1) The document summarizes a workshop on a semi-synchronous approach to developing critical thinking skills online. It discusses student feedback, course delivery, and course design. 2) Student participation declined slightly throughout the week-long course but remained high. Students reported that the daily activities kept them engaged with the material even when tired. They found the personalized feedback sessions very helpful. 3) In reviewing the course design, students felt the interactive content was easy to navigate and optimized learning, though some decorative elements could be reduced to focus on goals. The reflections discuss improving design quality, balancing student and instructor needs, and next steps.

1. A semi-synchronous
approach to critical thinking
Speakers: Ninna Makrinov, skills programme coordinator
and Susan Vollmer, learning and digital content officer
Contributors: Dr. Kathy Mahoney, Erika Hawkes, Bo Kelestyn

2. Reflections
Student
feedback
Course
delivery
Course
design
• Understanding of the student perception of a semi-synchronous approach to
online skills development
• Reflection on the benefits of including feedback as part of online learning
• Exploring the use of H5P in Moodle to enhance student engagement
Takeaways
2

3. 3

4. 4

5. 5

6. 6

7. 7

8. Participation
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Registered Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Feedback
8

9. General feedback
0
1
2
3
4
5
Coach Learning needs Recommend Satisfied
Online Face2Face
9

10. “At first, to be honest, I was a bit annoyed to do the tasks every day
because it has been a stressful week for me and then sitting down
shortly before midnight to complete the course was a bit exhausting.
However, I think I personally learned more in this course than in most
of the many other workshops I have visited (…) because usually when
I leave a workshop, I don't really think about it everyday. With this
workshop, it really kept me thinking about critical thinking outside
this course and in the end, I was looking forward to completing the
activity of the day. Thank you very much for this workshop!”
Students’ thoughts: Semi-synchronous approach10

11. Think about the content of the course, what would you keep?
“The structure and the additional information provided in the
feedback sessions.”
“Everything. And I was impressed of Ninna's effort to give us
personal feedback - this was really helpful and kind.”
Students’ thoughts: Feedback11

12. Students’ thoughts: Course design
0 1 2 3 4 5
It was easy to navigate contents (the
course was user friendly)
Colour and decorative features are
aesthetically pleasing and do not
interfere with learning goals
The design enabled me to learn
efficiently
12

13. • Design quality: using H5P interactive presentations
• Balance student wants and pedagogical rigour
• Cost-effectiveness?
• Next steps
Our reflections
13

14. customerservices@jisc.ac.uk
jisc.ac.uk
Thank you
Ninna Makrinov
Skills programme coordinator
N.Makrinov@warwick.ac.uk
Susan Vollmer
Learning and digital content officer
Susan.Vollmer@warwick.ac.uk