Part of the Lightning Strikes presentations. This presentation concerns using digital objects in an exam setting.

1. Historical adventures with digital
objects: sharing findings from
working beyond the classroom
Dr David Vessey

2. Session Outline
• The exam
• The objects
• The evidence
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3. Section A: Subject Knowledge
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4. Section C: Historical Argument
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5. Section B: Source Analysis
• Tests ability to evaluate different primary-source
materials, i.e. images (cartoons) and text.
• Encourages comparative analysis.
• Requires complementary subject knowledge.
• Has to be contained in an essay-style answer
with appropriate argument and interpretation.
• Exactly the skills required in honours History
study (gobbet papers at L2 / L3).
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6. Digital Objects
• Echo360
“Screencast”
• Google Forms
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7. 7
Echo 360 “Screencast”

8. 8
Echo 360 “Screencast”

9. 9
Echo 360 “Screencast”

10. Google Forms
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11. Google Forms
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12. Quantitative Evidence
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• Students asked a series of questions about the
use of digital objects on the module.
• 5 = Extremely beneficial
• 1 = No benefit at all

13. Quantitative Evidence
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Question Score
Did you find the screencast helpful in assisting your
preparation for the exam?
4.4 / 5
Did the accompanying online Google Forms exercises
provide useful practice in how to prepare for the
exam?
4.3 / 5
Was the feedback on your practice attempts helpful in
improving your approach to exam questions?
4.3 / 5
Overall, to what extent would you say that the digital
objects have helped in your understanding of module
content and preparation for the final exam?
4.5 / 5

14. Quantitative Evidence
17.19
16
17.13
15
26
13.5
22
10
15
20
25
30
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exam
No attempts
One attempt
Two attempts
Three attempts
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15. Conclusions
• Students clearly appreciated the additional exam
practice and feedback beyond the classroom.
• Clear indication of improved exam performance
for students who engaged with the resources.
• How to ensure greater engagement?
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