Topic: Learning & Teaching Practice

Technology in education – new battle lines

With recent news of a school in Bolton ditching pens and paper for iPads, is the e-learning ‘battle’ being won? Peter Shukie, programme leader of education studies at University Centre, Blackburn College, argues that, ‘whatever is being done with technology … Read more

Who’s afraid of the big bad Wolf? – Advice on curriculum planning for further education management

I was working late in my office the other night, at Chesterfield College when there was a knock on the door.  Without waiting for an answer in strolled a furry looking chap who put the kettle on and settled himself … Read more

Harnessing new technologies to boost engagement for library instruction

Times have changed beyond recognition for college librarians: we are no longer thought of as softly-spoken, book stamping people with a bun and a cardigan, and our job titles have changed too: research/information specialists, learning resources tutors, e-librarians and more. … Read more

Wikipedia in universities and colleges?

Here at JISC we are lucky enough to have a view across the education sectors in teaching, learning and research. I’m delighted to be at the EduWiki Conference this week, which is run by the Wikimedia UK Foundation and brings … Read more

No such thing as a free MOOC

In his recent JISC blog, David Kernohan asks: ‘Why bother paying inflated fees to attend university? …What if you could get it all for free, online?’ Of course, it is tongue in cheek, because as my title above suggests, you … Read more

Developing digitial literacies for working in a digital world

We heard this week that too many young people lack the social skills needed to get their first job.  The report by the Work Foundation (PDF) doesn’t explicitly mention digital literacy, but perhaps it should. With an estimated 90% of … Read more

Where there’s MOOC, there’s brass?

Why bother paying inflated fees to attend university? Why pay to spend three years living on a campus, attending seminars and tutorials, running up debts?  What if you could get it all for free, online? This is the compelling pitch … Read more

Open Practice: University College Falmouth see the big picture

The temptation within an innovative organisation like JISC is to concentrate on talking about what is new. But a chance conversation on twitter with Alex Di Savoia at University College Falmouth (UCF), holder of one of our early JISC/Higher Education … Read more

Blackboard’s new open source strategy: how virtual learning environments became commodities

Unthinkable a couple of years ago, and it still feels a bit April 1st: Blackboard has taken over two other virtual learning environment organisations: the Moodlerooms and NetSpot Moodle support companies in the US and Australia. Arguably as important is … Read more

How important are open ebook standards to universities?

Ebook standards may lack the glamour that the technology attracts, but the arrival of ePub3 has the potential to transform how the academy creates and delivers its content to students and researchers. Just weeks into the New Year and already … Read more

Apple’s new iBooks: a force for good?

JISC has long been associated with licensing and exploring ebooks for education, and research by JISC Collections has shown increasing numbers of students enthusiastic about such resources as publishers and librarians seek to find suitable business models in a changing … Read more

Remembrance Day: an opportunity to revisit our cultural heritage around WW1

The legacy of World War One in terms of social, economic and political global change cannot be overstated; it changed the individual’s view of society and their place within it with far-reaching effects into their future and our past. In … Read more

OER in the field: institutions solving problems openly

Is your institution ‘open’? Open education resources are becoming an essential component of academic practice. With the uncertainties of a new funding model to deal with, it is becoming harder than ever to convince institutional managers to support nice-to-have projects. … Read more

What are the rewards for reusing other people’s resources?

Suddenly it seems as if everybody is waking up to the potential of open educational resources. People have been sharing digital teaching materials for years, but now creative commons licensing, increased familiarity with the web and increased attention from policy … Read more

Preparing for the future: a new guide on emerging practice in a digital age

The environment of further and higher education is changing in response to economic pressures, government policies and a cultural shift marked by an increasing emphasis on student satisfaction and concerns about the impact of rising student fees. In addition, the … Read more

Looking to transform your curriculum?

It is a challenging time to be educating the next generation of learners. As fees increase, so do the expectations of learners who need top-quality courses with a broad appeal that equip them effectively for future employment. Keeping the curriculum … Read more

Engage students through blogging

Blogging is a well-established vehicle for personal reflection and commentary and can play an effective part in the delivery of formal curricula. But blogs and social networking sites also have the potential to engage students and improve the quality of … Read more

Why we can’t afford not to invest in technology

At JISC’s recent annual conference, both Professor Eric Thomas (Vice Chancellor of Bristol University) and I stressed that higher education cannot afford to slow down in its adoption of information and communications technology (ICT). Quite the contrary: the challenging financial … Read more

Using digital media to improve teaching and learning

Accessing freely available media digital content and tools can be an effective way to improve educational provision and maximize resources in difficult times. On the other hand, without support, a sharing of best practice and awareness what we’re getting into … Read more

Meeting students’ needs to improve retention

There are clear financial benefits for universities and colleges in ensuring that as many students as possible complete their course. Equally learners are paying more than ever for their education, so will be keen to see a return on their … Read more

Online Distance Learning: whose future?

To me, one of the enormous surprises regarding the Browne review of Higher Education funding was the complete absence of any mention of online or blended delivery. Here was a report about the future of the delivery of education at … Read more

NUS report on technology: a personal response

This report to the Higher Education Funding Council for England by the National Union of Students had the remit to ‘gain a broad overview of the level of demand from students – new and potential – for online learning provision … Read more

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