Posts by: robhowe
The LearnTech team have arranged for a Clever Touch Fusion Table to be available between the 9th-15th April in the Park Library Tpod.
Please indicate when you would like to see this table by emailing LearnTech
The latest roundup of LearnTech news is now available
Library and Learning Services (LLS) have produced a document detailing LLS on-campus, off-campus UK and off-campus overseas service provision. This document provides information on the alternative but equivalent services to students who are not on site.
It is expected that the contents will be of use in any planning, development or curriculum review meeting to enhance student experience.
As part of building on previous NILE quality discussions, the schematic below represents the current proposal for quality standards. Rather than gold, silver and bronze, there are two main levels – foundation at the most basic level and then collaboration / participation above this.
All campus-based programmes should be at the foundation level, based on the standard NILE templates.
Each programme designed for blended learning must reach the ‘participation’ threshold. Each programme designed for pure online learning must reach the ‘collaboration’ standards.
Please note that further guidance is currently being developed to support each of the standard levels. This information is being presented to provide extra context to the current LearnTech training sessions.
All sessions have now been mapped to the UK Professional Skills Framework as attendees may include these as evidence for Fellowship applications or ongoing professional development. The NILE Suite has been used to group related sessions together. Where relevant the events have also been mapped to the developing quality standards for NILE sites.
The list below represents the scheduled sessions however they can be run as a bespoke session for three or more staff at any mutually convenient time.
Menu of sessions available:
- [NEW] Enhancing NILE content using Xerte
- [NEW] Virtual Classrooms using WizIQ
- [NEW] Enhancing NILE with media for asynchronous learners
- [NEW] NILE – Grade Everything (Managing multiple elements in assessment. Marking presentations / live performances)
- [NEW] The App Cafe
- SaGE Essentials
- Adding value to your SaGE experiences
- SaGE – Providing quality feedback using rubrics
- Managing Groups (and group assignments)
- NILE Essentials – Making the most of your NILE site
- NILE – Encouraging collaboration and NILE interaction using Blogs, Discussion Boards, Journals and Wikis
- NILE – Developing formative assessments in NILE
- Making best use of smartboards
- Increasing in class session interaction using the voting handsets
Sessions with dates in July and August
SaGE Essentials
(Link to the UK PSF – A3, K4)
NILE Suite Alignment: Assessment
This essential session is for both staff who are new to the Submission and Grading Electronically (SaGE) Project and those who need a refresher on the current process. The event will cover the SaGE workflow including marking in Turnitin; passing grades to the NILE grade centre; downloading grades to send to the SATs; and working with the External Examiner. (12 places).
Attendance at this session will assist engagement with the Foundation Quality Standard for NILE sites.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the SaGE workflow
- Able to grade work
| Date (s) | Time |
| 01/05/2014 | 2-4 |
| 08/05/2014 | 10-12 |
| 15/05/2014 | 10-12 |
| 28/05/2014 | 2-4 |
| 16/06/2014 | 2-4 |
| 03/07/2014 | 2-4 |
| 11/08/2014 | 2-4 |
| 28/08/2014 | 10-12 |
Register on: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sage-essentials-tickets-11137162553
The App Cafe
(Link to the UK PSF – A2, K2, V2)
NILE Suite Alignment: Content / Collaboration
With more and more people accessing the internet via mobile devices, The App Cafe provides an opportunity to look at the implications of mobile devices and apps in HE and how we can better use them in learning and teaching.
We want to hear from you. This is a participative ‘by you, for you’ event with an opportunity each month to share the apps you already use in the classroom with fellow staff across all disciplines.
With take-aways like ‘Your 5-a-month’ (top apps for learning and teaching), coffee and even cake, this is one lunchtime event in LLS you shouldn’t miss.
First Monday of every month (excluding bank holidays)
| Date (s) | Time |
| 2/6/14 | 1-2 |
| 7/7/14 | 1-2 |
| 4/8/14 | 1-2 |
Register on: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-app-cafe-tickets-11137371177
Events run prior to July
Enhancing NILE content using Xerte
(Link to the UK PSF – A2, K2, V2)
Xerte is a great alternative to PowerPoint or Word to enhance basic content in your NILE sites
Xerte can provide rich information and interaction for learners at all levels. You can have a look at an example of material produced in Xerte at: https://xerte.northampton.ac.uk/xertetoolkits/play.php?template_id=118
(12 places).
Learning Outcomes:
- Ability to confidently use Xerte
| Date (s) | Time |
| 28/5/14 | 10-12 |
Virtual Classrooms using WizIQ
(Link to the UK PSF – A2, K2, V2)
NILE Suite Alignment: Collaboration
WizIQ is an online learning platform / classroom fully integrated into NILE. The rooms are designed to provide an online virtual classroom learning environment to supplement synchronous online activity. (12 places).
Attendance at this session will assist engagement with the Collaboration Quality Standard for NILE sites.
Learning Outcomes:
- Ability to confidently use WizIQ
| Date (s) | Time |
| 17/6/14 | 2-4 |
Adding value to your SaGE experiences
(Link to the UK PSF – A3, K4, K5)
NILE Suite Alignment: Assessment
Available for staff who already have SaGE experience but would like to attend a small group session to review their current processes and make sure that the most up to date processes and recommendations are being used. The session may look at aspects of the full SaGE workflow (including grades to SATs, Smart Views for the External and external moderation).
(Limited to 4 places)
Learning outcomes:
- Greater understanding of the SaGE process
| Date (s) | Time |
| 8/5/14 | 2:30-4:30 |
Increasing in class session interaction using the voting handsets
(Link to the UK PSF – A2, K2, V2)
NILE Suite Alignment: Content / Collaboration
Many opportunities now exist to increase the amount of student interaction within traditional lectures. Voting handsets may be used to increase the amount of feedback students provide within sessions. This event will provide practical experience on using these tools. (12 places).
Learning Outcomes:
- Ability to confidently use the voting handsets
| Date (s) | Time |
| 6/6/14 | 2-4 |
SaGE – Providing quality feedback using rubrics
(Link to the UK PSF – A3, K4, V2)
NILE Suite Alignment: Assessment
A dedicated session for those who have already attended the SaGE Essentials session and are confident with the basic SaGE workflow. The event will focus on both Turnitin and NILE rubrics. Rubrics are useful for various styles of marking and can be used for qualitative and quantitative feedback. (12 places).
Learning outcomes:
- Able to setup and use rubrics
| Date (s) | Time |
| 5/6/14 | 2-4 |
Managing Groups (and group assignments)
(Link to the UK PSF – A3, K4, V1)
NILE Suite Alignment: Assessment / Collaboration
Regardless of the size of the cohort, the ability to manage groups is an important part of using NILE. Groups allow focused activity, assessment and communication which will enhance student engagement. In addition to learning about the setup and management of groups you will also focus on the NILE assignment submission area which may be used as an alternative to Turnitin submissions. (12 places).
Attendance at this session will assist engagement with the Collaboration Quality Standard for NILE sites.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand how to setup and organise groups
- Appreciate the range of functionality with groups
- Understand how the NILE assignment submission area may be used with groups
| Date (s) | Time |
| 13/5/14 | 2-4 |
NILE Essentials – Making the most of your NILE site
(Link to the UK PSF – A4, K4, V2)
NILE Suite Alignment: Content / Management
This session will introduce the NILE sites which are being used for all module and course areas. Find out the Top Ten most common mistakes with existing NILE sites and how to avoid them to improve the student experience. Attendees will develop confidence with working in their NILE area to add new and exciting content. (12 places).
Attendance at this session will assist engagement with the Foundation Quality Standard for NILE sites.
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the range of NILE sites and comon student problems with finding content
- Reflect on your own NILE site based on areas for improvement
- Understand the range of tools to enhance NILE sites
| Date (s) | Time |
| 10/6/14 | 2-4 |
NILE – Encouraging collaboration and NILE interaction using Blogs, Discussion Boards, Journals and Wikis
(Link to the UK PSF – A2, K2, V1)
NILE Suite Alignment: Collaboration
This session will allow participants to explore the Blogs, Journals, Discussion Boards and Wikis tools inside NILE which encourage greater collaboration. (12 places).
Attendance at this session will assist engagement with the Collaboration Quality Standard for NILE sites.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the range of tools available to enhance collaboration within NILE sites
| Date (s) | Time |
| 1/5/14 | 10-12 |
NILE – Developing formative assessments in NILE
(Link to the UK PSF – A3, K4)
NILE Suite Alignment: Assessment
Formative assessment may be used by students to better track their progress and understanding. It may also be used by tutors to ensure that students are engaging and understanding the course material. This session will explore the test, survey and question pool tools within NILE. There is a range of functionality which provides the option of auto marked formative (and summative assessment) with question choices like multiple choice and fill in the blanks. These tools may be used with features such as adaptive release and the performance dashboard to allow greater student interaction with content and a higher level of tutor understanding of student engagement. (12 places).
Attendance at this session will assist engagement with the Participation Quality Standard for NILE sites.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understanding of the range and value of formative assessment
- Appreciate the tools which may be used within formative assessment
- Ability to implement range of appropriate tools within their own course
| Date (s) | Time |
| 23/6/14 | 2-4 |
NILE – Grade Everything (Managing multiple elements in assessment. Marking presentations / live performances)
(Link to the UK PSF – K4, K5)
NILE Suite Alignment: Assessment
This session will explore the NILE Grade Centre where all grades created by students within NILE are held and managed. In addition to being the link between NILE and the Student Record System, this tool allows you to manage the student view of grades, collate grades between assignments (SmartViews) and manage grades and feedback on physical artifacts and performances/presentations. (12 places).
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the functionality available within the Grade Centre
- Understand how the Grade Centre may be used with performances/presentations.
| Date (s) | Time |
| 15/5/14 | 2-4 |
[NEW] Enhancing NILE with media for asynchronous learners (3 hours)
(Link to the UK PSF – A2, K2, K4)
During this session you will be able to bring along your own ideas for small videos and produce these during the session. Following a short introduction to a range of tools this practical session will encourage you to use these to create material which may be used within existing and planned courses. (12 places).
You will be able to use material which you create within this session within Welcome Sites for new students.
Attendance at this session will assist engagement with the Foundation and Participation Quality Standard for NILE sites.
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the range of tools for asynchronous learners
- Ability to implement tools within their own NILE site.
| Date (s) | Time |
| 12/5/14 | 1:30-4:30 |
Making best use of smartboards
(Link to the UK PSF – A2,K2,K4)
Many opportunities now exist to increase the amount of student interaction within traditional lectures. Smartboards are located in many of the teaching spaces but are often only used to display PowerPoints. This event will introduce the range of tools which allow the Smartboard to ‘come alive’. This event will provide practical experience on using these tools. (12 places).
Learning Outcomes:
- Ability to confidently use the Smartboard
| Date (s) | Time |
| 19/6/14 | 10-12 |
All of the sessions above and a number of other sessions listed below are also available on request for bespoke events (such as for Subject group training). Please contact your Learning Technologist or mail LearnTech@northampton.ac.uk for details on arranging these.
The Learning Technology team have had numerous requests for a way to send an announcement out to more than one site at the same time. We have acted on this feedback and have made a tool available to you which enables the management of announcements. There are a couple of added bonuses too! You can also send an email to multiple sites, and make your sites available to students – without having to go into each site individually!
The use of this tool comes along with the rearrangement of the Sites and Organisations management tools that all staff have access to. The Sites & Organisations tab on NILE tends to be quite under used, and feedback about the Home tab indicates that it is too crowded. So, we have made the logical step to move the Manage my NILE sites box away from the Home tab, and group it with other site management tools on the Sites & Organisations tab. More information about the new ‘Quick Actions’ tool and the ‘Manage my NILE sites’ box, can be found on the Help tab on NILE.
On the 10th February over 40 staff and 20 students visited the Park Library Tpod to try out the Smart Table which we had on loan and also take the opportunity to talk to staff representing LearnTech, CfAP, Academic Librarians and Resource Development.
This was the first time that we had arranged for a Smart Table at Northampton. 
It appears that whilst the table has been focused so far at the primary education market (a range of case studies are available) – there may be some niche applications for HE which were being discussed.
We are currently assessing the event to assist us with planning follow-up sessions.
You probably noticed a nice big welcome if you recently logged into NILE, as we’ve switched on a new social tool.
The information screen you’ll see when you log in explains what’s new and how to set up your profile (or opt to “do it later”), but we thought it would be useful to explain what it all means.
What are the new Cloud Profile Tools in NILE?
Cloud Profiles are a new set of cloud-based features available in NILE, that consist of basic Profiles called Profile Cards, the People tool, and enhancements to the Posts tool.
Using your Profile Card you can personalise your online presence in Blackboard by sharing a photo of yourself, information about your area of study/work, and an “about me” description.
The tool is optional, so if you don’t want to create a profile just yet, that’s fine, you’ll still be able to use the system. If you do complete your profile, your information will be saved to the cloud (on Blackboard’s servers – the product behind NILE) and your picture will appear in various places throughout NILE, such as Discussion Boards, Blogs, Journals, and Wikis. When someone hovers over this picture, your profile card will automatically pop-up so they can learn more about you.
In some areas a small thumbnail is used whilst in other areas a large version is displayed – so it’s worth choosing a good quality likeness of yourself:
Your profile can appear in the new People Tool – a tool to help students, teaching staff and support staff put a face to your name, and when Social Profiles are enabled, connect with you. There are privacy options, so you can choose whether you want to keep your profile hidden, make it available to just the people who are enrolled into the same courses as you, or make it available to everyone at Northampton.
Your profile can also appear in the Posts page which displays the latest discussion, blog and wiki activity taking place in the courses you are enrolled in.
If you want to create a Profile Card:
You can edit your Blackboard profile from the Welcome screen – click Facebook, Twitter or ‘I’ll update it myself’. If you select ‘I’ll do it later’, you won’t see the welcome screen next time you log in – so you’ll need to click the profile icon in the global navigation bar (top right).
When you first create your profile, you have the option to start by pulling in information from Facebook or Twitter – such as your profile picture or the “about me” description. If you do choose to do this, you must make sure the information you pull in to share is suitable for this professional academic environment. Also be mindful of your own safety and don’t share anything too personal. We recommend you require others’ request permission to follow you.
You can also choose to add a link to your Facebook or Twitter profiles on your Blackboard Profile Card to help people who view your profile to connect with you outside of the Blackboard environment. Again this is entirely optional. If you don’t use these services, or want to keep them separate from your work at the University that is ok – you don’t need to link to these social networks for profiles to work.
You should note that if you use Twitter or Facebook to import details then a link will be made to your Twitter or Facebook homepage – you may wish to break this link after importing or change your security to prevent people viewing details which should be hidden!
Finally, you will be asked to add a personal email address to verify your account. This is because by creating a Cloud Profile, your information will be saved to Blackboard servers and you’ll have the option to use the same profile on other Blackboard platforms, perhaps if you take a MOOC on Coursesites, or work at another Institution. We recommend that you do not display your email address on your profile card. Staff and students at the University will be able to contact you via your Northampton email address should they need to.
Spaces
In addition to all of the functionality added above, we have also enable the Cloud Spaces feature in NILE. You may access this from the NILE Global Navigation at the top right of your NILE screen.
Spaces are simple social areas that anyone can set up. They are not connected to a course or module area, and can even include people from other institutions that use Blackboard Spaces. Students working on a group project might want to set up a Space to share links to resources and thoughts with each other. Perhaps a group with a niche interest might want to connect with other like-minded people from other institutions.
Learn More
If you want to learn more before you decide whether to use these features you can check out the videos and information pages provided by Blackboard:
- Blackboard Quick Hit Video – Profiles
- Blackboard Help Website – Profiles
- Blackboard Help Website – Spaces
- Blackboard Help Website – Social Learning Tools FAQs
- Blackboard – Privacy Policy
We are really interested in how you find this new tools. Please contact the LearnTech team if you have any questions.
On the 10th February from 11am till 2pm, representatives from Library and Learning Services (LearnTech, Academic Librarians, CfAP and Collections) will be available in the Park Library Tpod. You may turn up at any point between these times and stay for as long as you wish.
The event is based around an open format where you will be able to talk to representatives about any of the items raised in the recent staff School Technology survey such as:
- Lecture Capture using Panopto
- Video streaming using Kaltura
- Enhanced features in NILE (e.g. Groups / Collaborative Tools)
- Reading lists using Talis Aspire
- Understanding digitising resources
Academic Librarians will be on hand to offer support and answer your questions about Talis Aspire, the Skills Hub, NELSON and subject specialist databases.
You will also be able to see (and have a go) on the demonstration Smart Table which will be available during this time.
Coffee and tea will be available during this time.
If you would like to attend between these times then please signup
The LearnTech team have arranged for a Smart Table to be demonstrated on the 10th February in the Park Library Tpod between 11am and 2pm.
If you would like to attend between these times then please signup
“The SMART Table is predominantly designed for the Early Years and Primary Market, hence the vast majority of Apps and software is aimed at these segments. The Table is used by the NHS, in libraries and museums, but again, the content is very much the same as what is available now.
Outside of the SMART Table content, the Table is in effect a Windows 7 dual touch PC and in this mode can be used in the same way as any PC ’
In addition to the above we will also have a CleverTouch Fusion Table on loan between 8 – 15th April and will be running further events around this. Please indicate when you would like to see this table by completing the signup form
