4a.  Teaching, learning and/or assessment processes Reading time: 3 minutes

¹Statements here might relate to areas such as teaching experience, learning design, curriculum development, work-based assessment, the creation and execution of a programme of training and so on.

By Association of Learning Technology

Introduction:

As a learning Technologist, I have been required to plan, develop and deliver training sessions to students and staff on the user of our recognised learning technologies . These activities have introduced me to several important aspects of teaching adult learners, such as outlining objectives of the training to allow them to understand why it is important, and to map the training to real-world situations so they can relate to using the technologies for remote learning and teaching. For instance: when explaining the importance of features such as whiteboards and breakout rooms in tools like Microsoft Teams and/or Collaborate, I have explained real-world examples of these in face-to-face delivery where an instructor may require students to take part in small group discussions and later present to the wider audience in the classroom. Such evidence-based teaching allows learners to understand how the technologies can be used to fulfill a specific or generic requirement in their learning and teaching experience.

With regards to course or module design and delivery, I have had the opportunity to take part in panels during course approvals to discuss how a proposed course could work or be accepted by students. I have also prepared part of a recently introduced self-learning module called: Learning to Learn Online. The purpose of the module is to introduce students to what they can expect in online learning, so they are able to engage meaningfully with the content and actively participate while using technology to learn remotely. I have also prepared and delivered a sub-topic in front-end web design for Level 3 and Level 4 students on the use of CSS Grid in designing responsive websites ( view). In this activity, I prepared a lesson plan, outlined objectives, prepared the relevant materials with examples, further guidance and support, and provided specific courses to aid the students in further learning.

In addition to the above, I have recently engaged actively in preparing and delivering training for CPD activities to our staff. These are aimed at expanding their knowledge in the use of our learning technologies to aid in learning, teaching, and assesment. Similar to the above, these trainings have structures to explain to the staff what they can expect to learn, learning outcomes to help them understand what they are expected to know, activities to help them practice what I have covered, and support and contact information to use to reach me and our team for additional/further support, and follow ups when needed. More on this is discussed in an understanding of your target learners.

Since I have a keen interest in training and supporting adult learners in higher education, I have taken the opportunity to learn more about how to effectively design and deliver courses, instructional design for adult learners ( view) and learning ways through which I can increase learner engagement ( view). I am also in the process of applying for accreditation and certification in teaching in Higher Education (HE) through the acquisition of Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Academic Practice (PgCert PAP) and Associate Fellow of Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) .

Evidence

Lecture Session PowerPoint Presentation:

Practical Session PowerPoint Presentation:

Reflection:

Having had the opportunity to prepare and deliver sessions and training to students and staff, before attaining the relevant experience in learning and teaching, I was able to identify a skills gap that I need to fill particularly in relation to how to teach effectively. Comparing my level of knowledge and engagement in learning and teaching from the first session I delivered and training I prepared, to now, after completing 2 courses aimed at increasing learner engagement ( view) and instructional design for adult learners ( view), I feel more confident in being able to prepare and deliver effective content.

For training or sessions I deliver, I always make sure to include activities or short quizzes to help engage the learners. At first I could not tell the importance of having such activities, though I was impleting them in my delivery, however, with the successful completion of the courses on increasing learner engagement and instructional designer for adult learners, I know understand better why such activities are important in teaching.

The training and knowledge I attained from the 2 courses I completed, and more in the process, I have had a boost of confidence in delivering training to adult learners which has compelled me to take on the responsibility of preparing and delivering CPD training to our staff at UWL.

In addition to that, I think that with formal knowledge and accreditation in learning and teaching in HE, I will be a better and more effective learning technologist with the ability to deliver more engaging online and face-to-face sessions for learners of all learning styles and abilities. This is the main reason why I aim to achieve a PgCert certification and AFHEA accreditation in HE in the near future.

Last updated: Monday, 12th September 2022 By: Mrisho "M" Abeid Omary