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BGU winners of inclusive education award 2019
2018-19 was an exciting year in the development of Bishop Grosseteste University’s use of the Virtual Learning Environment. Following an extensive and rigorous tender process, Bishop Grosseteste University, worked with Blackboard to implement a renewed VLE. As part of this process, a new rubric and series of templates were created following extensive consultation with students and staff across the University. Led by CELT, the Implementation Group comprised Dr Claire Thomson, Dr Sue Cordell, Barry Clarkson, Adam Elce, James Duke, Mark Hall, Phil Davis and academic staff across BGU, particularly Dr Jon Begley and Dr Elizabeth Kimber The Implementation Group worked closely with staff to utilise blended learning approaches, to transfer resources and importantly, ensure materials are inclusive and accessible which has contributed to winning the Blackboard Catalyst Award. Bishop Grosseteste University, was named as the winner of the Blackboard Catalyst Award for Inclusive Education, which honours those Blackboard users whose methods have ensured their pedagogy, content, technology, and educational services are fully inclusive and supportive of all learners with disabilities. Taking specific steps to rethink how learning is achieved, Bishop Grosseteste University has provided the means to help students succeed. As a small institution, the implementation of our new VLE has had a major impact on pedagogic practice. Founded in 2005, the annual Catalyst Awards recognise and honour innovation and excellence in the Blackboard global community of practice, where millions of educators and learners work every day to redefine what is possible when leveraging technology. Winners are selected by a cross-functional team of Blackboard experts. “I’m proud to recognise this year’s outstanding recipients of the Blackboard Catalyst Award for their demonstrated commitment to using technology to enhance the learning experience, and sharing their best practices with the education community,” said Lee Blakemore, Chief Client Officer and President, Global Client Operations & Success at Blackboard. “Their outstanding contributions will help to support learner success in the Blackboard user community.” The Implementation Group at Bishop Grosseteste University was honoured alongside other Blackboard Catalyst Award winners during TLC Europe 2019, Blackboard’s user conference held on 13-16 May in Newcastle. Blackboard is the leading provider of learner success-focused technology solutions and services. Its product portfolio is unmatched in the marketplace, spanning teaching and learning, analytics, community engagement and student services. -
Students ‘escape their fears’ with the help of CELT
During Welcome Week at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) teams of students all entered the CELT centre and - using their ingenuity and problem-solving skills – cracked the codes to escape within the hour. Nine teams of between two and seven students completed the challenges and were successful. Participants all completed four challenges to collect crystals which were converted into points. These challenges required students to make use of academic and digital skills which will be essential in their university life. These included fostering a growth mindset; active reading for a purpose; problem solving and merging documents. The Escape Room introduces members of the CELT team to new and returning students and highlights the wealth of academic support available to them. All students who gave feedback said they enjoyed the event and would visit CELT again, with one student stating that it was “a good way to meet new people”. If you would like to know more about the support CELT can offer to students, check out our Blackboard area. -
Self-Determination Theory: How it can help you thrive in uncertain times
As we continue to adapt to the ongoing and unprecedented situation that the world finds itself in it is easy for our mental health and determination to suffer. So what can we do to not only protect our mental health, but boost it in order to keep ourselves positive and motivated? Dr Abigail Parrish, Senior Lecturer in Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University, has been exploring how Self-Determination Theory could be the answer. -
New Toolkit Aims to Help Students Build Resilience
by Linette Wallace - CELT Coordinator Student mental health and wellbeing have been of national focus for some time especially due to the growing rise in student mental ill-health in Higher Education (HE). With the recognition of this growing area of concern, positive interest in student resilience by the sector is on the rise. As a result, resilience and its associated characteristics are starting to inform several crucial HE interventions alongside the student experience; from peer learning to graduate attributes and curriculum design. At Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), the health, wellbeing and employability of our students are key considerations and our aim is to nurture strong, independent learners that develop into rounded individuals that can contribute positively to society. Whilst we do not dispute the need for additional counselling and specialist support where required, the BGU community have felt a more proactive, preventative approach must be a better way forward for students rather than waiting for any crisis point to be reached. Hence, we are delighted to announce that through the work of the Wellbeing Framework Steering Group and CELT, BGU students will now have access to an online Resilience Toolkit from mid-September 2020. This dovetails with a raft of other wellbeing support mechanisms we have in place for our students across campus, such as Student Advice and the Chaplaincy for example. The toolkit advocates a positive, proactive approach to resilience by providing students with key information, activities, mindfulness techniques, resources, and links to further areas of support. It has been designed so that students can use it as frequently as they wish and access it with ease, as it sits on the Virtual Learning Environment (BlackBoard) and is linked to/from many course and generalist areas. As is widely known, student retention, success and graduate outcomes are intrinsically linked to learners successfully overcoming any barriers that they face to achievement in HE, such as stress and anxiety. By utilising some of the tools on the toolkit, it is hoped, that students can improve upon their growth mindset which is crucial to the development and maintenance of their resilience. This, in turn, can help them optimise any conditions they face and any environment in which they are situated. Central to having this growth mindset, is the student’s ability to embrace and learn from failure and it can be argued that the concept of them acquiring grit, resilience and delayed gratification are all pivotal in them being able to set goals and develop a sense of comfort in waiting for longer-term results to be achieved. The toolkit is being added to on an ongoing basis and houses some free e-books, embedded video content, and will promote events/talks/online courses in the subject area. If you would like further information, or would like to share any resources that you feel will enhance the toolkit, please send information into CELT@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Update on planned return to learning in January and Lateral Flow Testing
The Government’s guidance is that the return to face-to-face sessions should be staggered over a 4-5 week period, with priority given to practical or placement based subjects, to help prevent the possible transmission of COVID-19 following the Christmas vacation period. In addition, Lateral Flow Tests will again be made available to students and staff in this period to help reassure that they are not returning with the virus. For BGU this means that most programmes will continue to be delivered via remote learning for the first two weeks in January (beginning the 4th and 11th) to complete semester 1. This includes the planned assessment week beginning the 18th which does not require in-person classes. A return to blended learning, including face-to-face sessions will for many subjects begin from the 25th of January with the start of semester 2. However, to facilitate the staggered return some subject sessions, as previously timetabled, will not start until the 1st of February. Certain subjects are exceptions and will return to placements and in-person activities earlier. These include: Programmes with ITE placements starting from 4th JanuarySome in-person sessions for Drama level 4 and Level 5 students For specific information relating to individual programmes, Joint honours student should check the information for both their subjects as they may start back at different times. Additional information will also be supplied by tutors through Blackboard for students on exception courses needing to return earlier or later than the 25th January. From the 4th January all of our student support services will remain available. You can find the full list of services and their contact details on our Working Together web page. To help keep the return to learning a smooth process we will again be offering free lateral flow testing to all students and staff. As with the end of term testing this a voluntary process but we would encourage all members of our community to make use of it in the build-up to your programme’s return to blended learning. You can book your appointments by clicking here. -
Remembering 2020 at BGU - October: Building Resilience and Virtual Welcomes
While 2020 has been a far from normal year at BGU, we’ve still been able to celebrate a wide range of successes and achievements from across our learning community. To mark the end of the year we’re picking out our favourite stories from each month to share with you. -
Welcome Week 2022 roundup from CELT
As part of the Freshers’ Marketplace, CELT set up a stall introducing students to the support provided by the team. Here, CELT members briefly explained the services of Learning Development, Digital Learning and Student Engagement, as well as promoting organised activities. This year saw the introduction of events not only during enrolment week, but also two weeks post-enrolment. The aim of this was to maintain engagement with students for not only enrolment week, but for the following weeks. Events were advertised via the Welcome Week programme, Blackboard and posters were displayed around campus. CELT decided to lay on a greenscreen and mini carnival for enrolment week. Greenscreen - students visited CELT to have their picture taken, with a background of their choice, either as an individual or with friends. The photo was then put into a keyring as a keepsake which the students collected a little later. One of the challenges of this was the clothing choice of students. Unfortunately, those who turned up in a green top disappeared into the background! However, this added to the humour of the event. Mini carnival – thankfully the weather was on our side so this took place in the courtyard outside CELT. Many traditional games including tin-can-alley and hook-a-duck, were available for students to participate in, with the aim to win a prize. Hook-a-duck was extremely successful and proved to be a hit with students. This was in part, due to the ‘CELT generated’ storm which made the game more difficult but definitely more fun. Those who took part, including the Vice-Chancellor, will know what this means! Follow-on activities On the following two Wednesdays (28 September and 5 October), and at the request of the Students’ Union to continue student engagement post enrolment, further events were laid on by CELT. On each Wednesday, the green screen continued to make an appearance, but this was accompanied by the CELT Escape Room. In teams of a maximum of 6, students had to answer puzzles in 4 rooms, each room giving a number to a padlock. Only on correctly working out the padlock number, were they able to escape (and win some goodies). A varied level of help was provided by CELT staff but thanks to persistence and determination shown by our students, they managed to escape! The carnival will be making a reappearance on 9 November in the Students’ Union building, between 12 noon and 3pm. Come and join us for more fun and goodies. See you soon! CELT -
BGU Carnival 2022
After three years, Carnival returns to campus! -
AI in education addressed at BGU's annual Learning and Teaching Conference
The recently concluded annual Learning & Teaching Conference at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) brought together educators, researchers, and academics to delve into the future of learning, teaching, and assessments. Titled "B3, AI and Educational Gains", the two-day conference held on campus offered a variety of discussion points, including the evolving role of technology in education. During day one of the conference, talks included an exploration into the world of the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England, as well as initiatives being undertaken at BGU. Attendees enjoyed a video lecture by Professor David Smith from Sheffield Hallam University titled "How AI has answered the UnGoogleable question and what happens next." Professor Smith discussed the ways in which artificial intelligence has overcome the limitations of traditional search engines, leading to new possibilities for knowledge acquisition and exploration. Another keynote speaker, Dr Phil Anthony from University of Kent, highlighted the importance of adapting to the rapid advancements in technology while maintaining academic integrity, and explored how AI is transforming the educational landscape. The discussions revolved around leveraging AI-powered systems to detect plagiarism and promote originality in student work. Participants also received an update on the progress of Blackboard Ultra's roll-out, BGU'S new advanced learning management system that aims to streamline educational processes, facilitate student engagement, and enhance the teaching and learning experience for BGU staff and students. The event concluded with talks around educational gain and retention strategies. Speakers shared insights on effective teaching methods and innovative approaches to fostering student success. -
BGU Carnival 2023
Promotion To promote the event materials were displayed around campus in areas such as main reception, Curiositea, the Refectory, the Chaplaincy, and Student Advice. A-boards were also placed in key high-traffic areas to capture the attention of as many students as possible. CELT arranged online promotions through the team’s digital display boards and Blackboard, and in collaboration with Marketing and the SU on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and the student portal. Carnival On the day of the carnival, members of CELT and the SU set up Room 3DY with an array of games, wellbeing activities, and music. The strategic placement of both the candy floss and chocolate fondue stalls aimed to encourage students to explore the entire carnival area before heading to their food stall of choice. BGU welcomed therapy ponies courtesy of ‘Rainbow Dreaming CIC’ whose aim is to enrich the lives of as many people as possible through their visits. ‘Jo’ and ‘Buggles’ were very responsive and calm when interacting with the students. The event officially opened at noon, with students initially gathering by the pony enclosure to learn about pony care and their role in helping wellbeing in institutions, such as education and the care sectors. After spending time in this area, students were directed to the carnival in 3DY. Upon arriving at the SU building, students were guided to where carnival bunting and a vibrant atmosphere awaited. A brief introduction by a CELT member set the stage for students to explore the carnival's various activities at their own pace. At the entrance, students were also presented with several support resources. One of these being the Wellbeing Toolkit, which has now seen the fantastic addition of The Recipe Booklet. Carnival activities included ball toss, tin can alley, hook-a-duck, and ‘mindful’ colouring. Games offered the chance to win prizes like a bag of sweets which came in gluten-free and vegan options. While enjoying the activities on offer, students also had the opportunity to indulge in candy floss and a chocolate fountain into which students could dip either marshmallows or fruit. SU mascot Lenny also made an appearance, partaking in a little ‘Pin the tail on the lion’ and offering free hugs and selfies. Most notably this year the infamous hook-a-duck went incident-free, enabling the mop and bucket to remain in the cupboard for another year. In summary, the carnival was a resounding success, generating a vibrant and positive atmosphere. The impressive turnout of over 125 students in 3DY and more than 150 at the pony enclosure underscored the event's popularity. Given the popularity of the event and the positive impact it continues to have on students’ wellbeing, we hope to see the return of the BGU Carnival in 2024.
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