The Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology held its 2021 Teaching and Learning Forum over three days in June. The sessions covered a range of topics, from post-COVID teaching practice, to design and critical thinking, to developing a teaching philosophy.
“We usually hold our Forum off-campus”, said Deputy Associate Dean (Academic – Curriculum Strategy), Associate Professor Greg Birkett. “But considering how busy the last 18 months has been for all our teaching staff, we decided to hold this year’s on-campus and spread out over multiple days, so staff could attend sessions valuable for them that fitted with their schedule”.
The first session, on Wednesday 9th June, examined two questions: Where to after COVID? and What do students want? This was followed by a panel discussion on assessment, and a workshop on how to articulate a teaching philosophy, to aid development and promotion.
The second day, Thursday 10th June, commenced with a panel discussion on design and how it is practiced across the Faculty’s disciplines. A blended learning showcase then highlighted recent staff successes with virtual field trips and laboratory tours, DIY labs, and innovative online exams. The showcase also allowed the Learning Enhancement Team to introduce tools not yet used by EAIT that might benefit many courses. The day ended with a workshop that challenged staff to consider critical thinking in new ways.
The final day, Friday 11th June, consisted of a Zoom workshop on using Zoom for Learning and Engagement. This online event was fittingly interactive, engaging EAIT staff with new online tools their colleagues had used with success.
“Our teaching staff have been brilliant over the last year, in very trying times” said EAIT’s Associate Dean (Academic), Associate Professor Liza O’Moore. “We wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work, and celebrate their successes, as well as give them a chance to consider their next teaching and learning innovations with their colleagues.”
The event was well-attended and discussions at each of the seven sessions were lively.
