University of Derby featured in the UCISA TEL Survey 2018

The University of Derby are one of the institutions featured as a case study in the ‘2018 Survey of Technology Enhanced Learning for higher education in the UK’. The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching have also been key contributors to this publication with Laura Hollinshead compiling two of the eleven case studies.

In the case study an interview with John Hill, Head of Digital Learning, highlighted the sector-leading work taking place at Derby around the use of technology to support learning and teaching.

Areas discussed within the case study included:

• The development of an ambitious Technology-Enhanced Learning Strategy (2017–2021), to support and enable the priorities of the University’s award-winning Learning and Teaching Strategy

• The introduction of award-winning Digital Practice Programme Baselines as a framework to support enhancements to the curriculum through the embedding of digital practices to deliver an engaging learning and teaching experience for all students

• The development of digital capabilities for staff and students to increase knowledge and confidence, to deliver institutional culture change, including aligning and working nationally with the Jisc Digital Capability Framework

• The development of our digital infrastructure including introduction of new digital tools across the University, such as Blackboard Ally, PebblePad, Poll Everywhere and Padlet

• The importance of research-informed approaches to TEL developments including; assessing the impact of the strategy, a full review of the student and staff digital experience, blended learning research and working with sector leaders to explore their visions around the future of digital learning

• The establishment of a Digital Governance Panel providing top-level governance (with an executive sponsor and representatives from the Senior Executive Team) to provide timely decision making in changes to digital infrastructure, strategies and policies.

Author: Laura Hollinshead (Learning Technologist-Curriculum Devt)