Preparing for The Zone: Understanding, Defining and Sharing a University Wide Digital Future
Sheila MacNeill, GCUKeith Smyth, UHI
Bill Johnston, University of StrathclydeALT-C 2014
“The new competition, the real threat . . . is the emergence of entirely new
models of university which are seeking to exploit the radically changed
circumstances that are the result of globalisation and the digital revolution.”
An Avalanche is coming, Higher Education and the Revolution Ahead IPPR , March 2013
(http://www.ippr.org/publication/55/10432/an-avalanche-is-coming-higher-education-and-the-
revolution-ahead)
“There is no doubt that digital technologies have had a profound impact upon the management of learning. Institutions can now recruit, register, monitor, and report on students with a new economy, efficiency, and (sometimes) creativity yet, evidence of digital technologies producing real transformation in learning and teaching remains elusive”
Decoding Learning, the proof, promise and potential of digital educationNesta, November 2012 (http://www.nesta.org.uk/library/documentsDecodingLearningReport_v12.pdf)
A Digital University: key themes
Digital Participation
Information Literacy
Learning Environments
Curriculum & Course Design
Digital University Matrix Digital Participation Information Literacy
*Glocalization *Widening access*Civic role and responsibilities*Community engagement*Networks (human and digital)*Technological affordances
*High level concepts and perceptions influencing practice*Staff & student engagement and development*Effective development and use of infrastructure
Curriculum and Course Design Learning Environment *Constructive alignment*Curriculum representations, course management, pedagogical innovation*Recruitment and marketing*Reporting, data, analytics
*Physical and digital*Pedagogical and social*Research and enquiry*Staff and Resources
https://howsheilaseesit.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/exploring-the-digital-university-next-steps-digtial-university-ecosystems/
Case Study 1:
Edinburgh Napier University :
Digital Futures Working Group
Background
• Initial round table discussion about current digital practice and provision within the University in September 2012
• ‘Digital Futures: exploring Edinburgh Napier University’s technological ambitions’ Symposium December 2012
• Digital Futures Working Group formed to further explore current practice and future possibilities in six key areas, with input from external critical friends
Developing digital literacies
Digital student support provision
Digitally enhanced education
Digital research and leadership
Digital infrastructure and integration
Digital communication and outreach
Three key outputs
1. An ‘external benchmarking’ report summarising policy and examples of current practice within the sector
2. An internal position report summarising current and emerging practice and developments relating to each theme
3. A final report setting out short term priorities and recommendations to 2016/17 and longer term to 2019/20
Key ‘short term’ issues
• Consistency of the student online learning experience
• Distribution of support for staff to engage with technology-enhanced learning, teaching and assessment, and the creation of a ‘hub’ to support good and innovative practice
• Embedding the development of digital literacies within programmes, and harnessing discipline specific technology
• Improving how we use digital approaches for scholarship, research and knowledge exchange opportunities
• Consolidating outward-facing digital resources
Emerging aspirations
• A digitally enhanced and digitally distributed curriculum• Engagement within professional communities• Locating the digital in a programme focused approach including
collaboration and contributing to public bodies of knowledge• Locating discussions about digital practice in professional review• Digital innovation funding (open to all) • Strategic funding in key areas of digital research and scholarship,
digital knowledge transfer, and expanding online CPD • Digital outreach and digitally supported social interaction • Harnessing ‘open educational practices’ in ways that make sense
for a post-1992 institution with strong widening access agenda
Case Study 2:
GCU
Developing our Digital Future
Digital Participation Digital & Information Literacy
Our vision is to be a successful international university delivering access and excellence, with a strong commitment to the common good.
Create successful global graduates and citizens and deliver economic and social benefit for the communities we serve
Globally networked
Global Learning
Enriching cities and communities
Engaging globally
Innovating for social impact
Digital Learning/technology
Inclusive, accessible learning
Collaborative working within GCU and with our partners
Globally-recognised profile, positioning and esteem
Digital Development
Curriculum & Course Design Learning Environment
Engaged Learning
Personalised Learning
Flexible Learning
Real world problem solving
Transforming lives through education and research
Our mission as a University is to provide an outstanding inclusive learning environment
Flexible Learning
Broader and deeper learning
Buildings are better connected
Social learning spaces and improved academic teaching areas, services and facilities
A vibrant and dynamic technological and physical infrastructure
Current mission/vision/KPIsStrategy for Learning Heart of the CampusDeveloping 2020 Strategy
Digital University Consultation Day
• Cross Institution Event• Individual and institutional experience of digital participation • Present, short-term (2015), longer term (2020): realities
and aspirations
Emerging Themes
• Infrastructure – digital and physical• Digital Literacy – staff and students• Learning and Teaching technology implementation plans• Learning Analytics• Open Education an digital participation • Development of a GCU specific digital university definition
and identity• Cohering around student engagement
Next steps
• Edinburgh Napier are planning for the implementation stage of their digital futures consultation, including governance and allocation of resources. http://staff.napier.ac.uk/services/vice-principal-academic/academic/strategyactivity/DigitalFutures/Pages/Digital-Futures.aspx.
• GCU continuing developing institutional approach.
• We are interested in engaging with others to collectively explore the concept and implications of the digital university
Contact details
Sheila MacNeill [email protected] @sheilmcn
Keith Smyth [email protected] @smythkrs
Bill Johnston [email protected]
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