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Online software offers an ‘Evolution’ in learning for Entrepreneurship students
Although for some the COVID lockdown has created feelings of isolation and disconnect, it has provided the Team Entrepreneurship (TE) students at Bishop Grosseteste University the opportunity to trial world-class simulation software that allows remotely and virtually 'run' an entire company. The software, called ‘Evolution’ allows participants to 'take over' a virtual company which has a trading history, product in development, staff and premises. As its new managers, they must use all of the information available to them in order to make decisions that affect staff, buildings, raw materials, sales and ultimately profitability, running the company over a number of virtual years. As in real life, all decisions impact on profitability and bad decision can have an adverse effect. Senior Lecturer Chris Jackson discusses how the software, created by a York based company called Simventure, became an invaluable tool on the course: "I had come across their product online while researching materials for both the TE course and the new MSc International Business and noticed that it's used globally by some big business schools. I wanted to know more, so I just picked up the phone and struck up a conversation with the company. It turns out that their CEO and I share similar backgrounds and are pretty passionate about entrepreneurship. The programme seems a perfect fit for the MSc, where we'll now be using it as the backbone of one module." "With the continuation of lockdown after Christmas, we realised that there was a possibility that Team Entrepreneurship students could struggle to create the learning experiences needed for them to be able to complete assignments - the Evolution programme seemed to be a perfect compromise, and we'll be introducing this to our learners in the next few weeks.". "We want to keep our students' learning as real as possible while encouraging them to try new strategies and tactics. Of course, things may go wrong, but then unlike real life, Evolution has 'pause' and 'rewind' features!" Alongside this, students are currently testing their business thinking and planning capabilities by using another online tool called Validate. Not only can this be accessed remotely, but it encourages learners to share their work with their peers and with supervisors. It doesn’t take students long to realise that the answers that they are looking for are neither in their heads of in text books - by gamifying their learning they are challenged to take their thinking outside of the classroom. Unlike many traditional models of venture creation, Validate also features sustainability in the initial stages and challenges the learner to map their thinking to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). Now also introduced as an integral part of future business courses, this is another way in which BGU can combine ethical and sustainable thinking in our programmes. If you'd be interested in experiencing a 'virtual' business experience for your students or staff, you can contact Chris Jackson at chris.jackson@bishopg.ac.uk. To find out how you can create your own successes in our collaborative learning community, visit our website, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. Image credit (©Simventure) -
Ideas Café – Autism
On 5th April, we held an ideas cafe surrounding the topic of autism. Attendees came from a diverse range of health, social care and academic backgrounds. A range of ideas were highlighted for discussion, in relation to autism that the attendees felt would be valuable to discuss. Ideas that were put forward included: Managing parents’ expectations around obtaining a diagnosis for their childHow to keep autistic children in mainstream schoolSpecial needs training for all trainee teachersTransition for a child into adult servicesTraining for educational staff – increasing training and confidence levels of staff to better manage children with autismHow do we access school staff in order to train them?Can technology be used to link up all of these different areas?Mapping the services available for different age groups. The group consensus was that a mapping exercise would be useful to visualise what services are currently available and who they are aimed at. This led to an interactive session of plotting out services and gaps in service for different age ranges: Early YearsPrimary School AgeSecondary School AgePost 16/Teenagers/Young adultsAdultsThe Elderly Where gaps were identified, the group considered what was being done, or what could be done to address the shortcomings. Once plotted, services were categorised according to whether they could be accessed through universal services or self-referral, or whether they required a referral to be made via a professional. A follow-up event to further map out out the autism landscape of Lincolnshire, and to discuss and collaborate on other themes relevant to autism has been planned at LORIC on Friday 7th June 10am-12pm. This event is open to anyone with a personal or professional interest in autism and places can be booked via the LORIC Eventbrite page. -
Plotting new worlds: English writing competition winners announced
The English Department at Bishop Grosseteste University is pleased to announce the winner of BGU Short Story Competition 2022, entitled Plotting New Worlds. -
Love Letter to BGU
Bishop Grosseteste University recently held a creative writing competition, asking members of the BGU community to write a love letter to the University. The competition marked the end of a year of celebrations for the University's 160th birthday. Some of the entries received offered words of affection directly to the university in the form of a traditional poem, some mapped the poet's journey through their BGU experience, and some took a more comical, freeform approach. But all were insightful, personal accounts of their relationship with the university. But there could only be one winner, and that was Lucetta Crosskill, whose work was commended for its nostalgic recollection of the poet's experience at BGU. The poem captures the emotions and challenges of starting a new chapter in life, and the sense of belonging that comes from finding a welcoming community. It was found to be a heartwarming reflection on the transformative power of education and the impact of a supportive community. The winner received a special valentines day gift as a prize. A book containing all the submissions has been created and placed in the University archives and a copy has been sent to those who entered. Read Lucetta's poem below. Dear BGU, The letter read ‘you are invited to an interview’ Excited, nervous, apprehensive…my feelings – just a few. On entering the Maths department, the welcome, and the smiles. Out of the Uni’s, I had visited, this was the best by miles. ‘I did it!’ When I received the letter, I had got a place. Surprise, amazement and ‘oh my goodness’ overcame my face. It was a Sunday, in September, back in 1999, I arrived at BG with my bags, looking for my room sign. Unpacking my bags, in my lonely, bare room, I thought what have I done? Living with a load of strangers, would it be awful or fun? As I got used to my surroundings and found my way around, The historic BG buildings, and new friends, I excitedly found. The hard work very quickly started, but I knew it was for me, The library, the learning, the lectures… I loved everything at BG. Early morning teaching practice very soon started. Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Mansfield, Lincoln… 6.45am we departed. In my time within these schools, so much that I did learn, My very own class, my end goal…was what I did yearn. My mentors - they were the very best…Mrs Morley and Miss Emery too. Lifelong friends I have gained and into the role of the teacher I grew. Lincoln became my second home, in halls and houses I resided. But often jumping on the train to visit home, I decided. A new tradition in my life, the Market each December, And now I take my children there and share things I remember. As I wore my gown and mortarboard in 2003, I knew that in my heart one day, back at BG I’d be. It wasn’t long before I decided to do another degree. There was only one place, to do my MA…back at BG. Whilst teaching full-time, it was September in 2005, Excitedly, I prepared myself and at BG I did arrive. A challenge, but at home and school I was very well supported. I knew the hard work would be worth it and I’d be rewarded. Without a shadow of a doubt, completing my Masters at BG, Was, within my teaching and learning career, one of the proudest moments for me. So thank you BG to you all, in my life you have played a huge part. Memories, learning, staff, and my friends - you are always in my heart. -
Over £420k invested in local archaeological research
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has received a grant of more than £427,000 from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to invest in the university’s archaeology department. The award was confirmed in a ministerial announcement by Science and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith. The grant is awarded to institutions that seek to upgrade facilities and enhance their capacity to contribute to the UK’s creative and cultural research economy. BGU has used the grant to refurbish teaching rooms and the archaeology laboratory on campus. The university’s Old School House will now host the new open access Lincolnshire Culture Heritage Research (LCHR) Hub. The funding has also enabled the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the research capabilities of the department, including a 3D laser scanner and a drone fitted with a LIDAR sensor, which can produce high-resolution maps and 3D models of landscapes and historical buildings. Other new equipment such as a magnetometer and a ground penetrating radar allow archaeologists to “see” into the ground and identify what lies beneath without having to excavate. The equipment will be used at the university's upcoming archaeology field school, which will see excavation of the Haw Hill area of Swanpool in Lincoln, where significant archaeological findings are expected. Dr Derwin Gregory, Archaeology Programme Leader at BGU said: "The AHRC grant has allowed us to significantly enhance our facilities and research capabilities, enabling us to provide our students with a first-class learning experience. “The equipment purchased through this funding will also benefit the wider community of archaeology and history groups, who are encouraged to contact the department and arrange use of this sophisticated equipment for their own projects." The AHRC is the UK's largest funder of research and postgraduate training in the arts and humanities. As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), it provides funding and support to institutions in the UK. The funding programmes are designed to support research across the full range of arts and humanities subjects. UKRI is investing £103 million to expand and upgrade the UK’s world class research infrastructure, including digital infrastructure. The investments will support the sector and ensure UK researchers have access to the best labs and equipment they need to keep producing world-class science. UKRI International Champion, Professor Christopher Smith, said: “The investments, made across the UK, will provide UK researchers with advanced equipment, facilities and technology, and help maintain the UK’s position as a leader in research and innovation. “This support will ensure the UK is an attractive place for scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs to live, work and innovate.” A full catalogue of equipment available to use can be found here. Dr Derwin Gregory with the Trimble R12
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