Have a question? Just ask it: using an anonymous mobile discussion platform for student engagement and peer interaction to support large group teaching

• Published in: Research in learning technology Vol. 28; pp. 1 - 16
• Main Authors: Tan, Elaine, Small, Adrian, Lewis, Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Jarfalla Association for Learning Technology 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Active Learning; anonymous engagement; Bullying; Computer Mediated Communication; Computer Software; Confidentiality; Consciousness; Educational Environment; Electronic Learning; Fear; Fear & phobias; Handheld Devices; Help Seeking; large cohort teaching; Large Group Instruction; Learner Engagement; Learning; Lecture Method; mobile learning; Peer Relationship; peer support; Peer Teaching; Peers; Public speaking; Questioning Techniques; Security (Psychology); Self Efficacy; Social Media; Social networks; Student Motivation; Student participation; Teaching; technology-enhanced engagement; Undergraduate Students
• ISSN: 2156-7077; 2156-7069; 2156-7077
• DOI: 10.25304/rlt.v28.2323

This article analyses the pilot of an anonymous question and answer mobile application with a large cohort of undergraduate students (460) enrolled on an Operations Strategy Management module. The mobile application allowed students to pose anonymous questions to both peers and staff, create replies and vote on questions posted by other users. The aim of the pilot was to evaluate how this application could be used to enhance communication, engagement and student learning both inside and outside of class time to overcome some of the challenges presented by large cohort teaching. An initial evaluation was undertaken exploring both the analytics attached to the platform and a thematic analysis of the posts. The initial findings of the pilot were positive, with the majority of students installing and regularly accessing the application with use increasing over time. The questions posed demonstrated engagement beyond surface-level memorisation of module content, and there were indications that the application could be beneficial in supporting student community awareness and interaction within large cohorts.