NILE Guides homepage

Since last summer Learning Technology has been hard at work to improve the online help we provide to staff and students who use NILE. The simple A-Z list of software provided, while helpful for some, wasn’t offering the best level of support.

Therefore, last September we launched NILE FAQs as a search-based solution to everyday problems. Trouble with grade centre? Simply type into the search box and we’ll present back all the most common questions we’re asked – along with, of course, the solution.

Now, to build on this, we’re pleased to release NILE Guides.

We’re aware searching for help is useful – if you know what the software does. But what if you only know what you want to do, and haven’t a clue which software is best suited for the job?

So we set about creating a new approach to guide you through NILE.

Start with what you want to do in mind (the task) and we’ll guide you – via a series of light-touch prompts – to the best tool for the job with three broad topics to choose from:

• communication
• content
• assessment

Within each, we’ve developed likely scenarios and provide recommended tools and workflows for each.

Where the software is used in the ‘regular’ way, we’ve linked directly to the supplier’s own help website. This way we can ensure you’re always provided with accurate and up-to-date guidance – provided the link doesn’t change!

Where the software is tailored for University, School or team workflows, we’ve provided our own set of guides to accompany the suppliers, to add further context.

NILE Guide is still in development and currently only available for staff. We’d like you to give it a try and provide feedback. A student section is being prepared and due for release later in the year.

Karen Brasher

Karen Brasher, a Lecturer in the School of Health, praises the Xerte software tool which can be used to create online content.

“I undertook a one-to-one session with Anne on how to use Xerte, with a view to making an on-line workbook.  However, the training coupled with the comprehensive user guide, enabled me to explore a variety of ways to make my module resources accessible.

I have been using Xerte to produce materials for 2 of my modules.  Xerte has enabled me to provide factual information in advance of taught sessions in a variety of different ways, including interactive activities, video clips and games.  The resources I have produced are such that they can also be used as  revision tools by the students.

Xerte

Xerte has meant that I can build on the work that the students have completed independently, and focus more on application and problem-solving in workshops.  I have also devised a taster session and worked again with Anne on how to link this to the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care website.  The aim of the Xerte session produced is to give potential applicants an idea of the content and how we teach on the Foundation degree.  It also provides an overview of some of the careers that someone with a Health and Social Care degree can do.  I have thoroughly enjoyed using Xerte and have found it a very straightforward tool to use.  I have felt supported by Anne, who has answered all my queries and as a result my Xerte journey has yielded some very professional looking results”.

This article is provided with thanks from Karen Brasher.

A quick Xerte guide is available here.

If you would like to book a place on a Xerte training session please contact Anne Misselbrook directly by email.  Email:  anne.misselbrook@northampton.ac.uk