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
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
Using tech to connect refugees with pathways to higher education: an emerging case study Kate Symons and Georgia Cole share key lessons from a pilot project aiming to support refugees and learners from disadvantaged communities in Uganda into higher education Kate Symons, Georgia Cole, Foundations for All teamThe University of Edinburgh, Foundations for All
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
How to ensure online education is a clear win for the SDGs Online teaching offers many opportunities to drive education and awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals. Ellen Touchstone explains how Ellen Touchstone Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
How to teach through the lens of the Sustainable Development GoalsTerry Sunderland offers insight on how the Sustainable Development Goals can provide a useful framework to guide students’ learning across multiple disciplinesTerry SunderlandUniversity of British Columbia
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
Covid proved that HE can change quickly and effectively after allMuch discussion has focused on what to do better, but we should also recognise strengths that had not been seen prior to the crisis, say Jon McNaughtan and Hugo GarcíaJon McNaughtan, Hugo GarcíaTexas Tech University
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
The campus is dead, long live the campusPotential post-Covid changes to campus design will slide along a spectrum from optimising space to rethinking academic structures, says Jay DeshmukhJay DeshmukhIBI Group
Greener assessment: transitioning to online markingUniversities should lead by example on sustainability issues, looking at what they can do to shrink their environmental impact. Here, Ling Xia and Yao Wu outline a project that could herald a major reduction in their institution’s paper consumptionLing Angela Xia , Yao WuXi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Virtual international exchange needs a sharpening of practiceFor committed international educators, there is a need to clarify the purpose of virtual exchange before the trend takes hold, says Benjamin Tak Yuen ChanBenjamin Tak Yuen ChanHong Kong Metropolitan University
Virtual language learning through synchronous and asynchronous teaching Theresa Perales and Kelly Metz-Matthews outline how synchronous and asynchronous online teaching tools can be used to engage students in new ways that enhance their language proficiencies Theresa Perales, Kelly Metz-MatthewsSan Diego State University
Lessons learned teaching online, from wi-fi woes to war zonesHuman issues, particularly willingness to contribute to discussions, were more significant than tech issues when teaching across borders to diverse audiences, says David MouldDavid MouldOhio University
Biden’s next big deal must include expanded broadband accessThe pandemic helped expose an insidious digital divide that imperils efforts to reduce inequality and promote social mobility, says Jem SpectarJem SpectarUniversity of Pittsburgh Johnstown
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
A blueprint for an engaging and student-centred online degree that works Sue Brown and Karalee Dwyer explain how to approach online education to ensure it is not just an adaptation from face-to-face delivery but purpose-built for better learning outcomes Sue Brown , Karalee DwyerFederation University Australia
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
Using learning technologies to enhance students’ professional communication skillsLearning technology offers an opportunity to embed useful workplace skills training into university courses, as Kyle Bowen and Allison Hall explainKyle Bowen , Allison HallArizona State University
Delivering blended learning to work for all students, everywhere Blended learning enables universities to serve students on campus and overseas with a quality education but requires careful planning and delivery, as Eddy S Fang, Ewout van der Schaft and Patricia Pieterse explainEddy S Fang, Ewout van der Schaft, Patricia PieterseXi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Supporting foreign-language students in online class discussions Online discussions pose a challenge for foreign-language students studying remotely overseas, so instructors should take steps to support their understanding and engagement, says Liyun Wendy Choo Liyun Wendy ChooThe University of Auckland
Don’t let Covid disrupt bonding with overseas students We will need to work harder than ever to create meaningful interactions between international and domestic students in pandemic times, says Futao HuangFutao HuangHiroshima University
Negotiating the minefield of global online teaching: dealing with difference Farish A. Noor offers advice on managing the conflicting viewpoints of students living and studying in different countries and cultural contexts when teaching international groups onlineFarish A. Noor Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
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
Guiding principles to support students on campus and overseas through hybrid teaching Markus Davis explains how three guiding principles of flexibility, inclusion and empathy have helped shape a hybrid teaching model that serves both on-campus and overseas students effectively Markus DavisXi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
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
Grades are dehumanising, but ‘ungrading’ is no simple solutionThere is nothing ideologically neutral about grades, and nothing ideologically neutral about the idea we can neatly and tidily do away with them, says Jesse StommelJesse StommelUniversity of Mary Washington
Lessons on improving online teaching from a survey of students in Hong KongA survey of students in Hong Kong highlighted concerns relating to the efficacy of online teaching. Ka Ho Mok runs through key lessons for universities looking to improve their digital education Ka Ho MokLingnan University
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
Teaching in the hall of mirrors: should faculty ever mention appearance?Educators must pay attention to why young people are using platforms that allow social interaction without visual scrutiny, says Elizabeth LoshElizabeth LoshWilliam & Mary
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
The five pillars of a quality online educationRaj Kumar describes five key pillars universities must build on to ensure end-to-end, effective delivery of quality online educationRaj KumarO.P. Jindal Global University
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
Course learning outcomes: how to create them and align them to assessment Paul Moss explains how to structure online courses to build students’ knowledge methodically towards set learning outcomes and skills that should themselves be used to shape assessment Paul MossThe University of Adelaide
Boosting international education and collaboration through online delivery With its lack of physical boundaries, online teaching can be used to boost access to learning for international students, as Stuart Perrin explainsStuart PerrinXi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool 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
Active, collaborative, authentic: the evolution of teaching post-CovidHow to facilitate active, collaborative and authentic learning experiences by using digital tools to enhance teaching now and post-Covid-19Michael Sankey Griffith University
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
Leading with humanity in your online classroom: Tips beyond tech How to ensure the human side of teaching is not lost and that pedagogical practices promoting care drive decisions when instructing online, from research by Mary Candace Raygoza, Aaminah Norris and Raina León Mary Candace Raygoza, Aaminah Norris , Raina LeónSaint Mary’s College of California
Assessing your assessment: creating inclusive and meaningful assignmentsOnline teaching has forced a major rethink of exams, so how can academics ensure they make the new-style assessments accessible and relevant to all students? Kimberly Wilder-Davis explainsKimberly Wilder-DavisUniversity of Glasgow
Diversity statements: what to avoid and what to includeDiversity statements are increasingly important for faculty, both when teaching online and applying for jobs. Pardis Mahdavi and Scott Brooks outline what to avoid and what to include when drafting a diversity statementPardis Mahdavi, Scott BrooksArizona State University
Five simple ways to recreate the practical sides of teaching online It can be a challenge to shift physical elements of teaching online. Eoin Coakley shares five approaches to recreating the experience of in-person learning for remote students Eoin Coakley Coventry University
Get serious about humour in your online classroomHumour can grab and hold students’ attention. Abha Ahuja and Trang Nguyen outline ways to introduce more laughter into online classesAbha Ahuja , Trang NguyenMinerva Schools at KGI