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.
Investing in teaching can create a more efficient university
Good teaching can have a positive impact on a university’s efficiency levels. Lucy Haire of the Higher Education Academy explains the benefits of investing in good teaching.
Only connect: UCL’s vision for greater synergy between research and education
Institutions across the world are increasingly looking at fresh possibilities of making connections between their research and students educations. Dilly Fung explains three new, interrelated initiatives at UCL that are designed to make research and education inspire and strengthen each other.
Developing employable students in a digital age
What does an 'employable student' look like in a digital age? And how can universities use technology to help support the development of student employability? Sarah Davies of Jisc has some answers to both questions.
Data-driven approaches to teaching excellence
Jisc is developing a service allowing universities that don’t routinely collect and analyse learning data to begin to do so. Jisc's Phil Richards writes in Universities Business how learning analytics already offer a practical way to demonstrate student engagement and could bring more benefits in the future.
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.
Using apprenticeships to bring wider regional benefits
On the HEFCE blog, Sarah Tudor, director of business engagement services at Staffordshire University, explains how apprenticeships have given the university the opportunity to enhance employer relationships and address skills gaps.
What happens when the dial turns red?
When the data shows that a student is struggling, how should universities respond? Brian Hipkin issues a plea to academics and their professional services colleagues to work together more to understand the student lifestyle from the student's perspective.
Is anybody out there?
Changes to key metrics that make up the TEF will mean that universities will become more reliant on good quality outcomes data. Brian Hipkin says more demanding requirements will mean less time chasing staff for up-to-date student data but will require universities to forge a new relationship with graduates.
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.
