Engaging students in collaborative learning tasks onlineDiana Laurillard presents ideas and tools for students to create their own digital products as part of a collaborative learning taskDiana LaurillardUCL
Five big questions about the future of digital education Four leading academics tackle five questions about online education covering assessment, content creation, data protection, digital natives and the future of universities Ellie Dommett, Rob Freathy, Allison Littlejohn, Tim O'SheaKing’s College London, The University of Exeter, UCL, Kortext
Designing online courses for better learning and well-being outcomes Matthew Barr describes how to design and deliver online teaching to support better learning and well-being for students who might otherwise feel isolated and disconnected Matthew Barr University of Glasgow
Using online coaching to support student well-being Helen Duff explains how a human approach to providing support online, in the form of coaching sessions, can have a powerful impact on student well-being Helen DuffArden University
Serious play: boosting engagement in online courses through games Gaming techniques should be taken seriously as a way to keep students engaged in online courses, explains Dario De Notaris, based on his research into improving Mooc completion ratesDario De NotarisUniversity of Naples Federico II
Digital methods of formative assessment that boost learningDiana Laurillard presents strategies for effective formative assessment when teaching online Diana LaurillardUCL
Short online courses can grease the wheels of student employabilityThe degree has transitioned from differentiating factor to basic benchmark. Online microcredentials can help graduates stand out from their rivals, says Madina TashMadina TashUniversity of Sussex
Back to the future: how blogs can revolutionise your classroomFrom assisting reflective learning to increasing engagement, do not overlook the humble blog amid the rush for the shiniest new online thing, says Dennis Relojo-HowellDennis Relojo-HowellThe University of Edinburgh
THE podcast: rethinking the internationalisation of higher educationHow should international study evolve post-pandemic in order to extend the benefits of higher education to every corner of the globe?Omolabake Fakunle , Benjamin Tak Yuen ChanThe University of Edinburgh, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Applying the Conversational Framework using an online learning design tool Diana Laurillard talks through how to use a free online learning design tool which applies the Conversational Framework to build courses using the six key learning types Diana LaurillardUCL
Digital-first thinking is needed to address youth employabilityYounger people are geared towards digital channels, so they’re more likely to engage with innovative, online training as part of their studies, says Harminder MatharuHarminder MatharuFutureLearn
Secure and transparent use of student data Bronwen Swinnerton and James Pickering outline the steps all universities should take to ensure ethical and transparent collection and use of student data via ed-tech platforms Bronwen Swinnerton, James PickeringUniversity of Leeds
Responsible use of learning analytics to improve the university experienceRebecca Ferguson presents useful guidelines and frameworks for using learner analytics safely and effectively to inform improvements to teaching and student servicesRebecca FergusonThe Open University
Cybersecurity is not just for the geeks in the IT departmentOur first-year university students might have received no education on cybersecurity since the age of 13, say Andy Phippen and Emma BondAndy Phippen, Emma BondBournemouth University, University of Suffolk
Online teaching tips to support student well-beingNatalie Kopytko provides practical tips to address student well-being via online teaching practices that can also benefit faculty Natalie KopytkoUniversity of Leeds
Zoom meetings don’t have to be quite so painfulSimple actions can help avoid common pitfalls in the design and execution of online team meetings, say Rob Angell and Ben MarderRob Angell, Ben MarderUniversity of Southampton, The University of Edinburgh
Forget everything you think you know about online engagementThere’s much interest in how many times students access the virtual learning environment or complete online tasks, but that only provides part of the picture, says Linda KayeLinda KayeEdge Hill University
Developing an explorer mindset to build resilience Developing an ‘explorer mindset’ can help faculty and students build resilience by moving from fear to curiosity, as Portia Hickey explains Portia HickeyThrive Matters
Online micro-learning can transform the teaching of sensitive topicsNon-linear course design means that emotive and uncomfortable content can be paused or skipped and returned to another time, says Gemma AhearneGemma AhearneUniversity of Liverpool
Cybersecurity in online learning Mohammed Rehman explains what steps universities should take to educate staff and students about cybersecurity and how to protect themselves when teaching and learning onlineMohammed Rehman Arden University
The sector should come together to welcome students back to campusUniversities wasted a lot of time developing individual online transition resources last year. Let’s not make the same mistake again, says Donna MurrayDonna MurrayThe University of Edinburgh
Fostering module consistency to aid learning Maurice Kinsella and John Wyatt explain how to keep a level of consistency throughout course modules that helps students achieve the desired learning outcomesMaurice Kinsella, John Wyatt, Niamh NestorUniversity College Dublin
Teaching students to think for themselves is not enoughThe critical thinking ideal is too individualistic and self-focused − students must learn to help others think well, too, says T. Ryan ByerlyT. Ryan ByerlyUniversity of Sheffield
Embracing a compassionate approach in higher education Caroline Harvey and Frances Maratos explain how to embed compassionate communication into higher education when teaching online Caroline Harvey, Frances MaratosUniversity of Derby
Only a digital drive will allow us to capture the boom in STEM interestWe certainly don’t want to turn away thousands of enthusiastic STEM students due to a lack of capacity, says Steve DaviesSteve DaviesUniversity of South Wales
How to use visual media to spur inquiry-based learning onlineNataša Lacković talks through an image-based concept inquiry cycle she has developed to use visual media as a learning tool onlineNataša Lacković Lancaster University
AI has been trumpeted as our saviour, but it’s complicatedTime saved by lecturers on marking assignments could indeed be used to enrich teaching, but unfortunately many silver linings have a cloud, says Harin SellahewaHarin SellahewaUniversity of Buckingham
Social sciences, humanities and arts are critical for sustainabilityThe neglect of social sciences, humanities and arts is at the heart of why the shift to sustainability has been slow − and why it may eventually fail, say Eric Neumayer and Charles JolyEric Neumayer, Charles JolyThe London School of Economics and Political Science
Impostor syndrome can strike even in virtual internships It’s worrying that students who do internships online underestimate their contributions when employers rate them as valuable, say Chloe Severn and Katie StoteChloe Severn, Katie StoteUniversity of Plymouth
Clarity,  consistency, cohesion and care: the four Cs as a design philosophy for online learning Andy Wright describes how a focus on clarity, consistency, cohesion and care results in better online learning design Andy WrightCambridge Education Group
Promoting community and inclusiveness to diverse and dispersed students Three psychology lecturers share insight into how to create inclusive learning communities and courses that work for dispersed and diverse students Chiara Horlin, Emily Nordmann, Heather Cleland-WoodsUniversity of Glasgow
We are not alone: using participatory group activities to engage students in sustainabilityNatalie Kopytko and Susannah Sallu detail how participatory activities used for stakeholder engagement can help motivate students to learn about sustainability onlineNatalie Kopytko, Susannah SalluUniversity of Leeds
Supporting collaborative learning among remote students through peer reviewDiana Laurillard talks through how to use peer review as a way to foster active, collaborative learning among students onlineDiana LaurillardUCL
THE podcast: student employability post-pandemicHow can universities prepare students for a post-Covid workplace? Anton Muscatelli, Nancy GleasonUniversity of Glasgow, New York University Abu Dhabi
Using coaching circles to beat isolation and spur reflexive work Glen Cousquer explains how coaching circles run by students with their peers can help beat feelings of isolation and guide students to overcome personal or course-related challenges Glen CousquerThe University of Edinburgh
Five steps to making your digital course content more accessible for all Drew McConnell describes some straightforward techniques to make your digital course content more accessible and improve the overall user experience for studentsDrew McConnellUniversity of Glasgow
Co-creation does not need to stop because we’ve moved onlineCo-creation is far more about mindset than suitability for a particular setting, and the evidence demonstrating its benefits is growing, says Catherine BovillCatherine BovillThe University of Edinburgh
Virtual learning environments mustn’t lead to module silosWe must ensure modules complement one another by establishing consistency in their form and functioning, says Maurice KinsellaMaurice Kinsella, Niamh Nestor, John WyattUniversity College Dublin
Anonymous polling platforms to boost student confidence, engagement and inclusivity Students are often reticent to speak up in front of large groups online, but when offered anonymous ways to share thoughts and feedback, most are keen to participate. Christina Stanley explains how to put this to good use Christina StanleyUniversity of Chester
Ensuring quality digital teaching for students locked down overseasParama Chaudhury offers advice on how to help international students continue their studies while stuck in their home countries during the pandemicParama ChaudhuryUCL
Supporting students with Covid-related anxiety when teaching onlineHelping students manage their anxieties is good pedagogy as it helps them learn. Alexandra Dufresne shares her tips for making students feel supported in the online learning environment Alexandra Dufresne Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
It’s time for the sector to embrace online work placements Placement capacity has been shaken to its core by the Covid-19 pandemic, creating a huge backlog. We must look for sustainable alternative solutions, says Gilly SalmonGilly SalmonSwinburne University of Technology
Using internationalisation to enhance digital learning experiences for allOmolabake Fakunle explains how steps to support internationalisation in digital teaching can enhance the learning experience for all students Omolabake Fakunle The University of Edinburgh
Developing online master’s courses for an international audience Lauren Johnston-Smith describes steps to create a quality learning experience for students enrolled on online postgraduate courses from all over the world Lauren Johnston-SmithThe University of Edinburgh
Using the art of storytelling to help students build resilience when learning online Judith Francois describes how she facilitates storytelling via online channels to help students build resilience and feel more connectedJudith FrancoisKingston University
Life beyond Zoom and Teams: students are ready for next gen online spacesVirtual spaces can create a sense of community and connect students across disciplines – provided they are designed well, say Yvonne Rogers, Paola Lettieri and Ben MeunierYvonne Rogers, Paola Lettieri, Ben MeunierUCL
Rethinking assessment in line with the changing world of work Sarah Montano offers insight on redesigning assessment in the digital space to test the skills students will need in their future careersSarah MontanoUniversity of Birmingham
Deter contract cheating in online assessment with a multi-pronged approachThe essay mills industry is booming in response to student demand. Irene Glendinning explains how universities must respond with a range of actions, not one quick fixIrene GlendinningCoventry University
Guide learning by activating students’ inner feedbackDavid Nicol explains how students can be guided to make comparisons and feedback on their own work, rather than relying on instructor comments, for improved learning outcomesDavid NicolUniversity of Glasgow
Singing on mute: facilitating practical creative work onlineRebecca Berkley shares lessons on creating an immersive, inspiring digital learning environment to teach practical and creative subjects onlineRebecca Berkley University of Reading
