Impact Investigation of using a digital literacy technology on a Module: case study of Tophat

With digital technologies replacing the previous source of entertainment and communication and becoming the primary means by which we are informed and entertained, there is a need to be informed and competent with the relevant skills. Also, there is a greater need to use the digital devices that are employed by students using these technologies, which tend to keep them captivated at all times. The aim of this study is twofold: to enhance student performance by improving the approach to feedback and enhance student engagement by improving student class participation with the use of their ‘disruptive’ devices. We hypothesize that student engagement with the digital devices lead to better and overall student performance. The areas identified for research were in relation to student feedback and engagement through the encouragement of their participation. The approach adopted in this research was the evaluation of the use of TopHat as a tool in the creation of an enhanced student-centred learning experience by creating an active learning environment. The strategy was to adhere to the usual idea of student tutorial and after an hour the first research activity started. This involved the use of the disruptive devices (mobile phones, iPads and Android devices) in a constructive manner. At the end of the session, TopHat was used to provide additional feedback and prepare them for their coursework. This was achieved through the use of ‘Tournament’ to find out each week those that that engaged and performed well. The results showed that 74.8% of the students are of the view that the use of Tophat enhanced their engagement in the module and 71.9% students perceived that higher level of feedback was received through Tophat. The impact of digital technology in higher education was discussed in this study.