Navigating difficulties teaching in a new online world. Teaching at a university often feels like a forgotten role. However, teaching has become an unexpected love story that has formed alongside our studies. We are two PhD students who teach while also conducting our research. As this term comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting and … Continue reading “Teaching during Covid – Kathleen Murphy-Hollies and Maggie Hardiman”
Category: Students
Start NOW – Perfect LATER – Moving into Digital Teaching and Learning by Jane Sjoberg
The current Covid-19 crisis is quickly changing the way we perceive, use and rely on technology. Alternative approaches e.g. to assessment, research activity, teaching and learning and face-to-face meetings, are being worked through. Change is a constant feature as we all (staff and students) struggle to keep up with the latest decisions and situations. Professional … Continue reading “Start NOW – Perfect LATER – Moving into Digital Teaching and Learning by Jane Sjoberg”
Personal Academic Tutoring – Dionne Barton
At the University of Birmingham, every undergraduate and taught postgraduate has a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). The role of the PAT is to support academic progress and personal development throughout a student’s University career (University of Birmingham, Code of Practice for Personal Academic Tutors, 2019). Personal Academic Tutoring is an anchor for students; it puts … Continue reading “Personal Academic Tutoring – Dionne Barton”
MöbiusLab – Thomas Murphy
Various forms of automated assessment including the familiar MCQs are available through systems such as Canvas and are used daily across the STEM subjects. Up to 40% of assessed work in a given year of a STEM degree is laboratory based, and existing automated assessment systems require correct answers to be pre-determined and therefore can’t … Continue reading “MöbiusLab – Thomas Murphy”
Learning and teaching in a digitally connected world: Connectivism – Adam Matthews (External Relations)
In a digital world, information is everywhere, in a mobile phone, a fitness tracker and our brains. Not a science fiction film but the learning theory of connectivism. The HEFi19 conference looks to the 4th Industrial Revolution and how the development of artificial intelligence and automation continues to take advantage of big data to change … Continue reading “Learning and teaching in a digitally connected world: Connectivism – Adam Matthews (External Relations)”
Innovating Pedagogy 2019
Innovating Pedagogy 2019, is the latest in a series of annual reports by the Open University, which attempt to explore novel approaches to education which have the potential to transform learning and teaching. You can find a MicroCPD on this topic, here. And you can add your own thoughts on the report below. Previous editions … Continue reading “Innovating Pedagogy 2019”
The Big Conversation 2019
Research-intensive learning, teaching and curriculum at the University of Birmingham: Designing a model fit for the future The Big Conversation 2019 is a platform for staff, students, alumni and guests to share practices and debate ideas. More importantly, we need to settle on some principles and actions that will define our education offer for the … Continue reading “The Big Conversation 2019”
Let’s talk about inequalities, inclusion and belonging – by Prof. Kathy Armour, PVC Education
In order to open the Big Conversation 2019, I thought it would be helpful to consider the issue of inequalities. While it is difficult to prioritise any one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the challenge to reduce inequalities is particularly pertinent. In our University, we can see inequalities in action because we have … Continue reading “Let’s talk about inequalities, inclusion and belonging – by Prof. Kathy Armour, PVC Education”
Do digital pre-lab resources improve students’ experience of lab work? – by Joseph Berry (HEFi)
As part of the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) project the University is investing in digital pre-lab resources. These resources will be in three main formats: instructional videos, virtual labs and 360-degree lab tours. Instructional videos aim to demonstrate either a specific technique or an entire practical procedure. Virtual labs are interactive resources, often two-dimensional simulations, … Continue reading “Do digital pre-lab resources improve students’ experience of lab work? – by Joseph Berry (HEFi)”
Using Resource Lists to deliver an inclusive educational experience? – by Polly Harper (Library Services)
Inclusivity, by its very definition, should include all aspects of an educational experience. One key element is ensuring equal and transparent access for all students to the resources that come with their University education. Very often, this might be achieved via a well-considered reading list, or here at Birmingham, a Resource List on our University … Continue reading “Using Resource Lists to deliver an inclusive educational experience? – by Polly Harper (Library Services)”