Staff Development Fortnight

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Laura Riella

Following our very successful June Academic Staff Development Fortnight, Library and Learning Services will be offering sessions again between the 2nd and 13th of September 2019.

Staff Development Fortnight is designed to update your skills and knowledge of the support we offer – from Research Support to Student Engagement, and everything in between. Sessions include: Copyright, Beautifying Blackboard, Reading List Workshop, Disability Support and Assistive Technologies and Using Panopto and Ally.

All sessions can be booked now via MyView. For further information please see the Learning Services Wiki.

Information about the sessions can also be found here on Issuu.com, in our interactive timetable.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and join us to learn more about the support we can offer and update your skills!

If you have any questions or encounter any problems, please contact your Academic Engagement Specialist.

We look forward to seeing you in Catalyst in September.

Stay up-to-date with our latest developments on our blog and WIKI.

Written by: Laura Riella

Digital Capabilities Coordinator

Upcoming Digital Workplace Technologies Sessions

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Laura Riella

Are you looking to boost your digital skills? If so, then there are a range of Digital Workplace Technologies sessions taking place throughout August and September.

These sessions aim to boost staff’s digital capabilities, developing staff into digitally proficient learners and thinkers.

Take a look below at the upcoming sessions, including a brief summary of the session and dates/times. All sessions can be booked on MyView.

Digital Mindfulness

The modern world is a hyper-connected digital place where everything is just a click away and is available 24/7. Digital mindfulness promotes the presence of mind and is defined as the conscious awareness and acceptance of present experience. This session will provide staff with the opportunity to apply this approach to our use of digital tools and technology, evaluating why it is important to be digitally mindful.

Tuesday 13^th August

Word: Formatting Long Documents

This session will focus on using the features of Microsoft Word to put together long documents or formal reports, including using styles, creating tables of contents and applying section footers and working collaboratively with master documents.

Tuesday 13^th August

Excel: Advanced

This practical session will show staff how to perform complex sorting, filtering and sub-totalling lists of data, along with creating and manipulating pivot tables.

Wednesday 14^th August

Making Documents Accessible

It is important that when producing documents using Microsoft Word that you follow a few simple steps to make sure that your document is accessible by all users. This session will consider how to reach all of your audience, how to make effective use of accessible communication formats (also known as alternative formats), how to add Headings and Subheadings, add alternate text (Alt Text) for images and use tables wisely.

Monday 2^nd September

Project Management

This session will be a key starting point for staff wishing to gain more knowledge about how to collaborate with colleagues using project management software. This session will cover project management software such as Trello and Microsoft Project.

Friday 6^th September and Thursday 26^th September

Using Kahoot

This session will introduce staff to using Kahoot, a game-based platform that can be used for quizzes and games. Popular in educational institutions, Kahoot can also be utilised with staff members as a way to encourage group participation, gather feedback and conduct surveys.

Thursday 19^th September

Getting The Most Out Of Outlook

This session will introduce staff to useful features in Outlook email and calendar that can enhance productivity and organisation. By the end of the session staff will be able to categorize their emails and calendar events, set up follow up messages on emails, create and schedule appointments and meetings and add meeting notes using OneNote.

Friday 20^th September

Eventbrite

This session aims to introduce staff to Eventbrite, an online event management and ticketing website. By the end of the session staff will be able to create events, manage and track attendees and promote the event using the custom design features.

Friday 20^th September

Sway

This session will cover the basics of using Sway, a presentation software available as part of Office 365. Staff will learn how to navigate the application, how to add, edit and embed material, and how to publish their finished presentations.

Monday 23^rd September

Instagram Hacks, Photography Skills and Camera Apps

Instagram is a popular and simple way to capture, edit and share videos, photos and messages. A photo and video sharing social networking platform, Instagram is a great way to share eye-catching and stunning photographs with your followers. This session will introduce staff to some simple tips and tricks that will allow you to take stunning photographs and introduce you to some beneficial camera apps to further improve your photography skills.

Tuesday 24^th September

Alongside face-to-face sessions, there are also a range of online guides, videos and links to useful LinkedIn Learning courses on the Learning Services Wiki pages.

Book your session on MyView here.

Stay up-to-date with our latest developments on our blog and WIKI.

Written by: Laura Riella, Digital Capabilities Coordinator

Case Study: Microsoft Sway

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Laura Riella

What is Microsoft Sway?

Sway is part of the Microsoft Office 365 package and can be used to create presentations, newsletters, portfolios and many more. A story-telling app that allows you to combine text and media, Sway is a powerful and versatile product that can be used in many different ways.

The below case study, will look at how a member of staff at Edge Hill University used Microsoft Sway to create a Faculty Newsletter.

Name:

Louise Habberfield

Department:

Education

Role:

Faculty Partnership Officer

Why did you decide to use Microsoft Sway?:

We wanted to introduce a faculty newsletter as a way of improving communication across the Faculty. I was looking for a way in which I could present key information in an appealing way but as well monitor readership and engagement rates.

What have you created as a result?:

The end result was a faculty newsletter distributed to all staff. Since it was distributed I have had other colleagues from across the institution approach me to ask what software I used, would I recommend it etc and that it was impressive.

What have you liked about Microsoft Sway?:

I really value the analytics I find that helpful to report on to the management team. I also like the way the text is displayed and appears interactive.

Would you receive further training on Digital Workplace Technologies?:

Yes, absolutely. There are always new things to learn, I consider myself quite computer literate and thought I was ok, but there is always new software and little tips to make working life easier!

Upcoming Sessions

If you are interested in using Sway to create a presentation or newsletter, then please take a look at the upcoming sessions. The session aims to guide staff through how to navigate the application, how to add, edit and embed material, and how to publish their finished presentations.

The next session takes place:Thursday 25th July – 11am-12pm

Book your session on MyView here.

Stay up-to-date with our latest developments on our blog and WIKI.

Written by: Laura Riella

Digital Capabilities Coordinator

Achieve a digital badge

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Laura Riella

As part of the Digital Workplace Technologies offer, staff have the opportunity to achieve a digital badge for each pathway that they complete. These pathways have been specifically designed to allow staff to enhance their knowledge in that area in more depth. Alongside face-to-face sessions, there will also be online guides, videos and links to useful LinkedIn Learning courses that will allow staff to be independent learners.

After attending the sessions as part of the pathway and engaging in discussion, you will receive a digital badge and personalised certificate that recognises that you have completed this pathway.

Case Studies

Please see below some case studies from members of staff who have successfully completed one of the pathways and achieved a digital badge.

Kate Munday

Student Journey Project Officer, Student Experience Team

Laura has been a passionate advocate of the digital workplace technologies and is able to tailor sessions to individuals needs. You are given the basic tools to explore the software, in a practical, hands on manner.

The digital collaboration pathway explores functionality of different programmes that have a focus on project management. As part of the Students Systems workstream I support internal teams through management and implementation of change projects. This pathway has given me a broader range of knowledge on software which encourages collaborative, project work. In completing the training sessions I have been able to approach projects from a different angle using new, digital workplace technologies.

Emma Walker

HR MI & Systems Development Advisor, Human Resources

I attended both the Microsoft Teams and Project Management courses hosted by Laura Riella w/c 20th May 2019. This was my first week at my new job, and these sessions were recommended by my manager.

HR uses Microsoft Teams for the majority of communication methods and project work, so it was vital I learnt how to use this quickly and effectively. The session was laid out really well, with a clear explanation of how/ why this is used, handy hints and tips provided, and a chance to ‘have a go’ yourselves at the end. I found it tailored well to both new users (like myself) and several colleagues who were there to learn how to get the most out of this technology.

The Project Management session was particularly useful for me, as part of my role requires the organisation and ongoing maintenance of various HR System projects. Understanding how to use both Microsoft Project and Trello gave delegates the option to choose which one suited their working style best. Advantages (and potential disadvantages) to both were highlighted – and Laura was really helpful in discussing how this could relate to our specific departments/ goals throughout the session.

Personally, I found that MyTeams and Trello compliment each other really well – and have already created several project groups and assigned tasks via this technology. I’ve found that this has helped me organise my work efficiently, encouraged collaboration across the HR team and inspired other team members to do the same! The Digital Collaboration Pathway was an invaluable part of my introduction – though I’d highly recommend to all staff members.

Stay up-to-date with our latest developments on our blog and WIKI.

Written by: Laura Riella

Digital Capabilities Coordinator

Academic Staff Development Fortnight

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Laura Riella

Library & Learning Services are hosting an Academic Staff Development Fortnight in Catalyst from 17^th to 28^th June. Come and join us to learn more about the support we can offer and update your skills!

The schedule for the fortnight can be found here and the full timetable is available below.

All sessions can be booked using MyView. For further information, including a description of all the sessions, please see the Learning Services Wiki.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems, please contact your Academic Engagement Specialist.

We look forward to seeing you in Catalyst in June.

Stay up-to-date with our latest developments on our blog and WIKI.

Written by: Laura Riella

Digital Capabilities Coordinator

Digital Communication

Posted on April 5, 2019 by Laura Riella

The internet, social media and the media have now become an essential part of our everyday lives. Digital Communication is forever changing and evolving, with the sector becoming more dynamic and diverse in the way it creates and publishes digital content.

The Digital Communication pathway aims to provide staff with an understanding of how to communicate across various platforms, such as social media platforms and internet technologies, using new and exciting technologies to stay connected with others. It is important that staff are able to deliver quality content and information to a range of digital audiences in a way that is accessible and easy to navigate.

Upcoming Sessions

Presenting Yourself Online: Digital Footprint

It is important to be aware of your presence online, and to create a positive image of yourself for current and future employers to see. This session will help you to consider how to communicate effectively through a variety of digital tools to achieve this, as well as looking at the importance of online etiquette and online security.

Thursday 23rd May – 11am-12pm

Book your session on MyView here.

Twitter: Promotional Marketing

This session will introduce staff to online tools and strategies for creating engaging promotional material for Twitter. Social media is a key way to communicate with different audiences and it is important to know how to successfully create engaging promotional marketing material that will impact visual communications.

Wednesday 10th April – 3pm-4pm

Book your session on MyView here.

Digital Newsletters: Adobe Spark

This practical session will enable staff to create an eye-catching digital newsletter which can be shared online using Adobe Spark. Adobe Spark allows you to create your own unique and custom newsletter for your department or team in minutes, with a variety of templates, images, text and interactive features.

Tuesday 4th June – 2pm-3pm

Book your session on MyView here.

Digital Newsletters: MailChimp

This session aims to introduce staff to email marketing and how to make it exciting and eye-catching using MailChimp. By the end of the session staff will be able to create an email campaign using a variety of features (including text, images, links to websites and social media), send an email campaign to subscribers and track the success of the campaign.

Monday 3rd June – 3pm-4pm

Book your session on MyView here.

Whether you are an academic member of staff and want to use social media to connect with other academics and professionals in your field or you are a support member of staff looking to inform colleagues about new developments, then these sessions will give you an advantageous starting point to further improve your digital communication skills.

Don’t forget that you can now achieve a digital badge – so why not attend these sessions as part of this pathway?

Stay up-to-date with our latest developments on our blog and WIKI.

Written by: Laura Riella

Digital Capabilities Coordinator

Session Focus – Word: Formatting Long Documents

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Laura Riella

This blog post will focus on a recently delivered session – Word: Formatting Long Documents, which is part of the new Digital Workplace Technologies offer.

What were the objectives of the session?

This session focused on using the features of Microsoft Word to put together long documents or formal reports, including using styles, creating tables of contents, applying section footers and working collaboratively with master documents.

Formatting long documents can be tricky, particularly when working with multiple pages of text, figures and tables. This session aimed to navigate staff through the features of Microsoft Word that will successfully enable them to create a professional document that is clearly organised, structured and accessible. Page numbering can also make many people apprehensive, especially when you need the first few pages to be in Roman numerals and the rest of your document in Arabic numbers. Again, this session aimed to guide staff through this process, with lots of opportunities to practice and ask questions.

The session

This type of session lasts 60 minutes and enables staff to cover many areas of Microsoft Word and put their new knowledge into practice.

At the end of the session staff should be able to do the following in Microsoft Word:

Use styles to apply headings to a document
Create a table of contents for a document
Add captions and create a table of figures
Use section breaks and apply section formatting
Add custom headers and footers
Work collaboratively on a document
Work with master documents and subdocuments

The session took place in Oak room, Catalyst and provided staff with the opportunity to use computers to have a go themselves at formatting long documents. Modelling examples on the board, staff could then follow steps to format several long documents.

Personal Reflection Activity

At the start of the session I asked staff to write down on a post-it note how they currently felt about formatting long documents.

Staff responded with a variety of feelings towards the prospect of formatting long documents, with many using this session as an opportunity to develop their skills and refresh their current knowledge.

After the session I asked staff to complete the same activity, instead now writing down how they feel after the session about the prospect of formatting long documents. The responses were dramatically different, with many staff feeling more confident, happier and sorted!

Members of staff said:

“A very clear and informative delivery while maintaining a friendly approachable setting.”

“It was brill and really informative! I found it really helpful.”

Upcoming Sessions

If you are a member of staff and are interested in improving your knowledge of formatting long documents on Microsoft Word, then take a look below at the upcoming sessions.

Tuesday 9th April 2019 2pm-3pm

Tuesday 16th April 2019 11am-12pm

Book your session on MyView here.

Stay up-to-date with our latest developments on our blog and WIKI.

Written by: Laura Riella

Digital Capabilities Coordinator

Get on your digital pathway – Digital Creation

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Laura Riella

As part of the Digital Workplace Technologies offer, we have created 8 pathways for staff to explore. These pathways have been specifically designed to allow staff to enhance their knowledge in that area in more depth.

The pathways include:

Digital Productivity
Digital Communication
Digital Collaboration
Digital Creation
Digital Wellbeing
Digital Proficiency
Digital Participation
Digital Learning and Teaching Technologies

Focus on … Digital Creation.

Digital images, infographics, videos, presentations and photographs are just some of the ways digital creativity can be expressed. Digital creation is the ability to create, use and evaluate digital technologies, designing digital materials to present and communicate information.

These sessions aim to provide staff with the opportunity to design and create digital materials, to communicate information, to learn about new pieces of creative software and to develop new digital talents.

Upcoming Digital Creation Sessions

Picktochart

Infographics are visually engaging ways to present information quickly and clearly, allowing people to learn about a topic without too much heavy reading. They often contain images and charts and do not use lengthy amounts of text. Piktochart is an online program which allows the free creation of infographics. This session will look at using Piktochart to create infographics which contain text, charts, images and videos and look at how these can be shared via print and online methods.

Thursday 28th March 2019 – 10am-11am

Friday 24th May 2019 – 11am-12pm

Book your session on MyView here.

PowToon

This session will introduce staff to the animated presentation software PowToon and explore the different features available for adding text, images, audio files and applying animations.

Tuesday 16th April 2019 – 2pm-3pm

Monday 3rd June 2019 – 11am-12pm

Book your session on MyView here.

Sway

Monday 25th March 2019 – 1pm-2pm

Wednesday 3rd April 2019 – 3pm-4pm

Book your session on MyView here.

Prezi

This session will look at using Prezi as an alternative way to create engaging and interactive presentations. This session will allow staff to create, design and share online presentations.

Friday 5th April 2019 – 11am-12pm

Book your session on MyView here.

Stay up-to-date with our latest developments on our blog and WIKI.

Written by: Laura Riella

Digital Capabilities Coordinator

Digital Workplace Technologies

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Laura Riella

The new Digital Workplace Technologies offer has officially launched! This is an exciting new programme that aims to provide all staff with a clear pathway to increase and enhance their digital knowledge and capabilities.

Learning Services aims to provide staff at Edge Hill University with a high-quality learning and development experience, enhancing staff digital capabilities through a variety of staff development sessions, online guides and resources. It is central to our vision that staff are challenged, engaged and supported throughout their digital learning journey.

The new structure will allow staff to follow digital pathways based on their training needs. Within each pathway staff will have the opportunity to be actively engaged in face-to-face sessions, access online guides/resources and suggested courses on LinkedIn Learning.

These pathways include:

Digital Productivity
Digital Communication
Digital Collaboration
Digital Creation
Digital Wellbeing
Digital Proficiency
Digital Participation
Digital Learning and Teaching Technologies

For staff who are new to Edge Hill University we have designed a specific pathway that we would recommend following that will allow staff to gain confidence with the digital technologies being used in the workplace and provide them with the skills to work effectively in their job role. ‘New to EHU: Digital Newcomer’ is categorised according to your job role (Academic and Support). These pathways consist of recommended core digital workplace technology sessions that will support you as you progress at Edge Hill University.

Additionally, to recognise staff achievements we are introducing a personalised digital badge initiative, which aims to celebrate staff members personal accomplishments and successes.

As we continue to evolve and develop throughout 2019, our approach will be to continually assess and evaluate our offer, ensuring that we are providing staff with the best opportunities to develop.

Stay up-to-date with our latest developments on our blog and WIKI.

Written by: Laura Riella

Digital Capabilities Coordinator

UniSkills Spring Workshops

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Laura Riella

We have lots of exciting UniSkills workshops coming to Catalyst this term.

This term we have workshops to help you develop your academic writing skills, sessions focused on searching for academic information, techniques on how to give powerful presentations and support with Harvard Referencing. We have also introduced 7 new workshops for 2019! These workshops range from creating a bullet journal to conducting a Literature Review.

Find out more about the workshops below and how to book your place.

Create a Bullet Journal *NEW for 2019*

Staying organised is one of the biggest challenges of university life. Bullet journaling is a great way to stay organised and can help you with planning your assignments and keeping track of your deadlines. Providing all the supplies and #BulletJournal inspiration aplenty, we’ll show you how to set up a fun and creative system that means no essay deadline can ever go amiss.

Monday 4th February 1pm-2pm
Tuesday 2nd April 12pm-1pm

Book your place here.

Finding Academic Information

Help improve your search strategy, find resources for your assignment (including books, eBooks and journal articles) using the Library Catalogue and Discover More and learn how to evaluate your sources.

Tuesday 5th February 12pm-1pm
Monday 25th February 1pm-2pm
Thursday 28th March 12pm-1pm

Book your place here.

Maximise Your Reading List *NEW for 2019*

Your Reading List is an essential gateway to a wide range of resources recommended by your tutor. This workshop will explore using some of the additional features of our reading list software such as changing the referencing style, writing a personal note on a reading list item and what steps to take if all items are out on loan – all of which will help you maximise your academic research.

Tuesday 5th February 1pm-2pm
Friday 15th March 1pm-2pm

Book your place here.

Conducting a Literature Review *NEW for 2019*

You may be asked to write a literature review as part of your assignment or dissertation to demonstrate that you have an in-depth grasp of both your subject and where your own research fits into or adds to an existing body of knowledge. Find out more about how to survey the literature in your chosen area of study, synthesise the information in that literature into a summary, critically analyse the information, and present the literature in an organised way.

Wednesday 6th February 12pm-1pm
Tuesday 26th February 12pm-1pm

Book your place here.

Reading Academic Texts *NEW for 2019*

Are you daunted by the amount of reading you are expected to do? Do you feel overwhelmed by the thought of reading difficult texts? This session will give you some great tips for active reading and to learn about strategies to help you develop intensive and effective reading skills.

Thursday 14th February 12pm-1pm
Thursday 28th February 1pm-2pm

Book your place here.

Introduction to Academic Writing

An introduction to the style of academic writing used at University; discover how to plan, structure, use feedback and Harvard referencing.

Monday 28th January 1pm – 2pm
Friday 22nd February 1pm – 2pm
Thursday 14th March 12pm-1pm

Book your place here.

Developing Academic Writing

Building on previous experience learn to recognise and understand assessment criteria, apply critical reading and show critical analysis in your writing and the importance of integrating referencing.

Tuesday 29th January 12pm -1pm
Wednesday 20th February 12pm -1pm
Thursday 7th March 1pm -2pm

Book your place here.

Become a Paraphrasing Pro *NEW for 2019*

Putting complex topics into your own words can be a confusing task. This workshop teaches you handy techniques to avoid plagiarism, as well as how to strike that all-important balance between paraphrased sentences and direct quotes.

Friday 1st February 1pm-2pm
Wednesday 27th February 12pm-1pm

Book your place here.

EXPRESS Harvard Referencing

Introduction to the Harvard referencing guide including in-text citations, bibliography/reference lists and the importance of referencing to avoid plagiarism.

Friday 8th February 12pm-12:45pm
Tuesday 12th March 12pm-12:45pm

Book your place here.

Effective Exam Preparation *NEW for 2019*

Banish pre-exam dread with a procrastination-busting workshop. With handy revision strategies and memory techniques aplenty, leave inspired to thoroughly prepare and ultimately, perform your best!

Monday 18th March 1pm-2pm
Monday 1st April 12pm-1pm

Book your place here.

Powerful Presentations

This workshop will cover the different stages of putting together a powerful presentation. Recognise the importance of planning and structuring your presentation, how to create an accessible yet visually appealing presentation and tips for presenting with confidence.

Wednesday 13^th February 12pm-1pm
Tuesday 5^th March 1pm-2pm
Thursday 21^st March 12pm-1pm

Book your place here.

UniSpeaks *NEW for 2019*

Do presentations make you feel nervous? Wish you were more relaxed and confident? Need a safe space to practice your presentation skills? Then UniSpeaks is for you. UniSpeaks offers a safe space to come together with other students in the same boat to practice presenting in front of an audience. These sessions will take place once a month – you can come along and listen to others present, have a go yourself and learn strategies to present with more confidence.

Wednesday 30th January 2pm-4pm
Wednesday 27th February 2pm-4pm
Wednesday 27th March 2pm-4pm

Book your place here.