42 results on '"Minocha, Shailey"'
Search Results
2. A Qualitative Study to Understand the Perspectives of MOOC Providers on Accessibility
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, McAndrew, Patrick, Minocha, Shailey, and Coughlan, Tim
- Abstract
Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are widely available and have become a common option for learners. However, their full potential cannot be realised if they are not accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. It is, therefore, important to understand the different stakeholders and their requirements and perspectives in designing accessible MOOCs. This research investigated the perspectives of MOOC providers on MOOC learners who have accessibility needs and the processes used to manage accessibility and MOOCs in their individual organisations. In this paper, we report the results of a study using thematic analysis, which involved 26 semi-structured interviews with MOOC providers and focused on MOOC accessibility. The results show that, while MOOC providers are aware of learners with accessibility needs who are participating in MOOCs, they prioritise legislation over learners' accessibility preferences. MOOC providers consider the technology of the platform itself creates barriers and are aware of the limitations for learners in finding help, reporting accessibility barriers and obtaining feedback, when participating in MOOCs.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. A Mixed-Methods Study with MOOC Learners to Understand Their Motivations and Accessibility Needs
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, primary, McAndrew, Patrick, additional, Minocha, Shailey, additional, and Coughlan, Tim, additional
- Published
- 2023
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4. A Robotic Telescope For University-Level Distance Teaching
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Kolb, Ulrich, Brodeur, Marcus, Braithwaite, Nick, and Minocha, Shailey
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Physics - Physics Education ,Astrophysics - Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics - Abstract
We present aspects of the deployment of a remotely operable telescope for teaching practical science to distance learning undergraduate students. We briefly describe the technical realization of the facility, PIRATE, in Mallorca and elaborate on how it is embedded in the Open University curriculum. The PIRATE teaching activities were studied as part of a wider research project into the importance of realism, sociability and meta-functionality for the effectiveness of virtual and remote laboratories in teaching practical science. We find that students accept virtual experiments (e.g. a telescope simulator) when they deliver genuine, 'messy' data, clarify how they differ from a realistic portrayal, and are flagged as training tools. A robotic telescope is accepted in place of on-site practical work when realistic activities are included, the internet connection is stable, and when there is at least one live video feed. The robotic telescope activity should include group work and facilitate social modes of learning. Virtual experiments, though normally considered as asynchronous tools, should also include social interaction. To improve student engagement and learning outcomes a greater situational awareness for the robotic telescope setting should be devised. We conclude this report with a short account of the current status of PIRATE after its relocation from Mallorca to Tenerife, and its integration into the OpenScience Observatories., Comment: Accepted for publication in the proceeding of the Robotic Telescopes, Student Research, and Education Conference, June 2017 (RTSRE 2017)
- Published
- 2018
5. Accessibility of MOOCs: Understanding the Provider Perspective
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, McAndrew, Patrick, Minocha, Shailey, and Coughlan, Tim
- Abstract
Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) have become an accepted way to make learning opportunities available at large scale and with low cost to the learner. However, only if these are made accessible will they be able to offer flexibility of learning and benefits to all, irrespective of disability. Experience in providing accessible online learning at distance universities suggests that this can be best achieved through understanding different roles and the options in planning for adjustments to be made. To effectively apply similar approaches to MOOCs, it is necessary to understand the various viewpoints and roles of stakeholders and how these impact on accessibility. This includes educators who create materials and facilitate learning, and technologists who develop and maintain platforms. In this paper, we report the results from a study involving semi-structured interviews to investigate the perceptions and accessibility-related processes of MOOC platform accessibility managers, platform software developers and designers, and MOOC accessibility researchers. Our results show the awareness that MOOCs can be valuable for disabled learners, and indicate that legislation acts as a driver for accessibility. However, our investigations suggest limited progress to date in either producing universally accessible MOOCs, or tailoring MOOCs to meet the needs of individual learners with disabilities.
- Published
- 2016
6. Accessibility in MOOCs
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, primary, McAndrew, Patrick, additional, Minocha, Shailey, additional, and Coughlan, Tim, additional
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- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Auditing the Accessibility of MOOCs: A Four-Component Approach
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Iniesto, Francisco, McAndrew, Patrick, Minocha, Shailey, Coughlan, Tim, Goos, Gerhard, Founding Editor, Hartmanis, Juris, Founding Editor, Bertino, Elisa, Editorial Board Member, Gao, Wen, Editorial Board Member, Steffen, Bernhard, Editorial Board Member, Woeginger, Gerhard, Editorial Board Member, Yung, Moti, Editorial Board Member, Scheffel, Maren, editor, Broisin, Julien, editor, Pammer-Schindler, Viktoria, editor, Ioannou, Andri, editor, and Schneider, Jan, editor
- Published
- 2019
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8. Knowledge Infrastructure
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Rugg, Gordon, primary, Rigby, Colin, additional, Gerrard, Sue, additional, Martin, Amy, additional, Skillen, Jennifer, additional, Bonfiglio, Emma, additional, Gardner, Allison, additional, Guo, Yuxin, additional, Minocha, Shailey, additional, and Taylor, Gavin, additional
- Published
- 2022
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9. Accessibility in MOOCs: the stakeholders’ perspectives
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, McAndrew, Patrick, Minocha, Shailey, Coughlan, Tim, Rienties, Bart, Hampel, Regine, Scanlon, Eileen, and Whitelock, Denise
- Subjects
ComputingMilieux_COMPUTERSANDEDUCATION - Abstract
An accessible Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) environment should consider every learner's abilities, learning goals, where learning takes place, and needs for specific devices to facilitate the learning experience. Learners with accessibility needs can face difficulties in using certain technologies, and different MOOC designs may also affect their self-regulation skills, engagement, and communications with their fellow learners. Unfortunately, technologies and pedagogies used in MOOC platforms are not necessarily accessible. In the literature that the authors have reviewed, there seems to be a lack of understanding of what learners with accessibility needs expect from MOOCs, and studies that report demographic data of MOOCs rarely consider learners with accessibility needs. In this chapter, the investigations related to current state of accessibility of MOOCs are reported. The investigations involved conducting interviews with a range of stakeholders (providers and learners), analysing survey data, and conducting an accessibility audit. The results provide an insight into the understanding of how MOOC providers cater for learners with accessibility needs, motivations of learners participating in MOOCs, and ways to improve the accessibility of MOOCs.
- Published
- 2022
10. A qualitative study to understand the perspectives of MOOC providers on accessibility
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, primary, McAndrew, Patrick, additional, Minocha, Shailey, additional, and Coughlan, Tim, additional
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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11. The pedagogical design of a badged open course on the ‘Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in STEM'
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Collins, Trevor and Minocha, Shailey
- Abstract
In this presentation, we discussed the pedagogical design of the recently launched badged open course on the 'Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) in STEM' (URL: https://www.open.ac.uk/scholarship-of-learning-and-teaching-in-STEM). For the pedagogical design, we discussed how the principles and concepts of SoTL, specifically the systematic and ethically reasoned implementation of a SoTL inquiry, are detailed in the course. The course introduces reflective frameworks for planning a SoTL inquiry and facilitating the uptake of the inquiry’s outcomes to improve academic practice.
- Published
- 2021
12. Designing assessment for academic integrity
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey
- Abstract
In this presentation, I outlined the definitions of academic integrity and the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage encapsulated in these definitions. I discussed about why educators care about academic integrity and how it is the aim of an educational institution to reduce academic misconduct and to foster academic integrity. I proposed several strategies to foster academic integrity in our students and discussed two in detail: 'integrating academic integrity within the ethical integrity of the discipline' and 'professional development, and sharing of good practice and experiences of dealing with academic misconduct'. Finally, I discussed two strategies for designing assessment for academic integrity: 'process-oriented assessment alongside the product; with feedback that feeds forward into the next task' and 'design of authentic assessment to link theory to practice'.
- Published
- 2021
13. A qualitative study to understand the perspectives of MOOC providers on accessibility.
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, McAndrew, Patrick, Minocha, Shailey, and Coughlan, Tim
- Subjects
MASSIVE open online courses ,THEMATIC analysis ,COMPUTER assisted language instruction ,ACCESSIBLE design ,QUALITATIVE research - Abstract
Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are widely available and have become a common option for learners. However, their full potential cannot be realised if they are not accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. It is, therefore, important to understand the different stakeholders and their requirements and perspectives in designing accessible MOOCs. This research investigated the perspectives of MOOC providers on MOOC learners who have accessibility needs and the processes used to manage accessibility and MOOCs in their individual organisations. In this paper, we report the results of a study using thematic analysis, which involved 26 semi-structured interviews with MOOC providers and focused on MOOC accessibility. The results show that, while MOOC providers are aware of learners with accessibility needs who are participating in MOOCs, they prioritise legislation over learners' accessibility preferences. MOOC providers consider the technology of the platform itself creates barriers and are aware of the limitations for learners in finding help, reporting accessibility barriers and obtaining feedback, when participating in MOOCs. Implications for policy and practice: Course providers should acknowledge MOOC design is being guided by legal requirements. That involves uncertainty to who is the responsible to deliver accessible MOOCs. • Platform providers need to consider the lack of information about their learners makes it difficult to design educational resources that consider different target groups and provide personalisation. Learners can find MOOCs helpful for continuing professional development and lifelong learning. MOOCs are attractive due to their low-cost and self-regulated learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
- Full Text
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14. Role Of Digital Health Wearables In The Wellbeing And Quality Of Life Of Older People And Carers
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Minocha, Shailey, Tudor, Ana-Despina, Banks, Duncan, Holland, Caroline, McNulty, Catherine, Ail, Rohit, Palmer, Jane, and Bowering, Sue
- Abstract
The number of adults aged 65 and over has increased by 2% across Europe in the past 15 years, and in Northern Ireland by 22% between 2003-2013. The proportion of the population in this age group is projected to increase by 63% to just under 0.5 million by 2033 – which will be a quarter of the population in Northern Ireland. Given Northern Ireland’s Active Ageing Strategy (2015-2021), there is an increasing focus on encouraging physical activity as we get older to preserve mobility and motor skills, and to enjoy the benefits of living longer and to minimise health problems associated with ageing. Over the last two years, we have been investigating the role of wearable activity tracking technologies in self-monitoring of activity by people aged over 55. Example technologies include activity trackers from Fitbit, Garmin and Samsung, and smart watches. Typically, these devices record steps walked, sleep patterns, calories expended and heart rate.\ud \ud Based on empirical investigations, this policy paper describes the benefits of activity monitors for people aged over 55 for self-monitoring of physical activity, for adopting healthy lifestyles, and for increasing or maintaining physical activity as a way to avoid high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and other medical conditions associated with weight or lower physical activity. It outlines the role of activity trackers in post-operative monitoring of mobility during rehabilitation, in caring, and for possible use of the data for diagnosis and medical interventions. It then discusses the challenges for adoption of these technologies, given currently, off-the-shelf devices are designed and calibrated for use by physically fit (typically young active people) with unrealistic fitness targets for the older generation.
- Published
- 2018
15. Virtual Reality in education and for employability
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey and Tudor, Ana-Despina
- Abstract
Virtual reality is becoming pervasive in several domains - in arts and film-making, for environmental causes, in medical education, in disaster management training, in sports broadcasting, in entertainment, and in supporting patients with dementia. An awareness of virtual reality technology and its integration in curriculum design will provide and enhance employability skills for current and future workplaces.\ud \ud In this webinar, we will describe the evolution of virtual reality technologies and our research in 3D virtual worlds, 3D virtual environments developed in Unity 3D, and mobile virtual reality via 360-degree photospheres (e.g. as in the Google Expeditions app) and 360-degree videos. We will discuss the technological and pedagogical affordances of virtual reality technologies and how they contribute towards learning and teaching. We will discuss the significance of using virtual reality in education, in training and skills development, and for employability.
- Published
- 2017
16. Educational Affordances of Mobile Virtual Reality
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey and Tudor, Ana-Despina
- Subjects
ComputingMilieux_COMPUTERSANDEDUCATION - Abstract
As a part of Google-funded research programme, we have been investigating the role of Google Expeditions, a smartphone-driven virtual reality educational app, in learning and teaching. In this presentation, we will discuss the empirical derivation of educational affordances of Google Expeditions. Through case studies from our data, we will examine how these affordances facilitate inquiry-based learning, bridge virtual fieldwork with physical field trips in geography and science education, and support experiential learning via simulations.
- Published
- 2017
17. Virtual reality in education
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey and Tudor, Ana-Despina
- Abstract
In this workshop-presentation, we described the evolution of virtual reality technologies and our research from 3D virtual worlds, 3D virtual environments built in gaming environments such as Unity 3D, 360-degree videos, and mobile virtual reality via Google Expeditions. For each of these four technologies, we discussed the affordances of the technologies and how they contribute towards learning and teaching. We outlined the significance of students being aware of the different virtual reality technologies for employability as organisations are increasingly integrating virtual reality technologies in marketing, training and skills development, and in design of products and services. Finally, we discussed the future of virtual reality in education and the role that an educator plays in optimal integration of virtual reality in the curriculum for student engagement and attainment.
- Published
- 2017
18. Auditing the Accessibility of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, McAndrew, Patrick, Minocha, Shailey, and Coughlan, Tim
- Subjects
Access to Information ,Internet ,Humans ,Computer-Assisted Instruction - Abstract
The outcome from the research being reported in this paper is the design of an accessibility audit to evaluate Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for accessibility and to arrive at solutions and adaptations that can meet user needs. This accessibility audit includes expert-based heuristic evaluations and user-based evaluations of the MOOC platforms and individual courses.
- Published
- 2017
19. What do MOOC providers think about accessibility?
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, McAndrew, Patrick, Minocha, Shailey, and Coughlan, Tim
- Abstract
Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) have become an accepted way to make learning opportunities available at large scale and low cost to the learner. However, only if these are made accessible will they be able to offer the flexibility of learning and benefits to all, irrespective of disability. Experience in providing accessible online learning at distance universities suggests that this can be best achieved through understanding different roles and the options in planning for adjustments to be made. To effectively apply similar approaches to MOOCs, it is necessary to understand the various viewpoints and roles of stakeholders and how these impact on accessibility. This includes educators who create materials and facilitate learning and technologists who develop and maintain platforms. We report the results from a study involving semi-structured interviews to investigate the perceptions and accessibility-related processes of MOOC platform accessibility managers, platform software developers/designers and MOOC accessibility researchers. Our results show awareness that MOOCs can be valuable for disabled learners, and indicate that legislation acts as a driver for accessibility. However, our investigations suggest limited progress to date in either producing universally accessible MOOCs or tailoring MOOCs to meet the needs of individual disabled learners.
- Published
- 2017
20. Virtual reality for employability skills
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey and Tudor, Ana-Despina
- Abstract
We showed a variety of virtual reality technologies, and through examples, we discussed how virtual reality technology is transforming work styles and workplaces. Virtual reality is becoming pervasive in almost all domains starting from arts, environmental causes to medical education and disaster management training, and to supporting patients with Dementia. Thus, an awareness of the virtual reality technology and its integration in curriculum design will provide and enhance employability skills for current and future workplaces.
- Published
- 2017
21. Investigating the role of wearable activity-tracking technologies in the well-being and quality of life of people aged 55 and over
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey, Holland, Caroline, Banks, Duncan, McNulty, Catherine, and Tudor, Ana-Despina
- Abstract
In the Sir Halley Stewart Trust funded project on digital health wearables (http://www.shaileyminocha.info/digital-health-wearables/), we have been investigating whether and how wearable activity-tracking technologies (e.g. smart watches or activity trackers from Fitbit, Garmin, etc.) can facilitate self-monitoring of activity and health by people aged 55 years and over, and by carers for monitoring the health and activity of the people they care for.\ud \ud On the Sir Halley Stewart Trust-funded project (May 2016 - July 2017), through empirical investigations and in collaboration with Age UK Milton Keynes (MK), Carers MK, and GPs and healthcare professionals, we have identified: \ud \ud • challenges for adoption of these technologies; \ud • the need to design for age-related impairments (e.g. vision, hearing, memory, dexterity);\ud • concerns related to data management, security and data privacy;\ud • positive behavioural changes of using activity monitoring devices, and, in general;\ud • the role of digital health wearables in caring, self-management of health, post-operative monitoring of mobility, and for monitoring movement and locations in conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. \ud \ud Ageing population, retaining independence of older people, support to carers, and using internet-enabled technologies to transform healthcare services are some of the national concerns. We are now involved in a multi-way knowledge-exchange (KE) programme (April 2017 - January 2018) through an ESRC Impact Acceleration Account Award to set up dialogues with/between key stakeholders including manufacturers for improving the design of digital health wearables for older users, carers and medical professionals.
- Published
- 2017
22. What are the Expectations of Disabled Learners when Participating in a MOOC?
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Iniesto, Francisco, McAndrew, Patrick, Minocha, Shailey, and Coughlan, Tim
- Subjects
Medical education ,Engineering ,020205 medical informatics ,Instructional design ,business.industry ,Universal design ,05 social sciences ,050301 education ,Flexibility (personality) ,02 engineering and technology ,Open university ,Learning opportunities ,Scale (social sciences) ,Pedagogy ,0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering ,Survey data collection ,business ,0503 education - Abstract
Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) are making low cost learning opportunities available at large scale to diverse groups of learners. For that reason, MOOCs need to be accessible so that they can offer flexibility of learning and benefits to all. In order to direct efforts towards developing accessible MOOCs, it is important to understand the current expectations of disabled learners. Analysis of data from MOOC surveys that support disclosure of disability provide quantitative information such as the proportions participating in MOOCs; their reasons for participating, and the types of MOOCs they prefer. This paper presents analysis of pre- and post-study survey data from eight MOOCs offered by the UK’s Open University on the FutureLearn platform. Results from disabled learners are compared with those of other learners and preliminary findings are used to frame an agenda for our further work.
- Published
- 2017
23. Role of wearable activity-tracking technologies in the well-being and quality of life of people aged 55 and over
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey
- Abstract
This session will inform the results of the Sir Halley Stewart Trust-funded project investigating whether and how wearable activity-tracking technologies can acceptably contribute towards self-monitoring of activity and health by people aged 55 years and over. http://www.shaileyminocha.info/digital-health-wearables/
- Published
- 2017
24. Google expeditions and fieldwork: friends or foes?
- Author
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Tudor, Ana-Despina, Minocha, Shailey, Tilling, Steve, Needham, Richard, and Cutler, Marianne
- Abstract
Google Expeditions is a Virtual Reality (VR) approach being promoted by Google in schools globally. Google Expeditions are guided tours (field trips) of places that students experience on a smartphone through a virtual reality viewer called Google cardboard.\ud \ud The Open University (OU), UK are conducting a school-based research project (funded by Google and the OU; July 2016 - June 2017) on the potential use of VR via Google Expeditions in secondary school science and geography.\ud \ud The project is being co-led by Field Studies Council, and UK's Association for Science Education and Geographical Association are the two partnering organisations.\ud \ud This workshop provided an opportunity to try out Google Expeditions and to explore how they could be used to support teaching and learning, including fieldwork.\ud \ud Are Google Expeditions a threat to traditional field trips or could they become a complementary tool for strengthening the quality of outdoor learning, for example by providing an immersive technology which adds context and substance to pre-field preparation, in-field activities and post-field revision and reflection?
- Published
- 2017
25. Designing for Learnability: Improvement Through Layered Interfaces
- Author
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Forsey, Helen, Leahy, David, Fields, Bob, Minocha, Shailey, Attfield, Simon, and Snell, Tom
- Abstract
A significant cost of system operation is the training required for the end users to achieve and maintain competence. The training need is partially determined by user interface properties that make it harder or easier to learn. This article explores improving system learnability through human-machine interface design. A design pattern of Progressive Disclosure through Layered Interfaces is proposed to improve learnability (time taken to learn) by presenting users with a subset of functionality. An experimental study supported tentative conclusions. Interesting differences between experiment participants suggest a customised approach, including Progressive Disclosure, to reduce the training burden.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. An investigation into the perspectives of providers and learners on MOOC accessibility
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, primary, McAndrew, Patrick, additional, Minocha, Shailey, additional, and Coughlan, Tim, additional
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Digital inclusion: opportunities for older people
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey and Holland, Caroline
- Abstract
Based on findings from the Value Ageing project http://www.value-ageing.eu and our projects at the OU http://www.shaileyminocha.info/people-aged-over-55-years/, we discussed how digital inclusion of older people can provide various advantages and opportunities: online socialisation and alleviating of social isolation and loneliness; maintaining, nurturing and growth of their interests and hobbies; enhancing employability and being able to sustain lifelong learning through use of MOOCs and open educational resources; and being able to use digital health wearables for self-monitoring and self-management of health.
- Published
- 2016
28. Social isolation and loneliness in people aged 55 and over in Milton Keynes: developing an action plan
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey, Holland, Caroline, McNulty, Catherine, Banks, Duncan, and Palmer, Jane
- Abstract
In this workshop, we outlined the conditions that lead to social isolation and loneliness among older people (55 years and above) in Milton Keynes, and recommended possible strategies and solutions to prevent and mitigate isolation. The findings are based on the Milton Keynes Council-commissioned report http://oro.open.ac.uk/43925/. The research involved a review of academic and policy literature on social isolation and loneliness, and an information gathering exercise that included expert workshops, individual and group interviews, and site visits.\ud \ud The general risk factors that affect Milton Keynes residents include: low income, low literacy, poor health and disability, losses and bereavement, family, social and neighbourhood change, unemployment or redundancy, and aspects of the built environment and infrastructure. Specific additional challenges for Milton Keynes include: rapidly ageing population (from a low base); the pace of development of Milton Keynes and neighbourhood changes; structural elements including the design of and balance between the city centre, housing estates, and satellite villages; community diversity from deprived to affluent areas; a diverse and growing population of older people from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups; and the crucial on-going transport issues.\ud \ud We discussed services to alleviate social isolation and which cater to different kinds of needs, including one-to-one services (e.g. visits by community home visitors, regular phone conversations, walking ‘partner’ – e.g. after the bereavement of a pet), group services (e.g. lunch clubs, coffee mornings, Men in sheds, knitting club, walking groups, local history society), and wider social activities (e.g. capturing sporting memories or reminiscing). We identified a need for continuity of several of these services, and that new services should be developed to bridge gaps in provision. \ud \ud We recommended that Milton Keynes Council should consider: paying attention to events in the lives of older people, designing a variety of services for different age groups, life stages and health (55+, 65+, 75+, 85+, …), inter-generational initiatives, being gender-aware, focussing on the quality rather than the quantity and recognising that families play a key role. We suggested factors for successful service design: developing services that are co-designed and led by older people, council-provided framework for delivery of the services (e.g. ‘neighbourhood watch’ in West Bletchley), developing volunteering capacity within communities and training for the volunteers (e.g. by Age UK Milton Keynes). \ud \ud Further, we suggested that it is important to know the social and economic impact of the service and, therefore, evaluation should be integral when the service is being designed and delivered. We emphasised that there is a need for a ‘simple’ and low cost evaluation toolkit: e.g. well-being questionnaire or workshops to determine the reach and impact of the service. This evaluation will feed into the improvement of the service and possibly more funding to grow and sustain the service.\ud \ud We listed three key messages from our research: co-designing services with older people that match with their requirements; evaluation should be integral when the service is being designed and delivered and imparting digital skills to people aged over 55 years (http://oro.open.ac.uk/44009/) which would influence and possibly improve their interactions with the local government, help in cultivation of their interests, and facilitate social interactions.
- Published
- 2016
29. Role of wearable activity-tracking technologies in the well-being and quality of life of people aged 55 and over
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey, Banks, Duncan, Holland, Caroline, Palmer, Jane, McNulty, Catherine, and Peasgood, Alice
- Abstract
We discussed our project that involves investigating the role of wearable activity-tracking technologies in the well-being and quality of life of people aged 55 and over: how such devices may promote behaviour change but also the challenges associated with making sense of the data, the ethical issues of sharing the data and the perceived risks. \ud \ud We outlined our project’s plans for the empirical investigations with older people, family members, carers and medical professionals. \ud \ud The Sir Halley Stewart Trust has funded this project. The views expressed in this presentation and any follow-on publications are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Trust.\ud \ud More details of the project are here: http://www.shaileyminocha.info/digital-health-wearables/
- Published
- 2016
30. Social isolation and loneliness in people aged 55 and over in the UK
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey, Holland, Caroline, McNulty, Catherine, Banks, Duncan, and Palmer, Jane
- Abstract
In association with Age UK Milton Keynes, we have conducted research to investigate the conditions that lead to social isolation and loneliness among older people (55 years and above) in Milton Keynes, and to recommend possible strategies and solutions to prevent and mitigate isolation. The project was funded by the Milton Keynes Council and commissioned by the Senior Joint Commissioner, Adult Community Services. The research has involved a review of academic and policy literature on social isolation and loneliness, and an information gathering exercise that included expert workshops, individual and group interviews, and site visits. This talk will be based on the project's report (http://oro.open.ac.uk/43925/) and will discuss several case studies of older people and interventions for social isolation and loneliness within Milton Keynes. We hope that the recommendations and the resources from our report and in this talk would be useful for other communities, towns and cities, who may also be facing the challenges of supporting an ageing population.\ud \ud Taking the example of an online photo journal which encourages users to document their life with just one photo each day, we will discuss how online social interactions influence the lives of older people, the challenges that they face, and the concerns that they have about being online.
- Published
- 2016
31. Navigation and wayfinding in learning spaces in 3D virtual worlds
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Minocha, Shailey, Hardy, Christopher, Gregory, Sue, Lee, Mark J. W., Dalgarno, Barney, and Tynan, Belinda
- Abstract
There is a lack of published research on the design guidelines of learning spaces in virtual worlds. Therefore, when institutions aspire to create learning spaces in Second Life, there are few studies or guidelines to inform them except for individual case studies. The Design of Learning Spaces in 3D Virtual Environments (DELVE) project, funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee in the UK, was one of the first initiatives that identified through empirical investigations the usability problems associated with learning spaces in virtual worlds and the potential impact on student experience. The findings of the DELVE project revealed that applying architectural principles of real-world designs to virtual worlds may not be sufficient. In fact, design principles from urban planning, Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), web usability, geography, and psychology influence the design of learning spaces in virtual worlds.\ud \ud In DELVE, the researchers derived several usability guidelines: form should follow function, that is, that the shape of a building or object should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose; use real-world metaphors such as mailboxes for students to leave messages, or search pods similar to real-world information kiosks; consider realism for familiarity and comfort; design for storytelling; or design to orient the user at the landing point, etc. However, the investigations in DELVE identified that the key usability problems experienced by users in 3D learning spaces are related to navigation and wayfinding. \ud \ud In this chapter, we report on the Navigation and Wayfinding (NAVY) project which builds on the findings of the DELVE project. As the most commonly used virtual world for education, Second Life was the logical choice for conducting the NAVY project research. Based upon empirical investigations of a number of islands in Second Life (an island is a space which is analogous to a website in a 2D environment) involving user-based studies, heuristic evaluations, and iterative reviews of the heuristics by usability experts, we have derived over 200 guidelines for the design of learning spaces in virtual worlds.
- Published
- 2016
32. Social isolation and loneliness in people aged 55 and over in Milton Keynes: the way forward
- Author
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Palmer, Jane, Minocha, Shailey, Holland, Caroline, McNulty, Catherine, and Banks, Duncan
- Abstract
The Ageing Well and Living Well Scoping Workshop was organised by Gail Addison, Head of Public Health – Delivery, People Directorate, Milton Keynes Council in collaboration with Age UK Milton Keynes. \ud \ud The aims of the workshop were to:\ud • Explore the connectivity between the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) and existing Partnership and Programme Boards across Milton Keynes\ud • Explore the remit of the Partnership and Programme Boards in order to identify commonalities and fit with the HWB Board’s Strategic Implementation Plan and Priorities, including;\ud • Social Isolation (Priority focus for Ageing Well partnership)\ud • Reducing Obesity (Priority focus for Living Well partnership) \ud • Identify next steps and commitment to action \ud \ud At this workshop, Professor Shailey Minocha of The Open University along with Jane Palmer, CEO, Age UK Milton Keynes led the track on social isolation and loneliness in people aged over 55 years in Milton Keynes. \ud \ud We highlighted the effects of social isolation and loneliness on the well-being and quality of life of people. For example, individuals lacking social contact carry a health risk equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes in a day. We discussed the societal impacts of social isolation such as increased use of health and social care services, higher number of emergency admissions and GP consultations, slower discharge from hospitals which causes pressure on financial resources and health services. We outlined the risk factors of social isolation and particularly in the context of Milton Keynes. Drawing on from our report (http://oro.open.ac.uk/43925/), we emphasised the challenges for the community and for older people due to the increasing population of older people in Milton Keynes. We presented possible solutions for addressing the problem of social isolation and loneliness in Milton Keynes in three categories: one-to-one interventions (e.g. visits by community home visitors, regular phone conversations, visits by neighbours); group interventions (e.g. Men in sheds, lunch clubs, coffee mornings, inter-generational initiatives – for example, learning to get online, walking groups, local history society) and wider community and neighbourhood interventions such as encouraging older people to be volunteers; co-designing the programmes with older people - e.g. neighbouhood watch programmes and design of age-friendly design of spaces – local neighbourhoods and city centre in Milton Keynes.
- Published
- 2016
33. A case study-based investigation of experiences of people aged 65 years and over with online social interactions
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey
- Abstract
Taking the example of an online photo journal which encourages users to document their life with just one photo each day, I will discuss how online social interactions influence the lives of people aged over 65 years, the challenges that they face, and the concerns that they have about being online.
- Published
- 2015
34. Affordances of Mobile Virtual Reality and their Role in Learning and Teaching
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey, primary, Tudor, Ana-Despina, additional, and Tilling, Steve, additional
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Accessibility of MOOCs: Understanding the Provider Perspective
- Author
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Iniesto, Francisco, primary, McAndrew, Patrick, additional, Minocha, Shailey, additional, and Coughlan, Tim, additional
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Pedagogical advantages of 3D virtual field trips and the challenges for their adoption
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey, Tilling, Steve, Argles, Tom, Braithwaite, Nick, Burden, David, and Rock, James
- Abstract
In a six-month long Innovate UK-funded project (November 2015 – April 2016), we investigated the feasibility of creating a sustainable national 3D ‘virtual field-trips’ (VFT) software service, to support and deliver field trip-based education through a virtual channel in schools and higher education institutions (HEIs). The idea of a 3D VFT service emerged from Virtual Skiddaw App, the 3D virtual geology fieldtrip, of The Open University’s (OU) Open Science Laboratory . In the feasibility project, we (at the OU) (co-investigator) along with Daden (project-lead) and Design Thinkers, UK (co-investigator) we looked into the technical, pedagogical, commercial and service design aspects of the 3D VFT service. \ud \ud In this presentation, we focussed on the pedagogy strand of this feasibility project: pedagogical advantages of 3D VFTs, and the challenges for their adoption in schools and HEIs. \ud \ud We discussed the following: \ud \ud pedagogical underpinnings of 3D virtual environments and 3D VFTs in disciplines such as geology, biology, environmental science/studies and geography which are founded on field observations, exploration and enquiry;\ud \ud potential of integrating VFTs within the curricula in schools and in HEIs;\ud \ud perceptions of educators, students and assessment bodies towards 3D VFTs, and virtual fieldwork, in general; we used the Virtual Skiddaw App in workshops and presentations to illustrate the concept of a 3D VFT;\ud \ud views of stakeholders towards the 3D VFT service: advantages, challenges and their requirements from this service. \ud \ud Our empirical investigations have been user-centred – focussing on the stakeholders and particularly, the end-users such as educators, students and fieldwork specialists, and we have interacted with them via interviews, service design workshops, demonstrations and a survey to elicit their perceptions and requirements.
- Published
- 2015
37. Exploring the affordances of virtual fieldwork in a multi-user, 3-D digital environment
- Author
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Argles, Thomas, Minocha, Shailey, and Burden, David
- Abstract
The Open University has developed virtual field trips for teaching over a number of years, as a necessary supplement to their residential field schools. In common with many online virtual field trips (VFTs), these generally offered fairly simple, linear, isolated experiences. Users progressed from an overview/orientation page with some background information through to a series of static pages, each corresponding to a field locality and containing a set of resources (text, photographs, animations, questions, links). Little interactivity was possible, and most students experienced the VFT in isolation, whether studying it from a DVD or web browser.\ud \ud In 2013, a new VFT, Virtual Skiddaw, was produced via a collaboration between a virtual worlds expert (Shailey Minocha), a geologist (Tom Argles), and Daden, a software development company specializing in virtual worlds. The result is a rich, interactive virtual landscape in which detailed 3D localities are embedded in context, allowing users to follow a guided excursion or explore at their leisure. The VFT runs in a web browser using the free Unity 3D plugin. The Unity 3D gaming engine behind the VFT brings with it a number of features new to virtual field trips: multi-user capability (and interaction), ambient noise, avatar navigation (including flight for aerial views), teleporting (within world only!), 3D models of hand samples. Virtual Skiddaw offers distance students in particular a chance to learn together in the virtual environment, while tutors can lead a group activity in-world. The VFT is now embedded in a core second level Earth science OU module, S209, along with other assets from the recently launched OpenScience Laboratory at the OU (http://learn5.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2).\ud \ud This session will introduce Virtual Skiddaw, and then progress to a hands-on demo, in-world, to showcase some of the features. Participants are invited to discuss affordances and pitfalls of the VFT, and its potential application beyond HE (for example, into schools).
- Published
- 2015
38. Digital technologies for doctoral dialogues at a distance
- Author
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Petre, Marian, Minocha, Shailey, and Barroca, Leonor
- Subjects
Software deployment ,Computer science ,Pedagogy ,Mathematics education ,Phd students - Abstract
The part-time PhD is attracting increasing interest in the face of modern economic pressures, particularly in the engineering and computing disciplines. This paper considers how we can ensure that part-time PhD students studying at a distance engage fully with the research discourse, when distance presents obstacles to communication and interaction. Focusing on the use of social software to support research discourse and dialogues, the paper identifies a framework of key communication functions. It reports on a repeated survey (2010 and 2014) of part-time Computing PhD students' use of digital technologies to support them in engaging in formal and informal doctoral dialogues, documenting and reflecting on their research, engaging with the community, and keeping themselves informed. This longitudinal study highlights both changes in technology use (e.g., the increasing use of tools in the public domain) and persistent phenomena (e.g., that despite the widespread adoption of social media technologies, email remains the most important tool for both researchers and supervisors). The paper reports on both what technologies are adopted, and how they are used. The real key to successful application of technology in research dialogues is fitness-for-purpose; this paper provides evidence of 'what works' in students' deployment of technologies.
- Published
- 2014
39. Virtual field teaching has evolved: benefits of a 3D gaming environment
- Author
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Argles, Tom, primary, Minocha, Shailey, additional, and Burden, David, additional
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Civic crowdfunding research: Challenges, opportunities, and future agenda
- Author
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Stiver, Alexandra, primary, Barroca, Leonor, additional, Minocha, Shailey, additional, Richards, Mike, additional, and Roberts, Dave, additional
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Civic crowdfunding research: Challenges, opportunities, and future agenda.
- Author
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Stiver, Alexandra, Barroca, Leonor, Minocha, Shailey, Richards, Mike, and Roberts, Dave
- Subjects
CROWD funding ,COMMUNITY services ,SOCIAL movements ,POLITICAL participation ,DIGITAL media & society - Abstract
Civic crowdfunding is a sub-type of crowdfunding through which citizens, in collaboration with government, fund projects providing a community service. Although in the early stages of development, civic crowdfunding is a promising area for both research and application due to its potential impact on citizen engagement, as well as its influence on the success of a wide range of civic projects ranging from physical structures to amenities and local services. However, the field remains under-addressed in academic research and underdeveloped in terms of the number of civic projects posted to crowdfunding platforms. Acknowledging these issues, we outline the history of civic crowdfunding and describe the current landscape, focusing on online crowdfunding platforms established specifically for the funding of civic projects (Citizinvestor, ioby, Neighbor.ly, Spacehive). The challenges and the opportunities of civic crowdfunding are examined, and its distinguishing characteristics are outlined, including a consideration of the impact of social media and platform features. We then propose a research agenda to help shape the future of this emergent field. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Digital health wearables in active and healthy lifestyles of older people and carers.
- Author
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Minocha, Shailey
- Subjects
WEARABLE technology ,HEALTH of older people - Abstract
The article discusses the contribution of the wearable activity monitoring technologies towards active and healthy aging as revealed in the digital health wearable research work of the professor Shailey Minocha. It also discusses the self-management meant for older people and the manufacturers like Garmin, Samsung, and Fitbit producing such wearable digital products.
- Published
- 2018
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