Change effective from:
2015/16
Summary of change
The policy sets out mandatory minimum Threshold Standards to ensure that all subject areas meet the University’s expectations for the use of technology in teaching and learning practice. The new Threshold Standards policy was approved by the Academic Board In October 2015 and is designed to create greater consistency in the student experience and assist in driving the future development of Technology Enhanced Learning in the University. To support the implementation of the policy, a review of all module Blackboard sites was completed in December 2015. Faculties and departments are now taking further action to ensure the requirements of the Threshold Standards policy are being met.
What’s different?
• The mandatory Threshold Standards have been developed from earlier guidance to staff on the ‘Minimum Expectations for e-Learning’, a set of non-mandatory recommendations on the minimum use of technology to support modules.
• General support resources will be created centrally to assist faculties in implementing the policy. Faculties will implement their own approaches to meeting the Standards, ensuring that staff are aware of the new requirements and have the skills necessary to meet them
• Work is currently being undertaken to automate the introduction of Threshold Standards wherever possible. This includes creating Blackboard sites automatically for each module, and including relevant information such as assessment and staff contact details, based on data held in other corporate systems.
Link to further information
The Threshold Standards can be viewed on the Teaching Essentials webpage.