Monday 31 March 2014

FW: Ronald Barnett speaks in defence of the universal in universities

 

 

In defence of the universal in the university

 

Speaker: Professor Ronald Barnett
Date: Thursday 3 April 2014
Time: 5.30pm for 6pm start
Venue: Dr William Barry Theatre, Ealing site

Book your place.

Synopsis

For much of its history, the very term 'university' has been associated with universality of some kind.  Interestingly, that association has varied over time.  

Originally, the (mediaeval) university was a 'universitas', a group of self-governing individuals who were more or less equal; and it was also (universally) open to scholars from wherever (across Europe) they might come.  

Subsequently, the university was a universal institution of all disciplines and more recently the truths established in its knowledge activities were part of a universal sense of truth, and not the truth of a particular sect or clan or ideology.  However, both epistemologically and socially, this intertwining of 'university' and 'universality' has been shot through.

Now, amid postmodernism and multiculturalism, the very idea of universal truth is viewed with suspicion.  At the same time, each university is enjoined to become itself – to frame its own mission - in a competitive and diverse system of higher education.  Universities are told to be responsive to the needs of each individual student and the particularities of their own localities.  There seem to be no universal criteria that institutions have to fulfil in order to warrant the title of 'university'.

Against this background, I want to venture the heretical claim not just that universality and university can be put together without embarrassment but also that the universal in the university is actually growing.  Spaces are opening for the growth of universalism in the university.  Surprisingly, perhaps, the university is on the cusp of being more a site of universality than ever in its history.

Joelle Fanghanel

Director of the Institute for Teaching, Innovation and Learning

President ISSOLT

Chair HEDG

 

University of West London

Ealing

London

 

National Teaching Fellow (NTF) 2011

 

 

--
Scanned by iCritical.

 

Friday 21 March 2014

FW: Bookings now open for HEA Surveys for Enhancement Conference

 

From: A forum for discussion of issues relating to learning in higher education [mailto:LEARNING-IN-HE@JISCMAIL.AC.UK] On Behalf Of Alex Buckley
Sent: 21 March 2014 12:45
To: LEARNING-IN-HE@JISCMAIL.AC.UK
Subject: Bookings now open for HEA Surveys for Enhancement Conference

 

* Apologies for cross-posting*

 

Bookings are now open for this year’s HEA Surveys for Enhancement Conference, which will take place in Birmingham on 4 June.

 

Sessions will cover a wide range of topics around the use of student feedback for the improvement of learning and teaching, such as institutional approaches to module-level surveys, and ways of drilling down into survey data. The two keynotes for the conference will be provided by Professor Janet Beer, Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University and chair of the National Student Survey Review Steering Group, and Dr Camille Kandiko Howson, Research Fellow at King’s College London with a particular interest in surveys and student engagement.

 

For more information about the conference, including a draft programme, and to book your place, please visit: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/events/detail/2014/04_June_Surveys_for_Enhancement_Conference

 

Best wishes,

 

Alex

 

 

Dr Alex Buckley

Academic Development Officer

 

T: +44 (0)1904 717500              Mob: 07725257550              twitter.com/hea_surveys

 

The Higher Education Academy, Innovation Way, York Science Park, Heslington, York, YO10 5BR

www.heacademy.ac.uk

 

This e-mail along with any attachment(s) is strictly confidential and may contain privileged information. It is intended solely for the intended recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient, please do not disclose, store, copy, take any action or omit to take any action in reliance of its contents: to do so is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender and delete the e-mail immediately. Views expressed in this e-mail are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Higher Education Academy. Please note that this e-mail has been created in the knowledge that Internet e-mail is not a secure communications medium. We advise that you understand and observe this lack of security and take any necessary measures when e-mailing us. Although we have taken steps to ensure this e-mail and attachment(s) are free from any virus, we advise that in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure that they are actually virus free as the Higher Education Academy will not be liable for any losses as a result of any viruses being passed on by this e-mail and/or any attachment(s). The Higher Education Academy. Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no. 04931031. Registered as a charity in England and Wales no. 1101607. Registered as a charity in Scotland no. SC043946.

Wednesday 19 March 2014

FW: FREE EVENT - HEA STEM: The Innovative STEM Graduate Debate

 

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The Higher Education Academy

HEA STEM: The Innovative STEM Graduate Debate - part of the HEA STEM International Policy Briefing Series

19 March 2014


Last week saw the launch of the first HEA international event – HEA STEM: the innovative STEM graduate debate. The STEM team ran the event in two locations, Malaysia and Dubai. A third event will be held in the United Kingdom at the end of the month.

Each event consisted of short talks followed by an open discussion on the following questions:

  • What are the drivers for change and growth in STEM higher education and what skills do we require our STEM graduates to have?

     
  • What support for staff is needed to enable them to provide the optimum student learning experience for innovative STEM graduates?

     
  • What role has online learning in enabling students to acquire the practical skills relevant to STEM professionals in an e-enabled world? 

Free places are still available for the third event in the series which will be held at The Open University in Milton Keynes on 31 March and follow the same format.

For further details and to register please visit:
http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/events/detail/2014/31_March_STEM_Policy_Briefing_Milton_Keynes

 

We look forward to seeing you there.

Dr Janet De Wilde BSc, MSc, PhD, DIC, MIET, PFHEA, FIPEM, FInstP
Assistant Director (Scotland) and Head of STEM

 

 


About the Higher Education Academy

The HEA is a national body for enhancing learning and teaching in higher education in the UK. We work with institutions across the HE system to help bring about change in learning and teaching to improve the outcomes for students. We do this by recognising and rewarding excellent teaching, bringing together people and resources to research and share best practice and by helping influence, shape and implement policy.

The HEA supports staff in higher education throughout their career from those who are new to teaching through to senior management. We offer services in 28 disciplines and throughout the UK, and have offices in England, Wales and Scotland. Through the partnership management team we work directly with institutions to understand individual circumstances and priorities and bring together resources to meet them.

Owned by Universities UK and Guild HE, the HEA is funded by the four national funding councils, institutional subscriptions and project income.

For more recent news, events and funding opportunities, subscribe to Academy Update. Want to unsubscribe or change your details?

The Higher Education Academy, Company Limited by Guarantee Registered Number 4931031. Registered Office: The Higher Education Academy, Innovation Way, York Science Park, Heslington, York, YO10 5BR, United Kingdom. Registered charity, England and Wales 1101607. Registered charity, Scotland SC043946. VAT Registered number GB 152 1219 50. The Higher Education Academy and its logo are registered trademarks and should not be used without our permission.

Wednesday 12 March 2014

FW: Places still available: Massive Open Online Courses in the Arts and Humanities - 25th April 2014

 

Massive Open Online Courses in the Arts and Humanities: Opportunities, Challenges and Implications Across UK Higher Education

Register and further details: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/events/detail/2014/Seminars/AH/GEN911_UCLAN

University of Central Lancashire, Preston

 

The HEA workshop will examine the opportunities and challenges presented by new forms of online learning arising from the debate about Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Addressing the Arts and Humanities, the workshop will consider key aspects of the discussion through a combination of invited speakers and audience participation.

Featured Speakers include:

One of the most important questions facing new forms of online learning is whether they are compatible with the Arts and Humanities. Courses in these areas are least represented in MOOC platforms and this may be a result of pedagogical styles which are more suited to smaller groups and personal forms of teaching and learning.  The workshop is open to participants from all disciplines in the Arts and Humanities and aims to develop their knowledge in the following areas:

  • The historical context of online learning
  • Scalability and quality assurance
  • Pedagogy
  • Accreditation
  • Future implications of MOOCs in the Arts and Humanities

 

 

 

 

Dr Michael Thomas BA (Hons) M.Ed. MBA Ph.D. FHEA
University of Central Lancashire
Preston PR1 2HE
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 1772 893148
E:
mthomas4@uclan.ac.uk
Skype: mthomas69

Project Coordinator/Principal Investigator:
EU FP7 CAMELOT Project (2013-2015)
Faculty Affiliate:
Berkman Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University (2013-2014)
Series Editor:
Digital Education & Learning (Palgrave)
Series Editor
:
Advances in Digital Language Learning & Teaching (Bloomsbury)

 

FW: Changing The Learning Landscape: Realities of Social Media In Learning And Teaching - University of Warwick - 24th April 2014

 

From: Online forum for SEDA, the Staff & Educational Development Association [mailto:SEDA@JISCMAIL.AC.UK] On Behalf Of CLL
Sent: 11 March 2014 15:46
To: SEDA@JISCMAIL.AC.UK
Subject: Changing The Learning Landscape: Realities of Social Media In Learning And Teaching - University of Warwick - 24th April 2014

 

 

Realities of social media in learning and teaching: Making effective, safe, efficient and appropriate use of social media

University of Warwick - 24th April 2014

Social media turns the traditional static web into a participatory and collaborative experience. Social media enables individuals to discuss, share, and learn via different kinds of media, such as text, video, photos.

The use of social media is increasing within higher education to teach and support student learning. The range of different social media platforms is ever expanding and it can seem quite daunting trying to navigate through this and find effective methods for learning and teaching. This workshop will discuss a range of social media platforms and provide examples of their use within learning and teaching.

This workshop will offer focussed support for strategic innovation and institutional change in the use of technology to enhance the student experience within learning and teaching. With examples of practice coming from a range of disciplines this event will look to inspire leadership of pedagogic development of the use of social media platforms.

Through a series of presentations, activities and discussions, led by expert speakers, this one-day workshop will introduce you to social media approaches within learning and teaching and provide opportunities to explore how such techniques could be used in your own practice.

Topics include: tools and affordances; creation and curation; connecting and sharing; collaborative design.

 

To find out more and book onto this please visit:

 

 

 

 

 

Please share with colleagues who may be interested in attending.

 

Changing the Learning Landscape (CLL) is a HEFCE-funded programme supporting and encouraging higher and further education institutions to make a step change in how they adopt effective and strategic uses of online technology in teaching and learning.

 

The programme is a unique partnership between the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education, JISC, the National Union of Students, the Association for Learning Technology and the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

 

 

Place Available still available on:

Changing the Learning Landscape - From OERs to MOOCS: Exploring the MOOC phenomenon and its relation to open educational resources and practice in enhancing learning and teaching.

University of Southampton – 31 March 2014

 

 

The Higher Education Academy, Innovation Way, York Science Park, Heslington, York, YO10 5BR

www.heacademy.ac.uk – Twitter@HEAcademy

 

 

This e-mail along with any attachment(s) is strictly confidential and may contain privileged information. It is intended solely for the intended recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient, please do not disclose, store, copy, take any action or omit to take any action in reliance of its contents: to do so is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender and delete the e-mail immediately. Views expressed in this e-mail are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Higher Education Academy. Please note that this e-mail has been created in the knowledge that Internet e-mail is not a secure communications medium. We advise that you understand and observe this lack of security and take any necessary measures when e-mailing us. Although we have taken steps to ensure this e-mail and attachment(s) are free from any virus, we advise that in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure that they are actually virus free as the Higher Education Academy will not be liable for any losses as a result of any viruses being passed on by this e-mail and/or any attachment(s). The Higher Education Academy. Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no. 04931031. Registered as a charity in England and Wales no. 1101607. Registered as a charity in Scotland no. SC043946.

This e-mail along with any attachment(s) is strictly confidential and may contain privileged information. It is intended solely for the intended recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient, please do not disclose, store, copy, take any action or omit to take any action in reliance of its contents: to do so is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender and delete the e-mail immediately. Views expressed in this e-mail are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Higher Education Academy. Please note that this e-mail has been created in the knowledge that Internet e-mail is not a secure communications medium. We advise that you understand and observe this lack of security and take any necessary measures when e-mailing us. Although we have taken steps to ensure this e-mail and attachment(s) are free from any virus, we advise that in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure that they are actually virus free as the Higher Education Academy will not be liable for any losses as a result of any viruses being passed on by this e-mail and/or any attachment(s). The Higher Education Academy. Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no. 04931031. Registered as a charity in England and Wales no. 1101607. Registered as a charity in Scotland no. SC043946.

Tuesday 4 March 2014

Authentic Assessment and the Need to Escape Modularity

 

From: Online forum for SEDA, the Staff & Educational Development Association [mailto:SEDA@JISCMAIL.AC.UK] On Behalf Of Christine Smith
Sent: 04 March 2014 15:51
To: SEDA@JISCMAIL.AC.UK
Subject: Re: Call for Abstracts to Freire Conference and registration

 


Hello colleagues

Please can I alert you to a free and open webinar event we are running on Thursday this week from 12.30-1.30pm as part of our OWLET (Open Webinars for Learning and Enhancing Teaching) programme.
Dr Stephen Bostock will lead this webinar on Authentic Assessment and the Need to Escape Modularity.
Go to www.snap.vu/b3rf ideally using a google plus account
Please do join us if you can, but also tell us to come along too. It is open and its free!
Thanks so much
Chris
 

 

FW: HEA Social Sciences Masterclass workshop series

 

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HEA Social Sciences Masterclass workshop series

4 March 2014


We are pleased to announce the launch of our new 'Masterclass' workshop series.

These workshops are facilitated by members of the HEA Social Sciences team, drawing on their specific areas of expertise in these areas of learning and teaching. Where relevant, events also include invited speakers/facilitators, further extending the expertise available for you to draw on.

Places for staff from subscribing institutions are eligible for a 50% discount. Places are limited, however, so please book now to avoid disappointment.

All activities at these events are mapped to the UK Professional Standards Framework and an attendance certificate, which also provides details of the related learning outcomes, will be provided to all delegates.

Events currently open for bookings (details of further workshops will be advertised soon)

Supporting students conducting independent research projects in the Social Sciences, 27 March 2014, Maple House, Birmingham

Increasingly, educators are having to prepare students to undertake independent research projects that will be conducted in settings outside of the classroom and to provide continuing support for those students who are working on these projects 'at a distance'. The aim of this workshop is to provide educators with strategies they can deploy to ensure that students complete independent projects successfully.

An audience with enterprise educators: what works and why? 27 March 2014, Cardiff University

With the recent publication of the report 'An education system fit for an entrepreneur', enterprise and entrepreneurship education in schools, colleges and universities is front and centre of our agenda. The report provides a series of case studies, including two by Neil Coles of Cardiff University and Sue Poole of Gower College. This event provides an opportunity to meet with Neil and Sue to discuss the approaches they used and the factors which have contributed to success for students in Cardiff and in Swansea. The event will also enable you to contribute to wider sharing and discussion about enterprise and entrepreneurship education.

Curriculum challenge: being a curriculum thinker, 7 May 2014, University of East London

Everywhere in Education we see curriculum change and renewal, change responding to external policy, responding to our desire to refresh our Education programmes and sometimes responding to internal institutional requirements. This event will share ideas and strategies with the aim of helping us become curriculum thinkers whether we are taking a framework devised by others or whether we are designing curricula from scratch. Details of keynote speakers and contributors to the expert panel can be accessed via the link above.

Using simulations in Business and Marketing education, 14 May 2014, MacDonald Burlington, Birmingham

With support from trainers from Simventure and Markstrat participants will engage with these two well-known simulations in order to explore for themselves the key benefits of using simulations to teach business knowledge and skills. They will also gain insights into how to select simulations, implement them, assess student learning and manage potential challenges.

 

 


About the Higher Education Academy

The HEA is a national body for enhancing learning and teaching in higher education in the UK. We work with institutions across the HE system to help bring about change in learning and teaching to improve the outcomes for students. We do this by recognising and rewarding excellent teaching, bringing together people and resources to research and share best practice and by helping influence, shape and implement policy.

The HEA supports staff in higher education throughout their career from those who are new to teaching through to senior management. We offer services in 28 disciplines and throughout the UK, and have offices in England, Wales and Scotland. Through the partnership management team we work directly with institutions to understand individual circumstances and priorities and bring together resources to meet them.

Owned by Universities UK and Guild HE, the HEA is funded by the four national funding councils, institutional subscriptions and project income.

For more recent news, events and funding opportunities, subscribe to Academy Update.


Want to unsubscribe or change your details?

The Higher Education Academy, Company Limited by Guarantee Registered Number 4931031. Registered Office: The Higher Education Academy, Innovation Way, York Science Park, Heslington, York, YO10 5BR, United Kingdom. Registered charity, England and Wales 1101607. Registered charity, Scotland SC043946. VAT Registered number GB 152 1219 50. The Higher Education Academy and its logo are registered trademarks and should not be used without our permission.