A paper from the Built Environment Education Annual Conference 2006.
The use of Blackboard virtual learning environment (VLE) by many Universitiesn has been mainly focused on managing text-based learning resources with some application of online assessment and feedback. Used as a file depository it replicates rather than revolutionises teaching learning and assessment. Salford and Sheffield Hallam Universities through their respective Learning Technologies Centre (LTC) and Learning and Teaching Institute (LTI) encourage a more interactive value-added and pedagogically effective use of the VLE over time. A first attempt to move colleagues in this direction is Nuggets. Developed by the LTC Nuggets utilises existing media available to colleagues and delivers it to students through Blackboard.
The first part of this paper is an overview introducing the rationale for the development of Nuggets. The second part describes the overwhelming interest from academic staff and defines a paradigm shift in the use of 'media interventions'.
As a central case study this paper describes the development of a nugget using hand held DV equipment and examines some surprises in how a very short clip can be used to unpack a wide range of issues and learning opportunities.
