On 24th March, the Technology Enhanced Learning Unit will be hosting their annual ‘TEL’ Me More seminar. Colleagues from across the University will be showcasing their own innovative uses of technology as part of their Learning and Teaching.

The event is a fantastic opportunity to network with colleagues from different areas of academia, share great ideas and learn some new skills. You do not need to be a techie to attend; an interest in new approaches to Teaching and learning is all that’s required.

The event runs from 11:00 – 14:00, with  lunch and refreshments provided.

Programme:

11.00 – Introduction

11.15 – Replacing paper Social Work Practice Documents with online PebblePad Workbooks

This presentation will look at how the use of paper documents for recording students’ achievements on placement has now been superseded with an online version, using the PebblePad software. PebblePad enables the student to record their work while on placement with the ability for tutors and other assessors; Practice Educator (PE) and Workplace Supervisor (WPS) to view and sign off their work securely online. Although a PE or WPS can change at relatively short notice, it is a quick, easy and secure process for the student to share their work with a new PE or WPS. 

11:45 – Mutual Benefits: The Potential of Disabled Foster Carers as Foster Carers

Disabled people are largely absent from the fostering workforce and, in partnership with Shaping Our Lives Disability Network and Foster Care Co-operative agency , Dr Peter Unwin was awarded Big Lottery  funding wanting to find out why this is the case.

The research found that disabled people are resilient, have many skills and are well able to empathise and support young people in need. Yet their potential is largely ignored by fostering agencies, despite Fostering Network estimating that there is currently a shortfall of some 8000 foster carers in the UK.

We worked with four pilot sites and several disabled foster carers but still find it challenging to get the wider world interested in what is a cultural change. Making the video with Gerry Beattie is intended as a ‘marketing’ vehicle to help bring about this much-needed change.

12.15 – Lunch

12.35 – Person-Centred Dementia Studies on Blackboard – Delivering a PG Cert at a Distance

The course is entirely delivered online via the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. Students engage with online lectures, videos, research literature and discussions to facilitate their independent study.  This course provides regular interactive learning opportunities via seminars in the Collaborate virtual classroom and engagement with students and tutors via unscheduled discussion forums.

13.05 – Session 4: TBC

13.35 – Networking & Discussion

13.50 – Conclusion