New look TLE intranet pages, Assessment changes and CPD scheme launch

Dear colleagues,

On the cusp of a new and important academic year, this post is made up of three important announcements. First of all we have been busy over the summer developing an all new Teaching and Learning section of the intranet, packed with information, guidance and resources. This new look site was designed by Robbie Binnie who was a student intern with us for three months and who has done a terrific job in providing an exciting new look and feel to the pages. Please feel free to have a browse, it is still work in in progress on some sections but i would like to draw your particular attention to the assessment section and our staff development section.

Under assessment, you will find details of important changes for 2015-16 to academic regulations, moderation, electronic management of assessment and the structured feedback week (week 7).

Under staff development, you will find details of our new PG Cert HET and CPD scheme “Going for Gold” which is accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) from September 1st. The first TLE seminar of the new session is next Wednesday, September 2nd and there are still some places available. If you are interested in finding out more about the scheme and how you might get involved, please book a place. Its free and lunch is provided!

On a personal note I am absolutely delighted that we have achieved accreditation from the HEA and hugely appreciative of all the hard work my colleagues have put into making the scheme a reality as well as all the participants of our pilot scheme which resulted in 17 successful applications for national professional recognition: 2 AFHEA, 2 FHEA, 11 SFHEA and 2 PFHEA! We will formally congratulate our colleagues at the seminar on September 2nd.

Alastair

I have had an interesting time leading the development of Abertay’s new CPD scheme – Going for Gold – and it was great to find out, on returning from holiday, that we have been accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA). So all those brave Guinea pigs that volunteered and successfully completed the pilot programme will be able to call themselves Associate fellows, Fellows, Senior Fellows or Principal Fellows of the HEA as of September the first. Congratulations. It is important for our future that Abertay has professionally recognised staff involved in teaching and supporting learning and the Going for Gold scheme is there to support you in your ambitions to enhance your practice. The scheme is officially launching next week so now is your chance to get your good teaching practice recognised and to get involved. To find out more please check out the intranet TLE Staff Development pages.

Dave King