GIS 510: Supporting Discussion & Collaboration through Perusall
GIS 510: Fundamentals of Geospatial Information Science and Technology is an introductory fully asynchronous online graduate course with an enrollment of approximately 100 students per semester. Associate Teaching Professor Stacy Supak creates 10-11 assignments as part of the ungraded component of the course. A map layout (PDFs or images) or a web mapping application is the result of each assignment and these products communicate the results of the students’ analysis. Supak’s students provided a weekly analysis of their work and posted it in the Moodle Q&A Forum. While TAs provide feedback, Supak identified a missed opportunity for peer conversations centered on element placement, and design and title choices. In the spring semester of 2024, Supak turned to DELTA by applying for an Instructional Tools Express Grant with the goal of using technology to foster meaningful discussion and improve communication.
Instructional Challenges
- Supak sought an improved method of communication to facilitate peer reviews and discussions.
- Moodle Q&A Forum was not inviting collaborative conversations that fostered productive feedback.
- Supak needed a solution that would improve student engagement and enhance her online course.
Highlights/Solutions
- Implemented an organized folder system for assignments arranged by group, not data, and clarified assignment instructions.
- Perusall was added to the Moodle course to facilitate interactions and enhance conversations. The tool was particularly helpful for larger classes.
Related Links
- Perusall Instructor Guide
- Getting Started: Perusall
- How do I set up peer review?
- Can students upload their own documents to the course?
- What instructions can I provide to students?
- Engage Students Socially in Course Texts with Perusall
For more information about DELTA services, please contact LearnTech.