Evaluation of Role Play as a Teaching Strategy in a Systems Analysis and Design Course
Keywords:
teaching strategy; information technology education; systems analysis; role playAbstract
The goal of learning design is to help create educational
settings and sessions that are learner and activity centred. Authentic
learning activities can better engage learners. Role playing is an
interesting example of an active learning and teaching strategy. It can
incorporate drama, simulations, games, and demonstrations of real life
cases related to any topic. This strategy has been applied recently (from
2013 through 2015) at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in New
Zealand tertiary, in the systems analysis and design course. It has
involved students in the computing and information technology
bachelor‟s degree programme. Learning design plans were prepared
with the expectation that role play activities would contribute positively
to this course. First, this paper describes how the role play sessions were
carried out. Next, the paper discusses the effectiveness of this strategy.
This reflection is not only from a pedagogical perspective, but also in
terms of its benefits as a useful information technology (IT) analytical
practice. Furthermore, the paper presents the findings from this applied
and reflective research, along with practical suggestions for teachers
interested in practising this approach. An important recommendation is
to begin with short role plays and move gradually to longer activities,
while giving students advanced notice and time to prepare and become
familiar with their roles.
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