A number of the posts on this blog have talked about technology but whatever the technology is – iPhone 14? – there is no doubt that it will allow even more instantaneous access to a world of global information. As a university, we pride our self on the creation of new knowledge and rightly so … Continue reading “Information at your finger tips. Matt Bridge”
Author: Claire Teeling
Academic failure is necessary – why penalise it? Matt Bridge
A couple of weeks ago I listened to a podcast from the BBC which amongst others featured the university’s Prof Alice Roberts. The topic being discussed was ‘Science’s Epic Fails’ and covered experiments that went wrong and publication bias of positive results amongst other things. The broad discussion around science being a series of failures … Continue reading “Academic failure is necessary – why penalise it? Matt Bridge”
Multidisciplinary Teaching is an Absolute Must. Will Tattersdill
It seems unlikely that the student choice agenda will go anywhere in the next decade, but our students also increasingly recognise that the world they enter upon graduation will reward adaptability, flexible intellect, and a willingness to see beyond the traditionally-conceived boundaries of their subjects. The divided academy, in which the majority of students and … Continue reading “Multidisciplinary Teaching is an Absolute Must. Will Tattersdill”
What is the way forward? David Leppinen
We do not know what is going to happen in the future. How is technology going to affect how students study? How is Brexit going to affect the ability of the University to attract non-UK students? The University of Birmingham is extensively investing in the Physical Infrastructure of the Edgbaston Campus (i.e. the new … Continue reading “What is the way forward? David Leppinen”
Who will we be at UOB in 2026? Tom Lockwood
In her earlier post to the Big Conversation, Nicola Gale writes excitingly of how we at the University of Birmingham might think now about our future diversity and inclusion – both for the expectations future students may have of us, and of the expectations we might have of ourselves, across a rainbow of identities. If … Continue reading “Who will we be at UOB in 2026? Tom Lockwood”
In tech we trust: A teacher’s perspective on INLOGOV’s e-learning (r)evolution. Dr Abena F. Dadze-Arthur (INLOGOV)
INLOGOV’s first online Masters It was a historic moment for INLOGOV – even by the standards of the Institute’s long and eventful history. For the first time ever, INLOGOV was to design and deliver an online International Masters in Public Administration (MPA). The new MPA was to be delivered wholly online with students doing all … Continue reading “In tech we trust: A teacher’s perspective on INLOGOV’s e-learning (r)evolution. Dr Abena F. Dadze-Arthur (INLOGOV)”
New Technology – Jon Rowe
Trying to predict ahead what new technology will be on offer in 2026 is incredibly hard, and it is easy to be too conservative. Looking back to 2006, ten years ago, we had: – no iPhones – no iPads – no Facebook – Wikipedia yet to reach domination – no Twitter – Blockbuster video rental … Continue reading “New Technology – Jon Rowe”
How can we preserve the sense of community on campus as the need to physically be present decreases? – Helen Ansell
By 2026 new history will have been created, breakthroughs will have been made in the sciences and new great artists, writers and composers will have come into prominence. However, the core content studied in many subjects is unlikely to have changed significantly. What may have had a more dramatic change is the delivery method of … Continue reading “How can we preserve the sense of community on campus as the need to physically be present decreases? – Helen Ansell”
The Taught Postgraduate Experience – Julie Gilson and Rose Bennett
Are today’s postgraduate taught students getting a fair deal? Are they just ‘advanced undergraduates’ or potential future researchers and doctoral candidates? Or should they be considered an independent body of student, legitimate and respected in their own right? There are currently more people opting for postgraduate study than ever before. This year we welcomed just … Continue reading “The Taught Postgraduate Experience – Julie Gilson and Rose Bennett”
A “Noisy” University?
After the launch of the Big Conversation I asked my 10 year old daughter to describe in one word what she thought going to university would be like. She thought for a moment and then said “noisy”. I confess I didn’t ask why – I got distracted by the fact that we had arrived at … Continue reading “A “Noisy” University?”