Vignettes from the Field
Snapshot
Elizabeth |
Student |
Discipline |
Life Sciences |
Enrolment mode |
External |
Level |
3 rd year |
Experience with WBLT |
Positive |
‘I transfer the lecture onto my Ipod and listen while my daughter’s at ballet.’ Elizabeth
Learning Context
Elizabeth is mother of two small daughters and is undertaking the third year of an undergraduate Education degree. Most of her studies have been as a part time student, but this semester she has a full time load. She lives in the mountains and ‘wouldn’t spend the time or the petrol driving down to campus every day’.
WBLT and changes to learning
WBLT have been valuable learning tools for Elizabeth. She finds, as an external student, they provide a way of attending lectures and reduce her sense of isolation. She previously listened to the CDs sent out by the Uni, but she always felt ‘at least a week behind.’
Elizabeth listens the lectures regularly throughout the semester, as soon as they are available. Being able to ‘repeat missed concepts’ means that she feels her notes are much more comprehensive:
It’s fantastic – I love the flexibility, having two little children. I can listen early in the morning or late at night.
Learning Futures
Elizabeth recognises many of the benefits of WBLT for both students and unis and sees that in the future these technologies may be more prevalent in learning environments:
‘eLearning may be a common, financially savvy way of unis offering courses, but I still believe the face-to-face component of any unit is vital…we still need to speak to lecturers and tutors.’
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