Improving the effectiveness of research supervision in STEM education: Cloud-based multimedia solutions

Abstract

Higher degree STEM research students working at a distance often report that they feel more isolated than students who have face-to-face contact with their supervisors (Macauley, 2002). Though face-toface often implies "on campus" contact, face-to-face can now also be via videoconference software and cloud based solutions. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide an auto ethnographic example of some ways to enhance student supervision at a distance using these education technologies. The author has utilised technology to enhance teacher-student interpersonal behaviour (Fisher &Rickards, 1998), social presence (Stacey &Fountain, 2001) and learning outcomes in STEM Education since 1999. Reductions in the time research students take to complete research proposals and a greater sense of personalised supervision have been positive outcomes from using these learning environment enhancements. This chapter presents a journal like case study perspective to show academics and teachers everywhere how utilizing freely available online software might improve the effectiveness of the supervisory experience for all.