Developing a local culture of e-learning

Last year we highlighted research we did into why staff chose to engage with e-learning.  One motivating influence which had a strong effect in overriding personal preferences was where there was a local culture of e-learning. This meant that it was part of the practice of the group and not an optional extra.  Students expected an…

Alternatives to the essay

Recently we had a roundtable discussion on the topic of alternative assessment formats besides traditional essays. The academics who came had a lively discussion around assessment practices and different forms of assessments. As an outcome of this discussion, we have created a briefing document about essays and other approaches.

What is a podcast?

This is part of a regular series of articles exploring some of the terms used in e-learning (view other articles in the series).  We’ll do our best to break down the jargon and explain what things are from a basic perspective. Podcasts are a way of creating a series of audio files or other multimedia.  If videos are used they are often called…

More supported times for preparing your Blackboard sites sessions

There are more supported time sessions upcoming to help you prepare your sites over the summer. Please click on the link to book: Monday, 15 August 2011, 15.00-16.00, Stoddart 7324, City Campus Thursday, 18 August 2011, 14.00-15.00, Stoddart 7324, City Campus Friday, 19 August 2011, 11.00-12.00, Collegiate Learning Centre, C037, Collegiate Campus Tuesday, 23 August…

Support for preparing next semester’s Blackboard sites

Just a reminder of ongoing small group sessions where you can prepare your site with e-learning staff on hand to explain the process and help. Upcoming times (click on the link to book): Thursday, 4 August 2011, 15.00-16.00, Howard 5221, City Campus Monday, 8 August 2011, 13.00-14.00, Stoddart 7324, City Campus Tuesday, 9 August 2011,…

Blogs, Journals and Wikis – important changes

The recent upgrade to Blackboard has introduced a change to the blog and wiki tools that have been available inside Blackboard sites for the past few years.  The old blog and wiki tools were provided by a company called Campus Pack. They have served us well for the past years. However they are not part of the…

Preparing your 2011/12 Blackboard sites

Over the next couple months, staff will be preparing their 2011/12 Blackboard sites so they are ready to use with students. There are several options available to help support you with this process. First is a series of articles explaining the key things you need to do to prepare your site for the upcoming semester. …

What is social networking?

This is part of a regular series of articles exploring some of the terms used in e-learning (view other articles in the series).  We’ll do our best to break down the jargon and explain what things are from a basic perspective. Social networking in the online world builds upon concepts of social networking in the face-to-face world, maintaining relationships and…

A flurry of sessions throughout the remainder of July

Below are the sessions for the remainder of July. (A complete list of summer 2011 e-learning sessions is available on the Upcoming Sessions page). Please click on the date/time below for more information about each session and to book a place. Using mobile devices for teaching and learning Tuesday 19 July 2011, 11.00am-12.00pm, Collegiate Learning…

Newsletter focusing on e-learning

The latest edition of D&S’s LTSE newsletter focuses on the use of technology enhanced learning to improve the student experience. Most of the articles are relevant outside of the D&S faculty, so please have a look even if you are in another faculty.  Articles were contributed by a variety of authors across the University. The newsletter covers a…