In response to a recent research project that revealed a need for more collaborative support in learning design, the Learning Design Community of Practice within the Faculty of Health was launched in April 2024.
In developing this initiative, I was inspired by the learning gaps identified by academics from a Canvas site development tool project conducted in 2023. These included a wish for more support in developing knowledge about various aspects of learning design such as ensuring learner accessibility, fostering student belonging, improving teacher presence and facilitating active learning.
Our community meets online each month at varying days and times to allow opportunities for more people to attend. At each meeting we explore different facets of learning design and share valuable insights. Each session features a presentation by a Health academic and includes expert guidance from representatives of the Education Portfolio. So far we’ve had contributions from Learning, Design and Technology’s Shaun Bell, Lucian Sutveski, Amelia Di Paolo and Jenny Wallace, and curriculum designer Ann Wilson from the Teaching, Learning and Curriculum unit.
A range of topics and activities
To date, our discussions have covered a variety of engaging topics, such as:
- Enhancing teacher presence and setting clear student expectations
- Crafting compelling welcome videos and utilising H5P for interactive content
- Maintaining a consistent aesthetic across subject sites and integrating Generative AI into assessments
We’ve also been diving into some hands-on activities:
- Modelling authenticity and connection in our sites, rather than striving for perfection
- Designing eye-catching Canvas page banners with Photopea software
- Leveraging Canvas templates specific to Faculty of Health to improve site layouts
- Creating accessible and interactive videos using Kaltura and H5P
- Producing professional welcome videos with the UTS-assisted and self-recording studios
- Enhancing assessment quality in the era of generative AI – the faculty has previously explored GenAI in two 2023 sessions (in March and November), and the upcoming session focusing on GenAI is on 27 August.
Connection and community
One of the great things about the group Is that we’ve been able to form closer links with the Learning Design and Technology support staff from the Education Portfolio. It has been lovely to get to know them all!
The response from participating academics has been overwhelmingly positive, with 35 health academics and learning designers actively involved.
Really enjoyed hearing different experiences and ideas, and the presentations – short and focused.
Participant feedback
It was all useful! Loved having the chance to share what we do.
Participant feedback
We are eager to continue expanding our community and welcome even more academics to join us in advancing our shared expertise in learning design. Our September meeting is on Friday 27 September at 2pm and will focus on improving accessibility. Please reach out to Helen Benson if you would like to be added to the Microsoft Teams group and receive invitations to future meetings.