I attend the above conference on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th November 2012 in Birmingham. The conference focused very much on activities to identify what “good” or “excellent” teaching is and can this measured objectively along with a range of schemes to provide recognition and reward. There were some really interesting papers that explored…Continue Reading 17th Annual SEDA Conference 2012 Excellence in Teaching: recognising, enhancing, evaluating and achieving impact
Shadowing Research Approach in Evaluating Learning Spaces in Higher Education: A Methodological Discussion

Research is a major part of understanding the impact of new learning spaces at City University London. However, like all Higher Education research, methodological questions soon arise. I had a number of discussions with colleagues working on ‘Learning Spaces Evaluation’ about the best method of developing an understanding of the functionality and effectiveness of the new learning spaces at…Continue Reading Shadowing Research Approach in Evaluating Learning Spaces in Higher Education: A Methodological Discussion
Think, create, innovate: new types of learning space in listed buildings

Like many universities, City University has a number of listed buildings and spaces. When learning spaces are at a premium the question is what best to do with these spaces within the strictures of say a Grade 2 listing. The Grade1 listed Anatomy Theatre and Museum at King’s College is a case in point. Part…Continue Reading Think, create, innovate: new types of learning space in listed buildings
University teaching: insights from a Business Professor of the Year nominee
A month ago, Dr Nick Motson and Professor Meziane Lasfer from the Cass Business School at City were nominated by their past and present students for the Business Professor of the Year award in the ‘only global contest to recognise and reward excellence in Business teaching’. I wasn’t surprised that Nick had been nominated…Continue Reading University teaching: insights from a Business Professor of the Year nominee
HeLF meeting: Personalisation of Assessment and Feedback
In the last ten years, higher education has changed beyond all recognition and Heads of E-Learning will be critical to the significant changes to come. These were some of the opening words by Professor Rikki Morgan-Tamosunas, DVC, University of Westminster, in opening the Heads of E-Learning Forum (HeLF) Meeting held on 31st October. The theme…Continue Reading HeLF meeting: Personalisation of Assessment and Feedback
The ISSOTL Conference 2012
I attended the ISSOTL conference in Canada at the end of October. This conference is focused on the scholarship of learning and teaching and was well attended with 550 people. There were some really good papers on issues such as teaching award schemes and students projects as well scholarship for learning and teaching and how…Continue Reading The ISSOTL Conference 2012
‘Just come in and hook up’: The simple case for implementing Apple TV in Higher Education

This educational vignette makes the simple case that Higher Education Institutes, including City University London, should adopt Apple TV because it will benefit both staff and students. Apple TV, has the potential to be a very useful learning technology. City University London is currently engaged in the redevelopment of it’s estate. A major part of…Continue Reading ‘Just come in and hook up’: The simple case for implementing Apple TV in Higher Education
Video in Education SIG – our first webinar – November 2013
Video in Education – a special interest group – invites you to grab a coffee and share best practice at our first webinar. Formed in summer 2012, this group’s focus is on sharing practice within the schools, and gathering examples from other institutions, in: production and publishing of video for education; techniques for engaging staff…Continue Reading Video in Education SIG – our first webinar – November 2013
The rise of the still camera for film making

Despite both using light to record images, until recently the worlds of video-making and photography were distinct entities, requiring separate equipment and facilities. If you wanted to take professional-looking photographs, you’d buy a SLR camera with a couple of good lenses. If you wanted to make quality videos, you’d buy a video camera: one with…Continue Reading The rise of the still camera for film making
Investment in Educational Technologies
Many of City’s educational technologies will be getting an investment boost as part of the University’s strategic plan and funding. Moodle will be upgraded and integrated with a repository, timetabling, and mobile delivery tools; video streaming and web conferencing tools will become more user-friendly and robust; automatic lecture capture and AV pods will be brought…Continue Reading Investment in Educational Technologies