In May 2013 we began a rolling programme of supporting innovation projects through the provision of equipment, our “seed fund projects”. This initiative provides a number of technology kits, devices and software for academics to explore new pedagogic approaches with their students, and then to share the findings with the rest of the university. The projects run for up to 12 months. The aim is to provide a mechanism by which staff and students can trial innovative approaches to teaching and learning, enhanced by technology, that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to carry out.
Theme 1 – Student-generated content
The aim of these projects is to encourage the production and sharing of student generated content both in Moodle and through social media. Each kit supports the development of user generated content, experimentation, play, creativity, social interaction and engagement, aligning class activities with the modes of communication that are in common use amongst our learners. We encourage projects around podcasting, video blogging, digital storytelling etc.
PeerGuide podcasts
Podcasting for assessment
Cameras in PR
First Impressions Project
Theme 2 – Mobile learning
These projects pilot a number of ways mobile/smart devices can be used to enhance student interaction and engagement. We also encourage projects that look at supporting and using back-channels in classroom based teaching.
iPads for peer feedback
Theme 3 – Distance learning/out of class interaction
In line with a sector-wide push towards supporting distance learning capacity, the aim of this project is to enhance the capacity of the institution to support off-campus interaction.
Adobe Connect
Theme 4 – Social interaction and engagement
This supports projects that will enhance the effectiveness of group work within a classroom/lab or in the field. For example, iPads have been allocated in groups of up to 10 so that they can used to facilitate networking in and around technology.
Integrating iPads in Mathematics