Thank you to everybody who took the time to complete our survey. We have used the results to plan an exciting schedule for Focus on Digital Learning Week, with training and activities that centre around digital learning and tools that interest you.
We have lots of sessions planned, covering Learning Design, Extended Reality, Assessment and eLearning tools (Mentimeter, Adobe Express, Camtasia, Cadmus and more). A brand new online training course for Padlet is also in the works, which will be available to you during the week and beyond.
And there's more...
The week will also see two online panels not to miss out on:
Chat GPT and Assessment Reform: A Practical Introduction (Panel)
with Mark Carrigan, Amanda Banks Gattenby, Drew Whitworth and Peter Kahn
Thursday 11th May 10:30 am - 12pm
Since it was launched in November 2022, ChatGPT has enthralled millions around the world with its uncanny ability to respond to queries in a conversational manner. Its apparent capacity to immediately respond to natural language queries, with detailed factual knowledge, has sparked a conversation about whether the typical forms of university-based assessment can survive the emergence of generative AI tools: systems which can generate content based on user prompts.
In this workshop, the MA Digital Technologies Communication and Education (DTCE) team will provide an accessible overview of the technology and its implications for education. This will encompass strategies for prohibiting generative AI, reforming assessments to protect against it and incorporating its use into assessments. There will be time to interact with the team to discuss how to apply these strategies on the ground, as well as to build links with others across the faculty addressing similar challenges.
Book your place to attend this online panel via the link below.
Best of Blackboard: Online Panel (SEED)
The team will be hosting a Best of Blackboard session where a panel of SEED academics will be showcasing fantastic examples of Blackboard courses in the way that they are structured and designed for great learner experience. The online session will cover how the course spaces are configured, tips and tricks on structure and how students receive material and content.
Dates and more information will be released soon.
Joined recently? Welcome!
As part of the SEED eLearning team, we offer support and services for teaching and learning related tools and approaches to both academic and PS members of staff.
We also offer any new staff members the opportunity to meet online with a Learning Technologist to discuss how we can support you in your new role.
For PS staff, we can:
- signpost eLearning systems and tools
- discuss eLearning training requirements
- provide guidance on eLearning aspects of key processes and procedures, including assessment.
For academic staff, we can help with tools and pedagogy, for example:
- set up assessments in Blackboard or Turnitin
- consider alternative submission methods to increase student flexibility
- signpost to potential tools to enhance online learning and the student experience
- book a further session with a learning designer to support curriculum development.
If you would like to meet with us, please book online via the button below.
To learn more about the team and ways to get in touch, visit our page on Staff Net.
Using Virtual Reality to Explore Outer Space
On 8 March, Karenne and Jonny supported Geography academic Craig Thomas for his course 'GEOG60982 Environmental Governance and Geographies of Outer Space'.
Craig wanted to use our virtual reality equipment to provide an immersive experience for his students. Students experienced what it is like to be an astronaut and view the earth from space. We used the Space Explorers 'Space Walkers' app (immersive video) and the Mission: ISS app (astronaut simulation). We also used the social platform vTime XR for small discussion groups. Students were able to share their experience of using VR with each other whilst chatting on a virtual space station!
Some student feedback comments:
This is completely different to any learning experience I have had at university, it was invaluable being able to see things in space up close, and it was really fun! I think more courses should use VR!
I was surprised at how immersive an experience it was - I thought that I would be able to separate the view from the real world but found it surprisingly hard not to feel like I was *in* the view.
If you are interested in using virtual reality in your teaching, get in touch for ideas, inspiration and support: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/humanities/teaching-support/elearning/resources/extended-reality/
Unessays and Other Creative Assignments
with Chika Watanabe and Hannah Cobb
In this online session, Chika will describe her use of an unessay group assignment, which can easily be adapted to use in large classes. The task also included elements of self-reflection and peer evaluation inspired by ‘ungrading’.
Can't wait until then?
Check out the latest Humanities Good Practice in Teaching podcast episode where Chika discusses what students want, being inspired by Ungrading, and how to implement alternative forms of assessment.
Listen now via the Humanities Teaching Academy or where you listen to podcasts.
Book Teaching Online Workshops through the Training Catalogue
We regularly offer a wide range of training workshops and events. Bookmark the following link and visit it whenever you're looking for what's next available:
Additionally, here are a few selected items coming up in April:
For more details on the dates for training in April, visit the links below:
- Using Box of Broadcasts [BoB] to Record TV and Radio for Your Teaching
- Teaching Online with Class Collaborate
- Introduction to VoiceThread
- Using VoiceThread for Group Presentations
- MS Teams as a supportive learning environment
- MS Teams for collaboration using OneNote Class Notebook
- Getting Started with Adobe Express
Whether you’re looking for support with Blackboard, other tools or more bespoke 1-1 support with learning design, we are here to help.
- Zoom drop ins - open Monday-Friday 10 am - 4pm, no booking required. Get quick responses to questions and have one of the team look over your problem with you.
- Support Centre - raise a ticket through the Support Centre to get help with queries relating to eLearning applications, such as Blackboard, Turnitin and support to enhance teaching and student learning
- 1-1 Consultations - book a one hour training session with an experienced Learning Technologist. This service is currently prioritised for new academic and PS staff.
- SEED eLearning Padlet
Other support
Credits:
Created with an image by Cozine - "Red pushpin on calendar page for remind and marked important events"