Whenever a switch is made from face-to-face education towards more self-study, students have to develop an independent approach to studying. In order for students to be able to manage their own learning process, it is important that they gain insight into their progress along the way.
Feedback applications which allow the lecturer to be virtually 'present' are extremely useful. After all, a blended educational approach typically consists of less face-to-face interaction between the lecturer and the students, as well as among students, but students do still need personal contact.
Some possible applications of online feedback are:
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Virtual Q&A sessions
During virtual Q&A sessions, lecturers can use a webcam to interact with larger groups of students, for instance after they've been studying the material on their own. Students can submit their questions in advance or use the chat feature during the session. A large group of students can be split up into smaller groups for more intensive contact.
Added value for my course?
Advantages
- You can reach large groups of students.
- The students can also interact with one another.
- There is usually less reluctance to ask questions than during face-to-face contact.
- You can use non-verbal cues to help get your message across.
Disadvantages
- Virtual Q&A sessions can only be conducted synchronously (live). You can record the session and share it afterwards though.
- This medium is not suited for going into very specific individual questions in detail.
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Online individual feedback sessions
During an online individual feedback session, direct communication takes place between the student and the lecturer, both of whom have a webcam. The approach can vary from completely lecturer-led communication to more student-led communication. In order to ensure a smooth and efficient session, it is best to structure the conversation in advance.
Added value for my course?
Advantages
- The video allows you to assess how your feedback comes across: ambiguities in the feedback can be addressed immediately.
- You can use non-verbal cues to help get your message across.
- You can discuss the student's specific questions in detail.
Disadvantages
- Such conversations are always synchronous (live).
- Individual sessions are time-consuming and therefore not easy to organise for large groups.
- This form of feedback requires some skill in conversation techniques.
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Audio feedback
In the case of asynchronous audio feedback, lecturers record their feedback as spoken messages, which are then delivered to the (groups of) students. Research has shown that spoken feedback can increase student involvement and can also be a real time-saver for lecturers.
Added value for my course?
Advantages
- Lecturers can use their tone of voice for emphasis.
- Students have reported a greater sense that the lecturer 'is involved' when they get audio feedback as opposed to written feedback.
- Students experience audio feedback as clearer and more constructive than written feedback.
- Producing and distributing audio files (including preparation time) often proves less time-consuming than typing out written feedback.
- Students can pause and/or repeat the audio clips as they please.
- In certain online applications (like Kaizena), starting a feedback dialogue is very straightforward.
Disadvantages
- Only verbal cues can be used in this method; no body language.
- This type of feedback is sometimes experienced as too general, with too little focus on specific details.
- In the case of official assessments, an additional file containing a written evaluation is required.
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Video feedback
In asynchronous video feedback, lecturers record their feedback using a camera, webcam or screen recorder. These video messages are then shared with students by sending them a link. Research shows that students greatly appreciate this type of feedback. They feel that video feedback creates a closer bond with the lecturer compared to written feedback.
Added value for my course?
Advantages
- Video feedback seems to reduce the perceived distance between students and the lecturer.
- Video feedback can also be used to address complex arguments and topics that are more difficult to sum up in written feedback.
- As it is a visual medium, video feedback offers the possibility to include demonstrations.
- As a lecturer, you can use non-verbal cues to help get your message across.
- Students can pause and/or rewatch the videos as they please.
Disadvantages
- Starting a feedback dialogue is possible, but not straightforward. If necessary, the video feedback can be supplemented with audio dialogue.
- In the case of official assessments, an additional file containing a written evaluation is required.
- For lecturers, this type of feedback (including preparation time) is often at least as time-consuming as typing out written feedback.