Introducing the UCS L&T Day 2013

Colleagues, it was with true delight we welcomed participants to the UCS Annual Learning and Teaching Day for 2013.











We had a full and exciting programme with a central theme for 2013 on Open, Online and 
Distance Learning. There were two keynotes in this year’s programme both of which were
directly focused on our theme.

The first opens the morning programme and was by Dr Andrew Middleton from Sheffield Hallam University who spoke on Distance and Present: Rethinking Online Teaching to Foster Student Engagement.

The second keynote came from Professor Stephen Gomez of the Higher Education Academy who opened the afternoon sessions, speaking on Changing Your Learning Landscape Through Technology.

Jim Durrant from the Higher Education Academy was also with us and there was an Higher Education Academy exhibition of generic and subject-specific materials relating to learning
and teaching.




We were delighted to have these three high profile and respected visitors attending the event, who were with us throughout the day.

Jim, Stephen and Andrew also kindly agreed to participate in our Any Open Learning 
Questions? a panel discussion held at 3pm. Participants were asked to submit (before 1pm on the day, using the form included in the delegate pack) any questions on open, online and distance learning
for the panel to discuss in this session. We anticipated and enjoyed a lively and thought-provoking
discussion. The panel also included senior members of UCS and student representatives.

 
 


The Learning and Teaching Day programme featured a broad and stimulating range of
papers, pecha kucha (short, succinct presentations) and posters: all clearly demonstrating the
creativity, enthusiasm and dedication to learning and teaching extant among UCS colleagues.

 

In addition, there was an array of practically-focused learning technology demonstrations
and taster sessions, as well as a workshop led by the Library and Elevate.

 


An integral purpose for the Learning and Teaching Day was for us all to share ideas and connect
with others, and engage in learning ourselves. To help achieve this those using
social media, such as Twitter, or Blogs, were encouraged to comment, reflect or ask
questions using the following hashtag #ucsltday

Participants were asked to also visit the Video Diary Room (W2.07) to make a short video
recording of thoughts and reflections from listening to the keynotes, attending or
presenting sessions and talking to colleagues, etc. Some questions were posed in the
room to help you focus responses.

Finally and most importantly, we hoped all participating would enjoy the day and we express our many, many thanks for all contributions.

UCS Learning and Teaching Planning Group