The Active Learning Platform a year after implementation: Lessons from the lake of hope

Abstract

This study investigated the uptake of the Echo360 Active Learning Platform (ALP) by academic staff at Griffith University. This research will inform future deployment prospects of this platform and seeks to discover the best ways to support staff in utilising its newer features to help students engage with their educational content. The study reports on the uptake one year after the implementation of the new features. It reports on data at two levels, firstly from the overall uptake of the new features in the tool and, more particularly, it reports on how a smaller number of staff have engaged with the tool over the last six months. Results suggest although the many new features in this tool have been welcomed by staff, the uptake is slower than had been predicted. Those who used the new features have reported student engagement with the tool in face to face classes and increased lecture attendance. However, some academics found the platform difficult to use and that it takes more time than expected to understand features. The paper reports reasons for this and provides some insights as to what can be done next to see a further increase in the level of engagement.