RESEARCH PROJECTS

2005 (Initiated)

Creating learning communities using an Interactive Lecture Feedback System

This recently initiated project tries to investigate the use of an interactive lecture feeback system used during live lectures in large lecture theatres. Students are able to send SMS to the lecturer using either their mobile phones or notebook PCs. The lecturer can view the messages on a MMS console at his desk. The study will collect data using video-recorded lectures and will focus on the ways the feedback is used to shape the communication in large classrooms.

2004-20005

Participation in Teamrooms: A Study in Online Academic Collaboration

The study investigated into the use of web-based teamrooms focusing on the patterns of interaction in the process of forming and maintaining the online groups. It was concluded that teamrooms are more suitable for exploratory tasks rather than structured and deadline-bound tasks. Recommendations were made regarding the strategies that can be used by teachers to build more effective participation in teamrooms. Papers related to the study have been accepted for publication by Guidelines (Singapore), PASAA (Thailand), and PacCall (Japan). Findings of the study were presented in International Conference in Education, Hawaii, January 2005.

2005 Role-plays versus computer-based games: An investigation into the nature and quality of instruction

Role-plays and simulations have long been used in the discovery-based approaches to teach purpose-oriented oral communication. In this study, the effectiveness of Role Play was compared against that of an educational computer-based game. These two methods were applied in the conflict resolution (CR) part of a business communication course. Three groups of computer engineering students participated in the study. Findings of the study were presented in the RELC seminar, Singapore.

2003 Instructional Strategies used in Electronic Lectures

This project investigated and compared the discourse strategies used by the same lecturer while conducting a classroom lecture and an e-lecture. The Interactive, Information Management, and Classroom Management strategies used in these lectures were analysed and it was found that to simulate a sense of classroom community, the e-lecturer needs to use more elaborate interactive strategies, tighter information management structure, and more rapport-building classroom management strategies. Findings of the study were presented in the International Conference on Web-based Communities (Lisbon, 2004) and were subsequently published n the International Journal of Web-based Communities (UK), Vol, 1, No. 3, 2005.

2000- 2002 On-line instruction in English and Communication Skills

The project addresses the issues related to supplementing face-to-face- instruction with flexible learning. We use 'Blackboard' platform for development and delivery and have customized it at the institutional level. This project particularly addresses issues related to institutional culture that need to be considered for various flexible learning options. Findings were reported at the IUTA-Asia CALL 2001 Conference in Bangkok.

1999 Development of Multimedia-based presentation skills

A teaching-based project on the engineering students was completed in 1999. The findings were reported in Business Communication Quarterly in 2001.

1994 Instructional Design Paradigm for Communication Skills Development though Open Learning

The work was submitted to University of Pune. It researches the field of Communicative Language Teaching and addresses the crucial challenge of developing a Communication Skills development package within an Open learning system. The study explores various modes of learning that could facilitate flexible learning.

1987 Developing Culturally Indigenous Materials for Teaching English

This project was completed at CIEFL, Hyderabad. It makes a case for the development of teaching materials that use adult learners' culture resources.