Lessons Learnt during the Pandemic and what next? Event

After introductions and an opening welcome from our Executive Director Sue Betts, we had two partner perspectives on blended learning delivery during the pandemic and what next. We heard first from Rosie Francis from City and Islington College (part of Capital City College Group), who shared their experiences on pandemic shaped delivery, lessons learnt and what next. This included their approach to moving online, setting up of the Blended Learning Group and where they are now. The presentation also included an interactive session where attendees could all share what their biggest challenges as an institution to delivering online with the most common challenges being technology and engagement. Rosie was also happy to share the group guide they produced for blended learning which includes the ABC Learning design and an essential checklist and tips for working remotely. We then heard from our second partner perspective Luke Watson from the University of Arts London who shared their experiences and lessons learnt. Topics discussed included learning new technology, learning tools they found useful and ensuring high quality student experience. You can find both full presentation slides from our two partners on the Linking London Partner Area. 

We then welcomed Sarah Sherman and Julian Bream from the Bloomsbury Learning Exchange who presented on developing an institutional approach to digitally enhanced learning and their work to support education providers in this space. Sarah provided some background and some links to useful resources such as a 3-week MOOC to help teachers create engaging and interactive courses and some Moodle Digital Skills Awareness courses for teachers and students. Sarah also shared their model which aimed to convey the experiences of the learning technology staff they work with during lockdown. Julian then shared his thoughts and emphasised with performing art providers the importance of not thinking about the technology but just about the task and exploring the space. Discussion also included challenges with accessibility and the opportunity for innovation. 

After a comfort break, attendees got together in two breakout groups to discuss several questions around blended learning including what were the challenges and lessons learnt during the sudden shift to online teaching and learning/outreach work, how has the experience of the pandemic changed delivery during this academic year, what needs to happen in your institution to make online/blended learning a success. You can find the full write up of the discussion on our Partner Area. 

The event closed with thanking everyone for their contributions throughout the afternoon. 

Presentations, recording and discussion notes 

To view the recording, presentations and the notes from the day please click here. This link will take you to the Linking London SharePoint Partners' Area. You must be a Linking London member to access this section of the website. If you do not have access, please email info@linkinglondon.ac.uk.