Exemplary Module Series: OP1501 Eye Examination

This blog is written by Dr Kirsten Hamilton-Maxwell, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Optometry & Vision Science, specialising in the clinical and professional development of early-year optometry students.

As a blended learning enthusiast, Kirsten designs modules where Learning Central Ultra and in-person activities have distinct but complementary roles that work in partnership. Her Learning Central design prioritises clarity, efficiency, and accessibility, providing structured resources that encourage and support proactive independent learning. With careful planning, Learning Central Ultra has proven effective in supporting a new 40-credit Year 1 module in the new Master of Optometry programme, leading to excellent student engagement, performance, and positive feedback.

Since the rollout of Blackboard Ultra in 2023-24, staff have risen to the challenge of migrating their courses to the new, intuitive and accessible platform Blackboard Ultra or as we call it here in Cardiff, Learning Central.

To build on this foundation, over the summer, the Learning and Teaching Academy produced the Learning Central Good Practice Guide, designed to highlight key module design principles and help staff to further enhance the student experience on Learning Central.

OP1501 Eye Examination

OP1501 is a full-year 40 credit case-based fully-blended course, that is completed by all students on the new Master of Optometry and Master of Optometry with a Preliminary Year programmes. Using a flipped delivery model, the module is designed to equip with a range of knowledge, understanding, and clinical skills that are commonly used. These foundational skills are then built upon in future years of study as a part of a spiral curriculum.

Structure and Organisation

OP1501 is a visually appealing module that makes good use of the OPTOM template, ensuring consistency across the programme and reducing cognitive load for students. Learning Module images help with orientation and add to the overall look and feel. While we don’t generally encourage text in orientation images, as it may be hard to read on mobile devices, colour-coding and an image representing the case being studied provides a fallback mechanism to support navigation. Key information is easy to find in the ‘Module Information’ folder, with well-organised sub-folders containing relevant clinic and placement details.

Learning Materials

Learning Modules are primarily composed of sequences of “Documents”, guiding students through the weekly activities to be completed both before and after in-person sessions.

Tests and Discussion boards are embedded in context, encouraging engagement and providing staff with valuable insights into class progress.

Assessment & Feedback

The Assessment and Feedback folder contains a comprehensive overview of the module assessment, with well-organised subfolders for specific information and submissions, both formative and summative.

Module Communication

Kirsten’s welcome video adds a personal touch and sets clear expectations from the outset. It outlines the ongoing communication pathways, including online discussion forums for both general and specific questions.

Here she gives us a tour around the module.