Gee is an EF Lecturer from the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences , Faculty of Science with strong interest in redesigning the delivery of laboratory teaching in a digital assisted format . Gee employs assessment as learning as the pedagogical design for the practical teaching activities in undergraduates ’ courses , implementing electronic laboratory notebook as the tool to promote professional practices , particularly collaboration and communication .
Poster Authors
Tammy is a Technical Officer within school of BABS who support teaching delivery and research groups . She has experience in digital uplift for teaching , such as video designing for online teaching .
Dr Tammy Tang
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