Back to Un
i is structured in 2 sessions; the first focusing on teaching and the second on learning. The sessions are labelled as 'Weeks' using FutureLearn terminology; however, they will all be released at the same time, and are referred to within the course as sessions. We anticipate that each session should take no more than three hours to complete, and students may choose to complete both sessions on one day or spread their engagement over several days, as they prefer.
The course will remain open to enrolled participants so they can return to it later in the academic year when they have a clearer idea of the contexts in which they are working. Note that we cannot accept late entrants after enrolment has closed in Week 6 of Autumn term.
Teaching
This section introduces students to the blended learning approach and its benefits. It covers the digital tools students will be expected to use this autumn and offers advice on how to prepare for, and get the most out of, online core content and seminar sessions, delivered online and on campus.
Learning
This section focuses on how to learn effectively in a blended learning environment. It covers setting up an effective learning environment, managing time effectively and tips for presenting online. It also highlights the importance of wellbeing offering mindfulness techniques and tips for keeping well.
|
Step |
Title |
Format |
Brief description |
|
1.1 |
Welcome back to uni |
World Cloud |
A low barrier activity to gauge students’ thoughts about their return to uni study. |
|
1.2 |
Welcome to the course |
Video + article |
An introduction to the course outlining the purpose of the course, learning outcomes and a chance to meet the team. This is also where they will meet each other. |
|
1.3 |
The University |
Article |
Finding out what the UoR has been doing for a safe return to campus and an overview of what the teaching and learning will look like |
|
1.4 |
Staying Safe |
Article + discussion |
Reiterating students’ part in keeping themselves and others safe, and students to discuss how the changes may affect them and their study. |
|
1.5 |
Flexible and online learning |
Discussion |
Brief description about what the blended learning approach is and what is meant by flexible and online learning. Students can share their thoughts on the benefits or challenges to the approach. |
| 1.6 | What your modules look like | Article | A brief description of the module road map and weekly plans to help set students expectations of what to expect |
|
1.7 |
Know your icons |
Quiz |
A quick multiple choice quiz to test students on the icons used in road maps and weekly plans. |
|
1.8 |
Your timetable |
Article |
A reminder for students on how and where they can access their timetable |
|
1.9 |
What to use |
Infographic |
A refresher for students on the score digital tools they'll be expected to use to access their skills and manage their studies. This includes Blackboard collaborate and Office 365 |
|
1.10 |
Lectures: core course content |
Video |
Advice on how to engage with online core content. |
|
1.11 |
Seminars: interactive sessions |
Article + discussion |
A reminder of how to make the most out of seminar sessions, online and on campus |
|
1.12 |
Practicals/workshops/performances |
Article |
Explaining how practicals and workshops will take place and how to prepare for them |
|
1.13 |
Assessment and feedback |
Article |
Understand what assessment and feedback will look like this autumn term |
|
1.14 |
What is digital literacy |
Article |
Students explore the term digital literacy and why it should matter to them. They will look at how the blended learning approach can be beneficial to them and help develop highly sought-after employability skills. |
|
1.15 |
What's important to you? |
Article |
Students to consider the benefits of developing their digital literacies and which skills are important to develop further. |
|
1.16 |
Your online identity |
Article |
Students will understand the importance of creating and managing their online identity and learn about online etiquette. |
|
1.17 |
Active listening |
Article + exercise |
Students learn about the importance of good listening and are given exercises to practise and develop this essential skill, online and face to face. |
|
1.18 |
Keep connected -tutors |
Article + discussion |
Explaining why it is important to stay connected with tutors during this period and a reminder of the academic tutor system. Students will be asked to share their experiences with communicating with tutors and what they found useful. |
| 1.19 | Keep connected - students | Article + discussion | Students share why it is important to stay connected with each other, with those on campus and off, and how. Students will be asked to share their own tips with each other. |
| 1.20 | What did you learn? | Quiz | Multiple choice quiz to review what students have learnt in the session. |
| 1.21 | You're not alone | Article | A list of support services and their current functions over the autumn term. |
| 1.22 | What next? | Discussion | Brief summary of Session 1, and what to look forward to in Session 2. Students can share their thoughts about the course so far. |
|
Step |
Title |
Format |
Brief description |
|
2.1 |
Your learning |
Video + discussion |
Students discuss what they have done to prepare for the blended learning approach, and what they have found useful and not. Students discuss the challenges they face with learning online. |
|
2.2 |
Are you all set up? |
Poll |
Students rate how prepared they are for studying remotely |
|
2.3 |
Your learning environment |
Article |
Students are given guidance of how to make the most of their physical study environment. |
| 2.4 |
Setting yourself up for study |
Infographic + discussion |
Practical tips on how to study effectively remotely. Students return to the poll question and discuss whether they feel the same. |
|
2.5 |
Your time |
Article |
Guidance and a refresher for students on how to manage their time effectively. |
|
2.6 |
Keeping on track |
Article |
Strategies to maintain motivation to get your work done and to manage the academic pressure |
|
2.7 |
Procrastination |
Article |
Article exploring some of the deeper reasons behind putting work off |
|
2.8 |
Working together |
Article |
This article focuses on students working collaboratively online and the tools they can use to support their learning. |
|
2.9 |
Presentations |
Video |
Tips for presenting in person and online. |
|
2.10 |
Your turn |
Exercise + discussion |
Students imagine talking online to course mates and discuss what it might feel like when faced with different scenarios. |
|
2.11 |
Sharing online |
Article |
Guidance in copyright and for students to be aware of sharing published material online. |
|
2.12 |
Researching |
Video + article |
A reminder of the e-resources the library provides and where students can go to find key resources in their subject. |
| 2.13 | An organised approach | Video + article | Encouraging students to consider taking a more organised approach to research. |
|
2.14 |
Critical note taking |
Article |
The article discusses way to take effective critical notes. |
|
2.15 |
Feedback focus |
Infographic |
Top tips from students for students to make the most of feedback |
| 2.16 | Looking after yourself | Infographic | Tips to keeping well |
|
2.17 |
Mindfulness |
Article |
Understanding how practising mindfulness can help with students' wellbeing. |
| 2.18 | Your expectations | Discussion | Students share their expectations of this autumn term’s teaching and learning |
| 2.19 | What did you learn? | Quiz | Multiple choice quiz to review what students have learnt in the session. |
| 2.20 | Thanks, and see you soon | Article | A recap of the session’s topics along, with a message a welcome return to university study |