IET works closely with other faculties and units in the Learning and Teaching area to develop the University’s curriculum and pedagogical effectiveness. The Institute is engaged in strategic collaborative relationships across the OU that have impact on how modules are taught.
The programmes in the Learning & Teaching portfolio are:
Projects in three programmes concentrate on one or more aspects of understanding the student experience and how it affects student learning. IET staff have leading roles on a number of institutionally and internationally strategic projects, such as:
- OpenLearn
- Open Learning: Bridge to Success (Next Generation Learning Challenges funded project - see the Announcement)
- Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) BioDiversity project (IET staff are contributing to the iSpot project - a 'social learning' environment being used by S159 'Neighbourhood Nature' Science module)
- Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
- OU Learning Design initiative (OULDI-JISC Project)
- Social:Learn
The IET Learning & Teaching programme delivers educational and professional development activities to enable staff to support the University’s e-learning and e-teaching strategy.
Additionally IET offers a qualification for higher education staff who teach or directly support student learning - see Study with us.
Other key activities include developing new software and sites for use in teaching and learning, such as
- Cloudworks (learning design),
- PePle (Practice-based professional development website for social workers), and
- DISCO site (Digital Scholarship),
as well as making practical use of existing technologies within the VLE to enhance the student learning experience.
IET’s expertise in pedagogy and technology is co-ordinated by the Associate Director (Learning and Teaching) who has overall responsibility for the Learning & Teaching Portfolio in IET.
