“The Sticky Campus”; improving our students’ sense of belonging through active learning, coffee and...
2018 promises to be an exciting and challenging year for universities and the Higher Education sector. Among the many less than positive news, there are also successful practices that make our universities stand out in the way in which they support their students’ experience, widen access and participation, and support their mental health and wellbeing. The ‘Sticky Campus’ at Abertay University is one such example. As Robertson explains and describes, the concept is simple and yet complex in its operationalisation.
Connect, collaborate and create with the Association for Learning Technology
September sees the return of the ALT Annual Conference for its 23rd year. Martin Hawksey explains some of the hot issues preoccupying the minds of delegates and looks forward to this year’s event, organised by the UK's leading membership organisation in the learning technology field.
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.
Value me not my money: why students are key to good decision making
The notion of the student as a consumer is one that is gaining popularity. But NUS vice president (higher education) Megan Dunn says universities need to start seeing students as full members of their community who should play an active role in it, rather than customers, easily impressed by shiny new buildings.
Beacons of learning – micro-location technology on campus
The growing use of smartphones is making micro-location technology more attractive and delegates at this week's ALT Annual Conference 2016 will learn about how it could be used in universities. Ahead of the presentation, Sheffield Hallam University's Ian Glover describes a study he has jointly carried out into the use of 'bluetooth beacons' in higher education.
How technology is making HE teaching more effective
Has 2014 been a good year for technological innovation in higher education teaching and learning? Seven higher education technology experts, including Jisc futurist Martin Hamilton, discuss developments in University Business.
Innovative spaces and pedagogies for enhanced teaching and learning
The rise in tuition fees over recent years has made delivering value to students increasingly important, placing renewed spotlight on the quality of teaching and learning spaces within higher education. A recent forum event, hosted by FaulknerBrowns Architects, explored how innovative teaching and learning spaces could support radical new pedagogies.
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.
From manual to automatic: developing learning analytics at Aston
After Aston University carried out a project to identify students at risk of withdrawal or non-progression, they realised they needed to move from manual analytics to a more comprehensive learning analytics system. Following a partnership with Jisc to develop such a system, they are already seeing the benefits, as James Moran explains.
Five ways video will change universities in 2016
How video is transforming the way tutors interact with students and empowering students to create their own personal curriculum. This article in University Business highlights some of the trends on the educational technological landscape for 2016.
