The University Skills Lab is a great setting to run sessions which simulated real practice environments, and this case study highlights just one example of how it can improve learning for students.
This is an interesting look at the use of the Wii game console used in a health context. The Wii has been around for a few years, it’s an old console but there’s still plenty of benefits to be had in health settings. Check out the case study and if you want to borrow one of our Wii’s then let us know.
More and more tutors in the School of Health are using Flipcams, and here’s another example of some interesting work which took place recently.
Image via Wikipedia
The Learning Technology team are now available on Skype!
We can’t always be where you need us, but Skype allows us to support you remotely using the screen-sharing tool – we can show you what we’re doing on our screens, or talk you through what to do on yours, without either of us needing to travel. Best of all, it works on PCs, Macs, and even some mobile devices, from anywhere in the world. All you need is the Skype software, a Skype account (free), and a headset (or speakers and a microphone/webcam).
If you already use Skype, or if you think this might be helpful for you, why not get in touch with us to find out more. Each of team has a Skype ID, which you can find listed on the Contact Us page in the LearnTech site on NILE.
Executive Summary
The University of Northampton (UN) is committed to enhancing the quality of its e-learning and this is a central component of its Learning and Teaching strategies and key to the delivery of its new Strategic Plan 2010-15. The QAQE E-Learning Toolkit allows the University to develop, refine and enhance the institutional approach to quality with a particular focus on the whole lifespan of the (re)development of programmes, making use of Open Educational Resources where applicable. The toolkit will particularly assist as the institution moves forward to increase and enhance its distance learning provision and review and develop its curricula.
1) Institutional Context
Since 2007, UN has been working on improving processes for course design and delivery using a method based on the Carpe Diem model (Originally developed by The University of Leicester (Armellini et al, 2008 and 2009)). Over time this process has been changed and refined and is now termed CAIeRO (Creating Aligned and Interactive educational Resource Opportunities).
The CAIeRO process is an opportunity for the course team, Learning Technologists, Librarians, Students and other stakeholders (e.g. academic developer/facilitator(s) who are not part of the course team) to come together over a focused period of time to reflect on current or future courses and rebuild these in a way which is pedagogically focused and makes use of technology where relevant – and where it would enhance the delivery.
‘…….the use of the technology itself is increasingly not a distinguishing factor for organisations, but rather the quality of that use and the way it advances the goals of a change resilient organisation become essential to success.’
(Marshall, 2010)
The style of the events held under the CAIeRO banner have subtly changed over time to incorporate new practices and developments. For example, recent JISC/HEA funding during 2010 has allowed the University to explore the development of Open Educational Resources under the TIGER project (www.northampton.ac.uk/tiger). This has introduced the elements of Designing for Openness to the CAIeRO events so that culture of both using and sharing material is ingrained at the earliest opportunity.
We are also discussing the nature of course development and design with the Director of Learning and Teaching and Head of Quality and Curriculum Services to look at the nature of the validation process and the way in which programmes are delivered within the University.
2) Focus, Scope and Timeline
A team with the following staff will review the toolkit during March and its applicability to the CAIeRO process:
- Director of Learning and Teaching
- Head of Quality and Curriculum Services
- Deputy Director of Academic Services (Information Services)
- Principal Lecturer Learning and Teaching (Health)
- Head of Learning Technology
Whilst the institution has interest in all the stages and the detailed questions which are provided within the toolkit, it is clear that we currently place more focus on some areas than others. We will provide full feedback on the use of the toolkit and would hope to be involved in future revisions.
Two CAIeRO events will be held during March/ April / May informed by the outcomes of the above review and appropriate modifications. Staff involved in the CAIeRO processes will be surveyed about their experiences with particular focus on the value added through the use of the e-learning toolkit.
The feedback will be collated by 31st May, reported on, case study developed and then presented at the e-learning quality conference on 14th June.
EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NETWORKED LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
To be held in Maastricht, the Netherlands on the 2nd. 3rd & 4th April 2012.
NOTE: Full papers must be submitted for peer review by Monday 3rd October, 2011.
Further details at: http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fss/organisations/netlc/call/themes.htm
This conference is considered a major event in the international ‘technology enhanced learning’ conference circuit, and provides a friendly, collegiate context for meeting researchers and practitioners in networked learning.
All submissions are peer reviewed, and accepted papers published in conference proceedings
Invited Speakers: Terry Anderson, Tara Fenwick & Judi Marshall
PRE-CONFERENCE ONLINE COMMUNITY AND ONLINE SEMINARS: please visit the conference website for further details
Full Conference Details can be found at:
As part of our regular programme of NILE maintenance and improvements, this summer there will be two short periods when work will be completed. There may a disruption to the NILE service during these periods.
On the weekend of 25/26 June, the software that underpins NILE will be upgraded to the latest service pack.
On the 26/27 July, NILE will be linked to the staff / student login system.
In preparation for these changes, all users need to ensure that their passwords and email addresses on NILE match those on the main University IT systems, before 25th June. For more details, please see the upgrade information page.
I’ve known about this tool for a while, it was developed in the MS Lab, and it’s a free tool to create 360 panoramas and virtual tours. I’m using the iPhone app at the moment, testing it out. The stitching isn’t perfect, ideally I’d find someone with a fish-eye lens and a digital stills camera, but for a quick and easy 360 tour, Photosynth is pretty good. I’ve uploaded it to the Photosynth site and also embedded a panorama in my NILE training module. The School of Health wanted to look into posting up little tours of their facilities, so this might be of use. UoN marketing paid a company to produce virtual tours a while back but the cost was silly, they may try a use video to achieve the same effect.
This is my first effort, so the stitching is bit off but you get the idea.
Link to Photosynth 360 panorama
The next regional group meeting for those that are midlands based will be held at the University of Northampton (Park Campus) on Thursday 19th May 2011, 10-3pm. Having held several successful meetings during 2010 the midlands group aims to continue on a self funding basis for the foreseeable future. We look forward to seeing members old and new and the sign up sheet can be found:
Information about ELESIG
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The ELESIG group is the Evaluation of Learners’ Experiences of e-learning Special Interest Group and is supported by the Higher Education Academy. ELESIG is an international community of researchers and practitioners from higher and further education who are involved in investigations of learners’ experiences and uses of technology in learning. ELESIG members work together to share knowledge and practice and develop a shared repertoire of resources which will be of benefit to the community and the sector (http://elesig.ning.com). Originally started as part of the small grants scheme the group is now self supporting as a regional group and continues to be coordinated by Dr. Gemma Towle and Mr. Rob Howe from The University of Northampton.
There has already been several regional meetings held during 2010 as well as a NING site and Twitter Feeds for regular updates. This meeting will take place at The University of Northampton on Thursday 19th May 2011 from 10am till 3pm. (Further details will be sent nearer to this date).
Places are limited and the closing date for the booking form will be Thursday 12th May.
Whilst the event is free, a charge may be raised for booked places which are not used. Lunch is not included so feel free to bring your own or there are facilities to purchase lunch on the campus. Tea and coffee is provided though!
eLearning in Health Conference
27 – 28 June 2011
Conference themes
The conference themes are:
- Enhancing assessment and feedback through technology
- Using technology to improve collaboration across the Education and Health Sectors; including mobile learning in practice
- Innovative tools and technologies to support learning
- Releasing, sharing, and using openly accessible online teaching materials (OER)
- Using technology to enhance pedagogic quality whilst maintaining cost efficiencies
- Using technology to enhance digital inclusion and promote widening participation
- Using technology to support those with learning difficulties
- The role of technology in education for sustainable development
