Category: Events and Awards

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Learning Analytics

Woman with data in her head

Do you know how analytics might help you in your teaching? 

There are lots of definitions of learning analytics but the most widely cited definition that aligns with Newcastle University’s approach is what Siemens and Gašević’s describe as “the measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of data about students and their contexts to help institutions understand and optimise educational processes, learning and the environments in which it occurs.” 

With this in mind, colleagues came together at the latest NUTELA session to explore analytics and share what worked for them. We’ve included videos and some key ideas from each of our presenters below: 

Using analytics to gain insights into students’ access. 

Rachelle Maddison, INTO  

Rachelle used analytics with a small group of international students during the lockdown to check if they could access resources on Canvas. Rachelle’s transparency about the purpose of using Canvas New Analytics promoted trust and partnership with students.  

In this video, Rachelle explains how this helped her to make changes to her course content early in the academic year. 

Using Canvas New Analytics for Course Review 

Danny Homer, LTDS 

Danny employed his analytics expertise using Canvas New Analytics reports with Power BI for in-depth analysis and visualisations of course participants’ online interactions. Danny explains how he was able to overcome the limitations of the available analytics interfaces using New Analytics reports. 

ReCap Analytics as an insight into the instructional and content redesign for Executive MBA at NUBS 

David Grundy, Newcastle University Business School 

David used ReCap analytics with a small group of 15 students and a larger group of 220 students. See how David worked around video parameters to review the content and format and make ReCap videos more digestible to students. 

How to use ReCap Analytics 

Carol Summerside, LTDS 

Carol introduces ReCap analytics which give insights into viewer interactions with recordings. She demonstrates how to access analytics and shares some practical tips for getting started.  

To find out more about analytics, visit the Digital Learning website or sign up for a Canvas Analytics webinar. 

Get involved in NUTELA  

NUTELA is a group of academics, professional service staff, and technicians who care about improving learning and teaching at Newcastle University. 

Our termly sessions focus on technology in and for teaching. They’ve been a bit different this year but usually involve some pizza, pop and a chance to practice. 

Microsoft Team 

Join the NUTELA Team to continue the conversation about using technology in your teaching.  The Team includes resources, upcoming events and the chance to connect with colleagues across the University. NUTELA advocates are also on hand to answer any NUTELA related questions you might have. 

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Three Rivers Conference

Knowledge Exchange for Learning and Teaching in HE

25 June 2021

If you are interested in attending this Learning and Teaching conference, there’s only a few days left to book/register !

Register here by the end of the day on Wednesday 23 June.

This 15th regional conference builds upon the success of previous partnership events held by the region’s Universities (Sunderland, Northumbria, Durham, Newcastle, and Teesside).

The aims of the Conference are to:

  • Develop the regional understanding of key issues in Learning & Teaching in Higher Education
  • Share effective learning and teaching practices
  • Draw new people into our Learning & Teaching support networks and providing a networking opportunity

Through the conference we encourage all staff involved in teaching and/ or supporting learning in their institutions to explore opportunities to develop their teaching practice. This event also welcomes others involved in L&T related research projects in their institutions, such as postgraduate researchers and undergraduate students.

Find out more about the conference and view the full programme at https://3riversnortheast.wordpress.com/

Booking information

Please book to ensure that there are no issues receiving the conference links by email. These links will be emailed to those who are registered on Eventbrite. 

And please remember that we are restricting bookings to the North East Institutions and co-presenters. Please register using your university email address. Please email mark.proctor@sunderland.ac.uk if you have any questions about the conference.

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Preparing students for their future, not our past:How the pandemic pushed us past the tipping point into education 4.0

The Art of the Possible Keynote sessions with Professor Helen O'Sullivan. Preparing students for their future, not our past: How the pandemic pushed us past the tipping point into education 4.0 Newcastle University

The Art of the Possible keynote session

Monday 5 July, 11am-12 noon

Colleagues and PGR students can register here

Students can register here

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.

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Online External Examiner Training

People working on a computer

Starting this September, Newcastle University is working with Advance HE to offer online External Examiner Training. The training will run over two months and is aimed at aspiring, new, or experienced examiners. It will support you to:

  • understand the role of the external examiner as articulated in the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, and be confident to undertake it; 
  • develop a deeper understanding of the nature of academic standards and professional judgement, and explore the implications for external examining; 
  • use evidence-informed approaches to contribute to impartial, transparent judgements on academic standards and the enhancement of student learning. 

Participation in the course can be used as evidence towards gaining (Senior or Principal) Fellowship of the HEA. 

The course begins on Monday 13 September 2021. You will be guided to complete five units over two months. Each unit takes 2-3 hours to complete, and on the whole there are 4 hours of online contact with the team.

More information can be found in the External Examiner Training Poster.

Colleagues should register by Friday 16 July by completing this form.

Should you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact ltds@ncl.ac.uk

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Technology in Teaching: Reflect, Rethink, Repurpose

NUTELA logo

As the 2021 academic year is coming to an end, Newcastle University Technology Enhanced Learning Advocates (NUTELA) brought together a panel of colleagues to share:

  • Reflections on moving so swiftly to online teaching
  • Rethinking delivery with some examples
  • Re-purposing digital content for a blended approach

From practical tips on encouraging student participation to wider discussions around creating student connections, here are the highlights from the session.

How would you approach a flipped classroom?

Dr Ahmed Kharrufa, School of Computing describes how he successfully incorporated videos, reading materials, live sessions and practical activities into a relaxed weekly timeline.

Director of Digital Education Dr David Grundy gives an overview of the Canvas features he used to help students navigate through their course and shares some of the innovative new digital projects recently funded in the Business School.

As a guest lecturer on over 40 different modules, librarian Emily Dott brought a different perspective to the panel discussion. Sharing how a non-synchronous approach works for the library team, Emily reflects on what worked as well as the elements of synchronous sessions that aren’t as easy to replicate.

Integrating digital skills into courses can be challenging but is now more important than ever. Dr James Stanfield from the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, shares how the new module ‘Adventures in Digital Learning’ successfully addresses aspects of digital literacy. He also details how blogging can be a useful tool for reflective practice and shares ideas for increasing student connections next year.

If students could tell their lecturers one thing what would it be?

Dr Brook Galna shares some insights from Sport and Exercise Science students. From positive feedback about short, interactive lecture content to issues around access to technology, student reflections will have a real impact on next year’s teaching.

Find out more about NUTELA

NUTELA are group of academics, professional service staff and technicians, who care about improving learning and teaching at Newcastle University.

We have termly sessions focussing on technology in teaching. They’ve been a bit different this year but usually involve some pizza, pop and a chance to practice.

Microsoft Team

Join the NUTELA Team to continue the conversation about using technology in your teaching.  The Team includes resources, upcoming events and the chance to connect with colleagues across the University. NUTELA advocates are also on hand to answer any NUTELA related questions you might have.

All are welcome to join us.

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the art of the possible 2021

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 

Time: 11am-12noon 

Colleagues and PGR students can register here

Students can register here

Designing online activities for university learning  (Part One) with Helen Beetham  Session fully booked

Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Tuesday 6 July

Saving time and enriching your courses with Canvas Commons with Nuala Davis & Graeme Redshaw-Boxwell, LTDS 

Time: 4pm – 5pm

Colleagues and PGR students can register here

Wednesday 7 July

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
  • Dr Alison Gregory, Faculty of Medical Sciences
  • Dr Graeme Wells, Biosciences Institute
  • Dr Jo Matthan, School of Dental Sciences

Time: 10am – 11:30am 

Colleagues and PGR students can register here

Launch of the Newcastle University Learning and Teaching Podcast 

Thursday 8 July

Saving time and enriching your courses with Canvas Commons (repeat of Tuesday’s workshop) with Nuala Davis & Graeme Redshaw-Boxwell, LTDS 

Time 11am – 12noon

Colleagues and PGR students can register here

Friday 9 July

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.

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NUTELA events

NUTELA logo

Join us for our next NUTELA (Newcastle University Technology Enhanced Learning Advocates) events . Sessions run on May 10 and 11 – please sign up for any you like below.

Learning Analytics

Monday 10 May, 10:00-11:00

Do you know how analytics might help you in your teaching?

In this session you will find how you might use analytics in your course to support your practice. We will cover:

  • ReCap Analytics
  • Canvas New Analytics

You will also hear practical examples from colleagues who have already started using analytics.

Sign up to Learning Analytics

Technology in Teaching 2021: Reflect, Rethink, Re-purpose

Tuesday 11 May, 11:00-12:00

Hear from our top panel of academic colleagues and NUTELA advocates as they share their plans for teaching next year. They’ll share:

  • Reflections on moving so swiftly to online
  • Rethinking delivery with some practical examples
  • Re-purposing digital content for a blended approach

As always there will be lots of time for your questions and discussion. We look forward to seeing you there.

Sign up to Technology in Teaching 2021

Microsoft Team

Join the NUTELA Team to continue the conversation about using technology in your teaching.  The Team includes resources, upcoming events and the chance to connect with colleagues across the University. NUTELA advocates are also on hand to answer any NUTELA related questions you might have.

All are welcome to join us.

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Advance HE: in Partnership

April Newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest news from AdvanceHE in the latest newsletter which includes:

  • Connect Benefit Series: Sustainability for everyone
  • Student Partnerships in Assessment Programme
  • Education for Sustainable Development
  • Advance HE Member Survey
  • Teaching and Learning: Senior Fellow Month
  • New network for women in senior leadership roles
  • Equality and Diversity
  • Governance: Advance HE invites applications to join its Board of Directors
  • International Spotlight
  • New Content and Publications
  • Conferences and Events Development Programmes

Find out more about AdvanceHE on their website and if any Newcastle University colleagues have any questions please get in touch at LTDS@ncl.ac.uk

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E-ASsessment in mathematical sciences conference (EAMS) 2021

The fourth international conference on E-Assessment in Mathematical Sciences (EAMS) takes place between 21st June and 2nd July 2021. The conference brings together researchers and practitioners with an interest in e-assessment for mathematics and science. 

EAMS 2021 will again be an entirely online conference, following last year’s successful move to a fully virtual format. The conference will feature a mix of live sessions and web-based activities, with plenty of opportunity for discussion and collaboration. 

As many of us have spent much of the last year delivering teaching and assessment online, EAMS 2021 presents an opportunity to share best practice, for experts in the field to present the latest developments, and for those new to e-assessment to get hands-on with software. 

Live talks will take place over Zoom at 9am or 4pm BST (UTC +1) each day, with recordings available later. We hope that the online format and longer timescale will allow participants to engage more deeply with the material presented. 

The call for talk and workshop proposals is currently open. If you have some research or an innovative technique related to mathematical e-assessment that you would like to present, then please submit an abstract at eams.ncl.ac.uk/call-for-speakers. 

To attend the conference, please register for free at eams.ncl.ac.uk/register. 

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Learning and Teaching Conference

Conference logo hands in the air

With over 280 delegates, 12 lightning talk videos, 9 live sessions and some creative entries to the poster competition, our first online learning and teaching conference had something for everyone. Thank you to all colleagues and students for getting involved and sharing some of their teaching and learning successes and challenges from the past year.

You can find a number of resources from the week below and we look forward to seeing you all at the next event.

Introduction from the Vice-Chancellor

Professor Chris Day introduces the conference celebrating the many collaborative, creative and impactful approaches to teaching across the University. He also highlights the achievements of Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education, who is retiring this year.

Opening Keynote Address: Education for All?

Professor Sue Rigby, Vice-Chancellor, Bath Spa University

Education for all slide with small image of Sue Rigby

Professor Sue Rigby opened the event with her address intended to provoke, asking colleagues and students to think about some key questions:

  • Why doesn’t everyone thrive at University?
  • Attainment gap or awarding gap?
  • Thrive or strive: Is learning purposeful? Is it effective? Is it challenging? Is it engaging?

Watch Education for All? Keynote address

Lightning Talk videos

A diverse range of approaches to teaching and learning all covered in less then 7 minutes.  With contributions from colleagues from Schools and Services across the University these are a great resource if you’re looking for some new ideas:

Poster Competition

Congratulations to Rosalind Beaumont, HaSS Faculty Office and Nuala Davies, LTDS who won this year’s poster competition with their poster:

Winning the Blended Learning Game (step by step) Flipping the HaSS PG Cert Research Training over three years.

You can still view all of this year’s poster submissions

Live sessions

All live sessions were recorded so if you missed any or want to revisit some of the talks you can at the links below:

Closing Keynote address: Keynote Address: Powerful Learning for a Challenging World

Professor Dilly Fung, Pro-Director for Education, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

A challenging world powerpoint slice, with a small image of the speaker Dilly Fung in Zoom

Professor Dilly Fung  closed the conference with an inspiring talk which looked at the relationship between education, research and public engagement through the lens of the Connected Curriculum framework.

Meet the researcher schemes, an interdisciplinary course for all first-year students and a degree showcase portfolio are all practical examples of ways that the Connected Curriculum can be achieved.

The talk ended with some questions and examples of work already happening in these areas as well as lots of new ideas to explore.

Watch Powerful Learning for a Challenging World

Conference close

Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education

Professor Suzanne Cholerton

Professor Cholerton thanked all speakers, delegates and organisers for making this year’s conference happen in spite of the current circumstances.

This was Professor Cholerton’s last learning and teaching conference and during her time as PVC Education the conference has gone from strength to strength with increased numbers of colleagues and students presenting and attending each year. This is down to Professor Cholerton’s vision and leadership and we hope we can continue to make future conferences equally as successful.

Next years event

Planning will be underway soon and if you’d like to get involved in the programme committee we’d love to hear from you. Please email LTDS@ncl.ac.uk