Academic Development Research Group
The university’s vision for learning is to create a holistic, enriched educational experience for its students and staff. This cluster aims to explore and evaluate models and technologies that are at the cutting edge of the curriculum regeneration process. It does this in two key areas. Firstly, it conducts research into models of high-level curriculum design and delivery processes, and secondly it produces tools and approaches for staff to support the design process that lead to the production of flexible and relevant programmes. It aims to answer questions such as: in what ways can institutions respond effectively to emerging trends; what is the role of students and employers as change agents; what organisation structures and processes promote effective use of technology for learning and research?
Overarching Questions
- Staff Development and Technology:
- What methods are effective in promoting staff use of technology?
- How can we ensure that development initiatives lead to sustained changes in practice?
- Curriculum Development and Technology:
- How can we factor technology enabled learning into curriculum design and development processes?
- How can tools and technologies support or enhance curriculum development activity?
- Professional Practice and Technology:
- Do different disciplines engage differently with technology in their teaching and learning practice?
- What are the dynamics between the various professional identities of individuals and their approaches to technology?
Specific issues, projects and interventions
- iPad Teamworking project
- comparative evaluation of developmental activities
- further specification and evaluation of curriculum development tools for embedding digital literacies