Dr. Sandra Webster, Westminster College professor of psychology; Gary Swanson, director of Westminster's Audio Visual Services; and senior psychology major Rachael Hoffman collaborated on a video explaining the use of unique technologies for group projects.

"WikiKlips: Using Vodcasts on Wikis for Student Team Lab Reports" shows how students used brief video segments (vodcasts) in their psychology research methods class. The video was first shown in July to an international audience as part of the Improving University Teaching conference held in Washington, D.C. The video may be viewed at http://gallery.me.com/baldswede#100158.

Webster's vision for the project was to demonstrate a structured teaching program that provides undergraduate students with the necessary foundations to use technology to create their own vodcasts to summarize and present key concepts they learn. The WikiKlips project was a combination of three cutting-edge technologies: Flip video camera vodcasts; E-Prime psychology software; and Sakai learning management software for student team reports. Each of the technologies had been used previously, but never together or led by students at this level.

"My involvement was a combination of equipment budgeting, selection, integration, and support," Swanson said. "All three of us collaborated on the documentation and presentations: Sandra provided much of the script and Rachael and I logged over 40 hours of video and edited it into an eight-minute capsule that we felt provided a good overview of the project."

"My main responsibilities as research assistant involved testing the cameras and creating tutorial materials for the psychology students to reference throughout the semester," Hoffman said. "I was glad to be part of this project, as it demonstrated how technology can be used in many ways across disciplines to enhance student learning."

"The experience has been extremely rewarding," Swanson added. "Our project team exemplified collaboration between media technologists, faculty members, and students, who are essential for success with these types of projects."

The project was supported by the Consortium of College and University Centers Donald A. Rieck Research Grant, a National Science Foundation grant, and a Westminster College Faculty Research grant.

Webster, Swanson, and Hoffman will present the video at the Consortium of College and University Media Centers' annual conference in October.

Webster, who has been with Westminster since 1983, earned undergraduate and master's degrees and Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Swanson, who joined the Westminster staff in 1990, is a Westminster College graduate.

Hoffman is a daughter of Walter and Patricia Hoffman of Transfer and a graduate of Reynolds High School.

Contact Webster at (724) 946-7359 (e-mail websters@westminster.edu) or Swanson at (724) 946-7188 (e-mail gswanson@westminster.edu) for additional information.

Dr. Sandra Webster

Gary Swanson

Rachael Hoffman