Booking is now open for this series of events later in January, giving you an opportunity to join the discussion about our future teaching and learning spaces on campus.
This month sees the launch of The Art of the Possible: The Future of Education Spaces, a series of special talks and presentations designed to get us all thinking about how teaching and learning at Newcastle University might look in the near future.
Through this programme of online and in-person events, which is running between 24 and 28 January, we are aiming to open up new avenues for discussion between Estates & Facilities, students and colleagues who either teach or support teaching activity. The sessions are designed to inform, inspire and get everyone thinking about what we’ve learned from the past 22 months and how we might do some things differently going forward.
By taking part, you’ll get the chance to input into the ongoing investment strategy in our education spaces, which will in turn feed into the overall estate masterplan for the campus.
The Art of the Possible: The Future of Education Spaces programme is now confirmed and booking for all events is open. You can view the full events schedule on the project webpages and you can also find out more on the NU Connect homepage.
Firstly, thank you to everyone who joined a session this week and engaged with the new material we released for Art of the Possible 2021. A big thank you to all our hosts who delivered wonderful online sessions to full or nearly full capacity.
The week started with a welcome message from Tom Ward to introduce the week, and continued with a really thought-provoking keynote session with Helen O’Sullivan Chair of the Association for Learning Technology, and DVC at Chester University. Helen’s session was called ‘Preparing students for their future, not our past: How the pandemic pushed us past the tipping point into education 4.0.’ And really dug deep into how education has changed and adapted since March 2020. Participants said they really enjoyed the session, the session was recorded (please note all video will require a Newcastle University log in and closed captions are currently being added) and can be viewed at any time.
Independent researcher Helen Beetham delivered a fantastic two-part session on designing online activities for university learning. This was a great opportunity for participants to learn, discuss, and reflect on some of the work they have been doing and what others have been doing, to give the best possible education to students, especially in an ever-increasing digital world. Highlights from part one and part two can be found online and viewed at any time.
Nuala Davis and Graeme Redshaw-Boxwell delivered two sessions called ‘Saving time and enriching your courses with Canvas Commons’. These sessions looked at how we can use Canvas Commons and how it can enhance our courses. Further information can found in the session slides and Canvas Orientation course.
Dr Cees van Der Land led a session entitled ‘A Series of lightning talks and Q&A about virtual fieldwork and virtual labs’ that looked at some of the inspiring, inventive, and innovative ways we have adapted our teaching to give the students great learning experiences in the absence of present in person land and fieldwork. Eight speakers did a series of lively presentations giving a cross university perspective of the work that has been done to move the hands on elements of a students experience to a digital platform. You can find all seven videos on ReCap.
Throughout the week we have been releasing a series of new case studies that will take you through some of the creative and innovative ways we have adapted since March 2020. These case studies really highlight the fantastic work we’ve achieved.
Finally, we were extremely excited to release the first two episodes of the Learning &Teaching @ Newcastle university Podcast. This fortnightly podcast will explore some of the great things we’ve been doing in Learning and Teaching here at Newcastle University.
Welcome to the art of the possible week 2021 podcast blog.
This fortnightly podcast will look at all the great things we are doing in learning and teaching here at Newcastle University.
In each episode we will hear from a wide range of guests, and guest hosts to discover more about their stories and the work behind their stories. There will be long form conversations, magazine style articles, and much more.
Visit our home podcast page for more information links to the episodes.
So, remember to download, like, and subscribe where you get your podcasts from. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
If you are new to podcasts, you will see some useful links on each episode page. You can listen and subscribe directly from there. If you are listening through a phone, there are many podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcast, that you may need to download but ideal for listening on the go.
In this episode we have a short message from our new Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education Professor Tom Ward, welcoming you to this new fortnightly podcast.
You can find this episode on Wednesday 7th July here.
In this episode Dr Paul Fleet (Chair of the Academic Progress Board of Studies at Newcastle University) and Michael Atkinson (Lecturer in Medical Education and Mindfulness Teacher at Newcastle University) talk about how we can best integrate mental health and wellbeing into our daily lives in ways that can enhance our working practices and beyond.
You can find this episode on Wednesday 7th July here.
We hope you enjoy the art of the possible 2021. Get in touch at ltds@ncl.ac.uk
Welcome to the art of the possible week 2021. This week will focus on blended learning, effective practice, ways to share, and opportunities to learn from each other.
The art of the possible 2021 will:
Showcase the excellent practice developed across the University in blended and online learning over the past year by spotlighting case studies and interviews with colleagues across the University.
Inspire ideas for blended learning proposals for consideration by Faculties.
Re-focus minds on the education strategy objective for Newcastle University to become recognised nationally as a leading university for the use of technology enhanced learning to support campus-based education.
We have a week of online sessions including guest speakers, Helen O’Sullivan Chair of the Association for Learning Technology, and DVC at Chester University. Helen will be delivering a keynote session called ‘Preparing students for their future, not our past: How the pandemic pushed us past the tipping point into education 4.0.’
Independent researcher Helen Beetham will be delivering a two-part session on designing online activities for university learning.
There will two sessions focusing on canvas commons and sharing our ideas with each other.
We also have a session looking at virtual field work and how we’ve adapted during the pandemic.
You can visit elements to sign up, please note there is limited space available but please check.
The new Learning and Teaching @ Newcastle University Podcast will be released on Wednesday. This fortnightly podcast will explore some of the great things we’ve been doing in Learning and Teaching here at Newcastle University.
There is a new homepage for the podcast and on Wednesday you will find the first two episodes. Episode one is a welcome message from our new Pro-Vice-Chancellor education Professor Tom Ward. The second episode is a wonderful conversation between Dr Paul Fleet (Chair of the Academic Progress Board of Studies at Newcastle University) and Michael Atkinson (Lecturer in Medical Education and Mindfulness Teacher at Newcastle University) exploring how we can look after our mental health and mental wellness.
You can listen and download from our podcast page, or wherever you normally get your podcasts from.
Remember to download, like, and subscribe, and you won’t miss an episode.
We will be releasing new case studies highlighting how we have adapted to teaching online since March 2020 and some great stories about how colleagues are being creative and innovative with technologies, to give really effective education experiences for our students. You can view more information through the week here.
We hope you enjoy the art of the possible 2021. Get in touch at ltds@ncl.ac.uk
Welcome to the art of the possible week 2021 case study page.
This page will focus on case studies that will promote blended learning, effective practice, ways to share, and opportunities to learn from each other.
Select each link to find out more. Remember we will be releasing more throughout the week.
Case study one – The Language Resource Centre’s Online Tandem Board
In the past the Language Resource Centre used a physical tandem board, where students could come in and pin up a notice to say what languages they spoke and what languages they wanted to practice. With lockdown in March 2020 and no access to the physical centre, within a week an online version of the tandem board was set up to facilitate people being able to do language exchanges entirely remotely wherever they were.
Case study two – Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) Language Practice Programme
Over the years the Language Resource Centre has offered a programme of student-led language learning groups during term-time. These groups provide an opportunity for informal speaking practice to all Newcastle University members who are registered with the LRC. With the March 2020 lockdown, the decision was made to continue this activity but to trial taking it online using Microsoft Teams. For the academic year of 2020-21 the programme was run entirely online and was also expanded, in terms of number of hours offered, the types of sessions and languages.
Iain Wheeldon from the School of Arts and Cultures runs the podcast Cultural Peeps; a series of interviews with Arts and Cultures professionals working across the sector. The interviews focus on their career journeys, and allow listeners to gain insight into real life careers in Arts and Cultures, and the various circumstances that influence their direction.
One of the high points for Stage 3 students is the annual poster competition normally held in a large venue with all students and supervisors simultaneously. This is something that could not happen this year due to the pandemic restrictions. Miro was used to set up a poster exhibition for around 80 posters which is simply accessible via a URL.
The Philosophy team needed a space for students where they could share important information, events and opportunities in a way that wouldn’t be overwhelming. They knew they wanted to avoid sending lots of emails, so a Canvas Community provided a great option.
Case study seven – Sustainable Futures in Focus – Global Partner Student Research Poster Competition and Forum
A collaboration with four other Universities provided students with a unique opportunity to showcase research related to UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduce inequalities within and among countries.
Case study eight – Using Design Sprints to Stimulate Students Collaboration
A Design Sprint is a process condensed in time, objective and outcomes used to transform an idea into a prototype. This case study explores how this approach was used to gather students’ feedback on using data analytics to support their learning experience.
Case study nine – Assessing students innovatively via peer-reviewed small group video presentations
Students assessment through a pre-recorded oral group presentation submitted via Canvas. The assessment also included peer feedback.
We are pleased to welcome Professor Helen O’Sullivan, Chair, Association for Learning Technology, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Chester University who will be discussing the lessons we’ve learned during the pandemic and what we can take from the pandemic into the real world. Find out more about Professor O’Sullivan below.
Biography – Professor Helen O’Sullivan
BSc, PhD, MBA, PFHE
As Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor O’Sullivan is responsible for providing strategic leadership of the academic function of the University, including the development of the academic portfolio, enhancement of the teaching and learning experience and leadership of the Deans of Faculty. She joined Chester on 1st April 2021 and before that was Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Keele University.
Helen graduated in molecular biology at the University of Liverpool before taking a PhD in bacterial genetics. After a postdoctoral fellowship, she moved to a lectureship in biological sciences at what is now Liverpool Hope University. She became interested in the psychology of learning and undertook a range of leadership roles including Dean of Sciences and Social Sciences.
Helen moved to the University of Liverpool in 2006 to lead the HEFCE-funded Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. The work of the centre helped to shape how medical professionalism is taught across medical schools in the UK. Her research focuses on the role of emotional intelligence in developing professionalism and leadership in doctors, and she was promoted to a Personal Chair in Medical Education in 2013. Her subsequent interested in how developments in digital education can support social learning as well as developing flexible, online and transnational education led to her appointment as Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Online Learning at Liverpool.
Helen is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Association for Leaning Technology (ALT). She is a member of UUK International’s Transnational Education Advisory Board, a member of the Advance HE Board and is Co-Convener of Advance HE’s DVC/PVC Network.
The Art of the Possible
Taking place 5-9 July, the Art of the Possible is a week of online events and activities including presentations, workshops, case studies, and the launch of the Newcastle University Learning and Teaching Podcast. Find out how you can get involved.
Following the success of The Art of The Possible in July 2019 which focussed on accessibility, you are invited to The Art of The Possible 2021 which focusses on blended learning, effective practice, ways to share, and opportunities to learn from each other.
The Art of the Possible 2021 will:
Showcase the excellent practice developed across the University in blended and online learning over the past year by spotlighting case studies and interviews with colleagues across the University.
Inspire ideas for blended learning proposals for consideration by Faculties
Re-focus minds on the education strategy objective for Newcastle University to become recognised nationally as a leading university for the use of technology enhanced learning to support campus-based education.
The second Art of the Possible week will take place the week commencing 5 July 2021. The week of online events will include presentations, workshops, case studies, and the launch of the Newcastle University Learning and Teaching Podcast.
All delivered in a light, fun and adventurous way but with a clear link to the Education Strategy and the Graduate Framework.
The week will begin with a presentation from Professor Helen O’Sullivan Chair of the Association for Learning Technology, Provost and DVC, Chester University, who will deliver a keynote session on the lessons we’ve learned during the pandemic. And what can we take from the pandemic into the future.
Find out more about each day below :
Monday 5th July
Keynote Session with Professor Helen O’Sullivan Chair Association for Learning Technology, Provost and DVC, Chester University
Preparing students for their future, not our past: How the pandemic pushed us past the tipping point into education 4.0
A Series of lightning talks and Q&A about virtual fieldwork and virtual labs
This 90-minute session, hosted by Dr Cees van der Land, will explore how virtual fieldwork and labs have been developed over the pandemic and what effective practice we can take moving forward.
You’ll hear lightning talks from:
Dr Louise Callard, School of Geography, Politics and Sociology
Dr Cristina Navarro, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Dr Sara Marsham and Dr Heather Sugden, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Designing online activities for university learning (Part Two) with Helen Beetham Session Fully Booked
Time 12:30pm – 1:30pm
You can register for any of the sessions above through our Elements page. Please note, if you sign up to Helen Beetham’s session, you will need to sign up to both parts.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the launch of the Education Strategy Series ‘The Art of the Possible’ on 1-5 July 2019. It was excellent to see so many staff from across the campus engaging with this first week of activities under the theme Technology Enhanced Learning.
Throughout the week we explored The Art of Accessible and Inclusive Digital Content through interactive practical workshops, lightning talks showcasing some excellent approaches to creating accessible and flexible resources, and video case studies. We also welcomed Alistair McNaught, Subject Specialist in Accessibility and Inclusion on Thursday 4 July. Alistair delivered a mixture of practical, strategic and collaborative sessions to raise awareness and confidence in digital accessibility, and the new public sector web accessibility legislation.
Dr Chloe Duckworth from the School of History, Classics and Archaeology has used engaging, bespoke online resources and a range of practical group activities to create a relaxed learning environment for her students.
Find out more from Chloe in the video below as she describes how she considers accessibility issues and ensures an inclusive approach to teaching.
If you are interested in reading more about Chloe’s case study or other case studies of effective practice take a look at the case studies website.
Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education, introduces this brand new series of Education Strategy focussed events, showcasing ‘The Art of the Possible’.
This first week focusses on Technology Enhanced Learning given our commitment in the Education Strategy to an educational experience supported and enhanced by technology.
Find out more from Professor Cholerton in the video below.
All events and activities will be delivered in a light, fun and adventurous way and we are looking forward to engaging with colleagues from across the University. Take a look at the programme and find out how to register.
If you are interested in future ‘The Art of the Possible’ events and other learning and teaching news, events and case studies sign up to the learning and teaching newsletter.
