Mike Sharples: ‘we are using analytics in a much more active way than before’
The Open University (OU) has led the way in pioneering innovative methods of teaching and learning. Mike Sharples, professor of educational technology, at the OU tells Rosie Niven how technological changes and better learning analytics is making its teaching more effective.
How one university is tackling under-utilised teaching spaces
Single discipline teaching labs can often be under used: typically for just 24 weeks per year. Ian Tidmarsh explains how new larger teaching labs at the University of Birmingham aim to provide more flexibility, higher utilisation and thus deliver better value for money.
Eureka! Classicist finds solution in degree apprenticeship
Some graduates find themselves unsuited to the fast-changing world of employment despite impeccable qualifications. Degree apprenticeships can be a good way to provide the skills needed in the workforce. Classics graduate Jennifer Gane found that by landing a degree apprenticeship in digital technology solutions she was able to link a dead language, to one that's very much alive - and find a job.
What we’ve learned from pedagogic podcasting
Academics at Birkbeck College have sought to take their teaching beyond the lecture room with a weekly podcast to support their British politics module. Dr Dermot Hodson, reader in political economy and Dr Ben Worthy, lecturer in politics outline the lessons from the initiative over the past two years.
Technology is redefining learning but ‘one size will not fit all’
Technology has the potential to radically reshape teaching and learning, but this post on HEFCE's blog argues that the different circumstances of each institution, discipline, and student must be recognised.
i-MAP study, September 2015
The follow up to the original i-MAP project finds that a significant number of higher education institutions that adopted i-MAP's market-led approach to academic programme development saw increased levels of efficiency in their processes.
Slack: the social media that’s suitable for work?
Academia and social media are slowly making friends. Some institutions are even finding it's making collaboration more efficient - and fun - by improving communication. Mike Ewen from the University of Hull shares the story of how a small group of social media enthusiasts in East Yorkshire has spawned a UK-wide collaboration network.
The need to future proof data on degree value
With data like TEF and LEO, the question of value is at their core and understood largely in terms of students’ expectations and outcomes, particularly those which relate to careers and salaries. But what if the career landscape changes in the future, Adam Wright asks on Wonkhe.
Eight lessons from the private sector for universities investing in technology-enhanced learning
Universities are increasingly investing in technology-enhanced learning, but education consultant Peter Chatterton writes that to get the maximum benefit from this investment, they should learn from experiences beyond the sector.
What are the features of excellent technology-enhanced teaching?
Technology from tablets to virtual reality headsets can be used in a range of ways to enable great teaching and improve student outcomes. Jisc's Sarah Davies offers her expert view on what helps technology-enhanced teaching make the grade.
