The document discusses the implementation of Google+ communities by the Biomedical Science department to enhance feedback and learning during the 2014/15 academic year. It highlights the challenges faced with previous discussion forums and how the new platform's social media feel and mobile accessibility have led to increased student engagement and effective communication. The Google+ communities have proven to be a successful tool for gathering student feedback, distributing information, and promoting participation among both students and staff.

1. Using Google Plus Communities to
enhance student feedback and
Learning
Neil Everill - Information and Learning Technology Officer
Biomedical Science.

2. For the 2014/15 academic year, BMS implemented the
University’s Google+ ‘communities’ platform as a feedback
channel between staff and UG students.
• To provide supplementary information for lectures and coursework material etc.
Aims:
• To provide answers to student-based questions arising from:
• Lectures/Practicals (i.e. questions asked to staff at the end)
• Emails directed to staff members individually
• To act as a general hub of activity and communication.
i.e. BMS Office information, news items, links, reminders, careers events etc.
• To encourage staff/student participation and peer feedback.

3. Background
We’ve used year level (or module) discussion forums for the past 12
years, or so, on various platforms:
• MUSE
• MOLE
• uSpace
Some years have been moderately successful but generally
these forums are underused by BMS students and ranked
low as an effective learning tool.

4. Reasons for inactivity/lack of engagement:
Unattractive platforms (Mole ‘clunky’, uSpace ‘un-locatable’)
Visibility. For example, students had to access a mole course to check for
new postings (inadequate notification methods on many platforms)
Identity – some students unwilling to ask questions or contribute to
postings on a public platform. Prefer to email staff members (or have face-
to-face teaching time).
Mobility – restricted to desktop computers/laptops (accessibility)
However, we know students are active users of discussion forums, but more in
a social media context (Facebook, Twitter) than educational.
We wanted to see if a more attractive and ‘accessible’ platform with a ‘social media
feel’ would encourage our students to participate in a formal learning context.

5. Why Google+ ?
It’s part of the full suite of educational Google Apps installed on the
Sheffield University domain.
Every UoS member (staff or student) has an account.
Communities can be created and restricted to University members
only (private).
Attractive user interface. Simple to use.
Mobile and tablet friendly with the Google+ App.

6. Setting up
We set up three BMS UG communities – one for each year level
Each restricted to the University of Sheffield
Anyone can join as long as they’re part of the UoS.
Let members search for the Community and join manually - or you
can send invitations, post a link from a mole course etc.

7. Accessing Google+
Once you’ve joined a community, access is simple.
Login to MUSE and access any of the Google Apps. Gmail for example.
Click on the Plus link
From the drop-down of
the G+ front page menu
select Communities.
You can also link in
through email
notifications or directly
with the Google+ App
on modular devices.

8. Example – BMS UG Level 2 Community
General post
Users can reply to this post here
Lecture FB post
Members can post new messages from hereEmail notification settings

9. Using the Hashtag to group topics and module codes
Hash-tagging a module code means topics can be filtered.
For example clicking on the #BMS235 link opens all posts related to BMS235.

10. With the
Google+ App,
the platform is
accessible on
mobile and
tablet devices.
Email
notifications
inform users of
new posts
Google+ is mobile and responsive.

11. Summary
Overall, the Google+ Communities have proved a very effective communication tool
Easy to set up and for members to join. Student membership is high for each level.
Efficient (and productive) way for staff to give different types of feedback.
i.e. emailed questions are posted to the community rather than emailed back to the
individual (names withheld). The year level or class benefits as a whole.
Has proved effective for distribution of targeted year level information as well.
Email notifications means users can receive updates without having to access the
community. Alternatively, the Google+ App notifies of new posts.
Students are engaging but appear happy to use the platform as a feedback mechanism
rather than posting directly.
High number of BMS and external staff using the platform. We hope to encourage
more next year.