Learning for Success Events and Workshops Sept 2011- May 2012

Introduction to Models and principles for technology supported learning

To book:go to MyView

This workshop is aimed at lecturing staff with some experience of using Blackboard who are interested in developing online learning activities. There will be a number of case studies and examples of technology supported learning.

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify the student-centred, collaborative e-learning principles embedded in the e-Design tool
• Use the e-Design tool to plan a sample technology supported learning activity

7 Sept 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Models and principles for online distance learning activities

To book:go to MyView

This workshop is aimed at lecturing staff who are interested in exploring ways to convert face-to-face learning to online activities suitable for distance learning. There will be a number of case studies and discussion of sample distance learning delivery suitable for international and work-based courses.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify the student-centred, collaborative e-learning principles embedded in the e-Design tool
• Create some online learning activity designs based on the e-Design tool

5 Oct 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
Online (web-conference and Blackboard)

Models and principles for blended learning activities

To book:go to MyView

This workshop is aimed at lecturing staff who are interested in exploring ways to convert face-to-face learning to online activities suitable for blended learning. There will be a number of case studies and discussion of sample blended learning delivery suitable for flexible and work-based courses.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify the student-centred, collaborative e-learning principles embedded in the e-Design tool
• Create some online learning activity designs based on the e-Design tool

16 Nov 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
Online
(web-conference and Blackboard)

Introduction to Blackboard

To book:go to MyView

This session gives the newcomer to Blackboard an overview of the software. By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Structure a module within Blackboard
• Add a range of learning materials

25 Jan 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Innovative uses of Blackboard

To book:go to MyView

This workshop is aimed at people who are familiar with the basic features and functionalities of Blackboard and are interested to learn about some of the advanced features in order to maximize its potential as a course management system.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Plan and design e-submission/e-marking workflows
• Explore and evaluate the additional tools and functions of Blackboard
• Review and discuss a selection of case studies of innovative practice

22 Feb 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
C101, Thompson Library, Stoke

Using the Repository to manage content 

To book:go to MyView

Repositories allow the safe storage of a wide range of learning content, which can be easily accessed, searched and re-used.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the purpose of the Staffordshire University repository.
• Understand how to add documents to the repository, and search for content.
• Understand how to re-purpose existing documents

23 May 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Technology Supported Learning Tasters (full programme now here)

To book:go to MyView

Innovations in teaching and learning tasters to include:

mobile devices, Smartboards, accessibility technologies, digital audio/video, design templates, Blackboard, Pebblepad, Blogs, Wikis, Qualtrics, Turnitin, WebPA, Mindgenius, ASK, databases, e-journals, study skills etc.

5-16 Sept 2011
Various days, times and locations (full programme now here)

Learning for Success Party

To book:go to MyView

Come and join us for a seasonal celebration of Learning for Success! There will be a chance to network with colleagues, share experiences and find out more about the Learning for Success programme.

21 Dec 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

TSL Showcase

To book:go to MyView

The TSL showcase is organised by LDI and has run annually for the past 4 years. It is aimed at all staff at the university and its partners to showcase exciting and innovative work around the University. There will be a series of presentations, demonstrations, posters and discussions around technology supported learning. The event involves representatives from all the faculties and schools and externally invited speakers. Past demos have included:

• How Podcasting has been used for feedback
• Using Wikis with students
• Changing assessment patterns
• Assessing large cohorts
• Using tools in Microsoft Word to give students effective feedback
• ......and many more

The topics range from simple technologies designed to help staff with the day-to-day running to sophisticated new technologies. The programme will not be announced until nearer the time as it is dependent upon the exciting projects happening in the university. However, this year’s showcase should be particularly good as there are a number of funded initiatives focussed on innovation in assessment and feedback happening around the university.

14 March 2012
09:30 – 4:30pm
Ashley (TBC), Leek Rd, Stoke

Show and Share

To book:go to MyView

Come along and share with colleagues from across the University some of your experiences on the themes of e-assessment and reflection.  The session will include a selection of presentations and discussions from faculties/Schools, Information Services and LDI.

25 April 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Models and principles for online collaborative learning activities

To book:go to MyView

This workshop is aimed at staff developing online collaborative activities: Webquests, discussions, wikis, etc. These activities can be used with students or colleagues for efficient team and group work.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify the student-centred, collaborative e-learning principles embedded in the e-Design tool
• Explore a range of example collaborative activities
• Create some learning designs for online collaborative activities

14 Sept 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

How to use Mindtouch Wiki

To book:go to MyView

Wikis allow the collaborative creation of web-based content, with any user being able contribute.  Staffordshire University has its own wiki server and staff can create wikis for use with students or with colleagues to support research or projects. This session will introduce you to the wiki software used and allow you to practise using this.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Know how to get a wiki set up on the Staffordshire University site and configure this
• Understand the options available in the wiki software
• Know how to add and edit a range of content types on the wiki.

19 Oct 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

How to set up discussion forums and groups in Blackboard

To book:go to MyView

Discussion forums are a useful way to engage students in the learning process.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand how a discussion forum can be set up within Blackboard
• Know how forums can be used to seed and thread discussions.

7 March 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Designing out plagiarism with Turnitin

To book:go to MyView

This session is designed to give teaching staff an introduction to some ways to design assessments to reduce opportunities for plagiarism. This session will also include ways to use Turnitin with students to develop their awareness of plagiarism and how to avoid it. The use of Turnitin as part of Blackboard Gradebook will be demonstrated.

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Review methods for adapting assessment designs to reduce opportunities for plagiarism
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Turnitin as a student-led tool
• Integrate Turnitin into existing assessment activities in Blackboard
• Recognise what Turnitin repositories are
• Understand what an Originality Report is
• Know how Turnitin can be used as a teaching tool

12 Oct 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
LDI, Thompson Library, Stoke

Using Electronic Voting Systems (clickers)

To book:go to MyView

This session will allow you to explore the potential of using Electronic Voting Systems (clickers) to allow interaction and student input into the learning process.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Use the voting system equipment available for staff to use
• Understand how these can be used with PowerPoint  to get immediate student feedback

26 Oct 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Using the Assignment Survival Kit (ASK) to support student learning

To book:go to MyView

This workshop will introduce participants to the award winning Assignment Survival Kit software.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Use the tool to support students struggling with their first assignment at HE level.

7 Dec 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
Video-conference A10 and K117

How to use WebPA Peer Assessment tool

To book:go to MyView

WebPA is an open source online peer assessment tool that enables the individual contributions of every team member to be recognised within group work.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand how the tool may be of benefit to them  and their students
• Make use of the WebPA Peer Assessment tool

8 Feb 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Creating tests in Blackboard

To book:go to MyView

This session gives the newcomer to Blackboard an overview of the how tests and quizzes can be incorporated within a module

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the range of quizzes/tests which are available within Blackboard
• Choose the appropriate type of quiz for their module

29 Feb 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Introduction to electronic referencing

To book:go to MyView

Many different electronic referencing tools are now available and this workshop will discuss some of the more popular ones.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Use the most appropriate referencing tools and introduce these to their students.

18 April 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Models and principles of e-assessment

To book:go to MyView

This workshop is aimed at lecturing staff interested in exploring ways to use technology to make management, delivery, accessibility and feedback of assessment more effective. There will be a number of case studies and discussion of sample e-assessment strategies.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify the student-centred, collaborative e-learning principles embedded in the e-Design tool
• Create some e-assessment learning designs based on the e-Design tool

2 May 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Creating accessible Word documents and PDFs

To book:go to MyView

Much information is provided to students in both Word and PDF format.  Ensuring that these documents are accessible starts with a properly formatted Word document. This workshop covers the steps necessary to make your Word documents accessible, so that they can then be converted to accessible PDFs.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand which Word features are important to ensure accessibility
• Use features within Word such as styles, captions and alternative text which contribute to accessibility of documents
• Know how to make an accessible PDF file

23 Nov 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Using electronic journals and databases

To book:go to MyView

Staffordshire University provides access to a huge range of subscription-based resources. This workshop will introduce participants to the range of materials available.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to

• Access articles in a range of sources and recommend them to students
• Access material available in key databases and have some knowledge of how to manipulate this information

9 May 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Exploring issues around digital literacy

To book:go to MyView

Digital literacy encompasses a wide range of behaviours, including the ability to find, organise, understand and evaluate the plethora of information to which we are now all exposed on a daily basis.

By the end of this workshop participants will

• Have some knowledge of the current issues around digital literacy and be able to improve their own personal skills and those of their students.

16 May 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
Online

Booklist management

To book:go to MyView

Managing your reading lists well can really enhance student learning.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of the reading list
• Know how to make some items short loan at busy times in the term
• Understand how to request course packs.

30 May 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

How to set up and use Wordpress Blog

To book:go to MyView

Blogs can be used as a personal diary or a collaborative workspace.  Staffordshire University has a blog server which allows all staff to have their own blog, or to have additional blogs set up to support learning or research projects.  This session will introduce you to the blog software used and allow you to practise using this.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Know how to access the blog server and request additional blogs
• Understand the range of features available within the software for the creation of blogs
• Know how to create blog entries and comments

2 Nov 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Models and principles for online reflective learning activities

To book:go to MyView

This workshop is aimed at staff using reflective activities in teaching and learning and who are interested in exploring how technologies e.g., blogs, e-portfolios (Pebblepad) and digital storytelling can support them.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify principles for designing online reflective activities
• Explore some case studies of technology being used to enhance reflective activities
• Create some reflective activities to exploit  technology
• Understand the potential of PebblePad as a tool to support reflection and e-portfolios
• Explore the PebblePad interface

Models and principles for learning activities with mobile devices

To book:go to MyView

This workshop will provide a foundation for those new to the field of mobile learning, embodying models, case studies and rationale for employing mobile technologies in teaching and learning.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Be introduced to a progressive model for mobile learning
• Explore a range of case studies
• Identify areas for effectively applying mobile learning

9 Nov 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
Ilab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Podcasting and screencasting**

To book:go to MyView

Podcasts, screencasts and videos are increasingly being used to support learning.  This workshop will provide an overview of the type of material which can be created and introduce the software and facilities available to assist staff in the creation and publication of the learning material they create.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the types of podcasts which can be created
• Know how to use the software available to all staff
• Create and edit a simple podcast/screencast.

30 Nov 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Using Smartboards

To book:go to MyView

Smartboards are interactive whiteboards for the classroom and offer many features to enrich the learning experience.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the potential of Smartboards to enhance student learning
• Make effective use of the features of the Smartboards installed within teaching rooms.

14 Dec 2011
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Models and principles for web-conferencing learning activities

To book:go to MyView

This online workshop will introduce you to web-conferencing. You will explore how it can be used for effective online presentations and to create engaging online activities for students.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Identify principles for designing online web-conference activities
• Participate in a web-conference using audio and video
• Design some engaging web-conference activities
• Consider the risks and opportunities of using web-conferencing

11 Jan 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
Online
(Web-conferencing)

Using classroom technology

To book:go to MyView

Classroom based technologies can be used to support and enhance the learning experience. This workshop will introduce some of the technologies available to staff both within general teaching rooms and mobile equipment.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Make use of the classroom technologies demonstrated
• Understand how classroom technology might be integrated into their teaching.

22 Feb 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Models and principles for audio and video learning activities

To book:go to MyView

This workshop is aimed at lecturing staff who are interested in using audio and video to support teaching and learning activities.

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Create a simple audio/video file
• Find relevant audio/video media via the internet
• Evaluate audio/video for use in teaching and learning
• Explore a model for planning and designing audio/video activities as part of blended and/or distance learning delivery
• Embed audio/video or links to them in a virtual learning environment.

21 March 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
LDI, Thompson Library, Stoke

Using the read/write web for teaching and learning

To book:go to MyView

This workshop is aimed at lecturing and support staff who are interested in what the read/write web is all about and how it can be used to support teaching and learning activities.

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand what the read/write web is and why it will be increasingly important to teaching and learning
• Understand the relevance of contemporary technologies influence on learning as a social practice (wider society focus)
• Identify key read/write web technologies that are valuable to teaching & learning
• Understand the relevance of information literacy skills to contemporary learning
• Explore a model for planning and designing activities as part of blended and/or distance learning delivery
  

28 March 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Using mind mapping tools

To book:go to MyView

Mind-mapping is a technique to aid study.  It can be used to help visualise, structure and classify ideas.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the mind-mapping tools available within the University and how these may be beneficial to some students’ learning styles in particular
• Have practised with some of the tools discussed.

4 April 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke

Using desktop and mobile video-conferencing facilities

To book:go to MyView

This workshop offers an overview of the range of video-conferencing tools currently available for staff to use.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Understand the range of video-conferencing tools available and when it might be appropriate  to use each of these
• Practise running learning opportunities and meetings with some of the tools

11 April 2012
2:00 - 4:00pm
iLab, Thompson Library, Stoke