How digitised 'special' collections are boosting experiences of teaching and learning
The recent media frenzy that surrounded the launch of the Jisc-funded Bomb Sight website, which saw visitor numbers soar to about 200k in just one day, is testimony to the wide-spread public interest in the type of content that is, in fact, often hard for people to access, if not impossible. Until now, the only way for me to find... >>
Feline the effects of OERs
As very small children we are taught that it’s good to share and as adults, academics get lots of recognition when they do share their teaching resources openly. Initiatives like the HEFCE -funded UKOER programme, Open Education Week and OER13 all remind us of the positive outcomes that sharing can bring, and not to dwell too much on our own... >>
MOOCs and Open Courses – what's the difference?
As a part of the evaluation and synthesis conducted around the UKOER programmes open education consultant Lou McGill has diligently teased apart the differing terms and concepts around open education. Her classifications around 'open courses' are a very helpful way to make sense of this ever-changing field. (You can see Lou McGill speak about the wider findings and implications of... >>
5 top tips to enhance your students' experience
Word of mouth plays a big part in the marketing of any product and education is no different. If students don’t have a positive and enjoyable experience, which they believe meets their needs and offers value for money, a college or university is likely to notice a fall in applicants and reputation. I’m Head of Learning and Research Technologies, at... >>
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 new battle lines should be drawn in our approach. It ain't what you use - it’s the way... >>
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Many of us are aware of the potential benefits mobile learning can offer. It can allow learners to communicate with tutors and peers, as well as providing access to learning resources whenever needed. However, utilising technology to offer such a flexible environment can provide a number of challenges that need to be met. The AoC Annual Conference is taking place... >>
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 down at my conference table. “Who are you?” I asked puzzled. “I’m curriculum,” he said with a toothy smile. “No... >>
Is embedding digital literacy in your curriculum working for you?
I believe that developing digital literacies within your organization is key to providing a dynamic and engaging experience for every learner, but we all know that co-ordinating this across the whole college can sometimes be a challenge, so what’s the answer? Part of my role at Jisc’s Regional Support Centre in Yorkshire & Humber has been to work in partnership... >>
How e-portfolios helped us to improve our college's digital literacy
I am the learning zone and e-learning manager at Deeside College. I work with an extremely dedicated group of people with a passion for taking the student forward and developing real world skills. The students too are a wonderful group, with varying needs and abilities – they have a real sense of fun and enjoyment whilst learning and many are... >>
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. We can confidently say that we know a lot about Web 2.0 and new technologies and how good it is... >>