VIRTUAL Prague Research & Teaching Conference
Abstract
The traditional lecture has been the hallmark of the “content first” learning experience, which most universities have emphasised for centuries (Daly & Turner, 2021). Manchester Metropolitan University’s ‘Road to 2030’ strategy aims to improve the student experience by fostering an active learning community, with The Digitally Enhanced Learning, Teaching, and Assessment (DELTA) Strategy central to this. Active learning generates more opportunities for students to interact with each other (Shaw, 2024), and to practice and apply their knowledge, fostering the development of advanced critical thinking skills and enhanced learning outcomes. To develop the student experience through interaction, the Apps for Teaching and Learning toolkit has been developed. Education research shows that incorporating active learning strategies into university courses significantly enhances student learning experiences (Freeman et al., 2014; Theobald et al., 2020). Deploying digital tools institutionally has aimed to give university students personalisation, flexibility, and choice in what, where, when, and how they learn. These tools: Vevox, Mentimeter, Kahoot, Padlet, Nearpod, and Miro, enable students to engage actively in their learning process by facilitating the digital capture, sharing, and revisiting of their inputs and outputs. This innovative approach aims to transform the student learning experience, preparing them for future careers or further studies. Additionally, the emphasis on active learning, defined as “anything that involves students in doing things and thinking about the things they are doing” (Bonwell & Eison, 1991, p. 2), allows participants to explore both theoretical and practical aspects through group discussions and various digital and non-digital methods.
As a Digital Education Specialist, Mr Dee Vyas works across the university to implement the Digitally Enhanced Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (DELTA) strategy that supports developing and delivering a flexible and inclusive active learning approach. His passion in higher education is to develop a student-focused approach, that encompasses engagement, active learning, and the opportunity for all to participate. Alongside this, sits a need to address the needs of the modern student regarding well-being, compassion, and care.
As a Digital Education Specialist, Mrs Emily Webb implements the Digitally Enhanced Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (DELTA) strategy to empower educators to support the effective use of educational technologies in ways that benefit student learning and outcomes. This enables the optimal use of technology to enhance pedagogy, delivering active, engaging and supportive student learning. Emily is responsible for whole pedagogical design and delivery of short flexible learning courses for educators. Emily is interested in the development of online courses and teaching in non-traditional and flexible formats, knowledge delivery, professional identity within the third space, and enhancing learning through cultivating a sense of understanding and belonging.
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Wednesday 11th June, 2025