Sharing perspectives through focus groups
Student Ambassador for Digital Education Petra, shares her experience as a notetaker for a Digital Education Service focus group session.
I recently had the opportunity to support a focus group session for the Digital Education Service as a notetaker. The focus group was held to gather insights into student’s experience of digital education at the University of Leeds. There were six participants in the group, all of whom were current students at the university. The two co-facilitators were members of the Digital Education Services team. I was one of the two notetakers, and we were both Student Ambassadors for Digital Education.
What is a notetaker?
As a notetaker, my role was to capture the key points and themes that emerged during the discussion. I had to listen actively and attentively to the participants and note their comments accurately and comprehensively, whilst ensuring their anonymity. I also had to be aware of the flow of the conversation and ensure that I captured the key points in the order in which they were discussed.
What were the key takeaways?
One of the key takeaways from the focus group session was the importance of providing students with clear and accessible information about digital education tools and platforms. Participants discussed the challenges they faced in navigating the various platforms and tools used in their courses and suggested that more information and guidance would be helpful. They also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the platforms and tools were user-friendly and accessible to all students, regardless of their technological proficiency.
Another key takeaway was the need for more opportunities for collaboration and interaction in online learning environments. Participants discussed the importance of having opportunities to connect with their peers and instructors in meaningful ways, such as through group projects, discussions, and virtual office hours. In addition, creating a digital campus where students doing fully online courses can meet. These types of activities can help to foster a sense of community and engagement in online courses and can help to mitigate feelings of isolation and disconnection.
Why be a notetaker?
From the perspective of notetaking, I gained new skills in active listening and note-taking. I learned how to capture key points and themes quickly and accurately and how to organize my notes in a way that made sense. I also learned how to balance the need to capture everything that was said with the need to be selective and focus on the most important points.
The benefits of a focus group
Not only can you share your opinions and make a difference on a range of topics, but you can also get paid, network with others, and learn from different perspectives. Participating in a focus group offers a chance to broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and gain new insights into the world around you. By joining a focus group, you can have your voice heard, make connections, and potentially influence change.
The Digital Education Service has a range of resources designed to support and enhance your digital learning experience at the University of Leeds. Visit the Digital Education Service’s student help guides for more information.
Written by Petra - Student Ambassador for Digital Education
