Humanities Teaching and Learning Blog
This blog is to share good practice (things that worked for you), thoughts (ideas, inspiration, plans), learning (conference experiences, trying out new skills), and opportunities to connect (with other educators at Manchester and in other universities/contexts, students, wider communities).
Delivering synchronous medium size Q&A tutorials effectively using a visualiser and Piazza
Kyriakos Neanidis (SoSS) demonstrates how he utilises live sessions for medium sized groups to supplement pre-recorded lectures and live tutorials.
How to get started with recording content videos
Ralf Becker (SoSS) demonstrates basic techniques to create video recordings without having to use video editing tools afterwards.
Digital timelines and online exhibitions – assessing the aesthetics and politics of Italian Fascism
In this case study, Francesca Billiani (SALC) discusses using digital timelines in her course Aesthetics and Politics of Italian Fascism.
Advanced Video Production Techniques
In this recorded session, Craig Webb (SoSS) discusses advanced video production techniques. Knowledge of basic video editing is assumed.
Train Yourself: quiz questions to support learning Latin
In this case study, Alison Sharrock (SALC) and her team developed formative exercises with the aim to tackle high failure rates, and facilitate progression to the more advanced units.
Supporting International Students
Jenna Mittlemeier (MIE/SEED) shares inclusive practice for supporting international students whether on or off campus.
Student Marking exercises
How Becki Bennett (SoSS) regularly uses formative marking exercises to help students improve their understanding and recognition of academically good essays, what is valued and expected in excellent work.
Collaborative Reading using Annotation Software
How Chika Watanabe’s (SoSS) use of Perusall facilitates student collaboration, peer learning and a sense of community.
Drop-in Sessions Online
In this recorded session Ralf Becker (SoSS) investigates how drop-in sessions are run as an alternative to on-campus office hours. There is discussion on how best to prepare, promote and utilise these sessions.
Building Communities of Learning Online
In this webinar, Jaco Renken and Natalie Cunningham (SEED) discuss the types of online communities, and look at the role of the online facilitator as well as providing some detailed activity based guidance.
Using Padlet to enhance the Student Experience
In this video, Ruby Hammer (SoSS) gives us an introduction to Padlet – the easy to use, digital canvas – and shows us how to create a board.
How to Effectively Organise Your Blackboard Course Content
In this video, Kyriakos Neanidis (SoSS) showcases the setup of his masters course on Blackboard, explaining the clear structure of his course content plus his use of Piazza, and how it all serves to make activities and expectations clear to students on a weekly basis.
Tour of Engagement Tools and Blackboard Layout on Large Undergraduate Units
In this video, Jenni Rose (AMBS) explains how students really appreciate her weekly announcements while learning online.
Using Quizzes and Breakout Rooms in Live Sessions
In this video workshop, Dan Rigby (SoSS) explains his approach to live Zoom sessions. This includes demonstration of TurningPoint quizzes, plus practical breakout room tips to ensure that students find them enjoyable and worthwhile.
My Experience with Discussion Boards
In this case study, Ralf Becker (SoSS) gives us an in-depth look at his use of discussion boards. Includes a video workshop and resource guide for students.
Summative Quizzes and Continuous Assessment
In this case study, Huw Morgan (AMBS) outlines the case for using Blackboard quizzes for continuous assessment, the use of question pools and randomisation to avoid student collusion in summative assessment, and how this allows students to utilise feedback opportunities.
Teaching with Twitter: an extension to the learning environment
In this case study, Paul Middleditch (SoSS) explores if and how Twitter can be used to improve the student experience in higher education.
Online Journals as a Tool for Learning
In this presentation, Charlotte Woods, Richard Fey and Eljee Javier (SEED) outline the diverse ways that students have been using journals as part of their research on different programmes in the department of Education.