Presentation for ALT Scotland Meeting, 3 June, 2014, University of Edinburgh

1. Sheila MacNeill
Exploring the Digital University, ALT Scotland, 3 June 2014
#altc #openscot

2. “The new competition, the real threat . . . is the emergence
of entirely new models of university which are seeking to
exploit the radically changed circumstances that are the
result of globalisation and the digital revolution.”
An Avalanche is coming, Higher Education and the Revolution Ahead IPPR ,
March 2013
(http://www.ippr.org/publication/55/10432/an-avalanche-is-coming-higher-
education-and-the-revolution-ahead)

3. “There is no doubt that digital technologies have had a
profound impact upon the management of learning.
Institutions can now recruit, register, monitor, and report
on students with a new economy, efficiency, and
(sometimes) creativity yet, evidence of digital
technologies producing real transformation in learning
and teaching remains elusive”
Decoding Learning, the proof, promise and potential of digital education
Nesta, November 2012
(http://www.nesta.org.uk/library/documentsDecodingLearningReport_v12.pdf)

4. What is a digital university?
http://youtu.be/bAPUXGIH4Tw

5. A Digital University: key themes
Digital
Participation
Information
Literacy
Learning
Environments
Curriculum &
Course
Design

6. Digital University Matrix
Digital Participation Information Literacy
*Glocalization
*Widening access
*Civic role and responsibilities
*Community engagement
*Networks (human and digital)
*Technological affordances
*High level concepts and perceptions
influencing practice
*Staff & student engagement and
development
*Effective development and use of
infrastructure
Curriculum and Course Design Learning Environment
*Constructive alignment
*Curriculum representations, course
management, pedagogical innovation
*Recruitment and marketing
*Reporting, data, analytics
*Physical and digital
*Pedagogical and social
*Research and enquiry
*Staff and Resources

7. Case Study 1:
Edinburgh Napier University :
Digital Futures Working Group

8. Background
• Initial round table discussion about current digital practice
and provision within the University in September 2012
• ‘Digital Futures: exploring Edinburgh Napier University’s
technological ambitions’ Symposium December 2012
• Digital Futures Working Group formed to further explore
current practice and future possibilities in six key areas,
with input from external critical friends

9. Developing digital literacies
Digital student support provision
Digitally enhanced education
Digital research and leadership
Digital infrastructure and integration
Digital communication and outreach

10. Three Key Outputs
1. Initial ‘rich picture’ report of current practice
2. Short-term recommendations
3. ‘Visioning’ document of possible future options
In addition to a Benchmarking document covering national
policy, funded national initiatives and institutional practices
within and beyond the UK Higher Education sector

11. Case Study 2:
GCU
Developing our Digital Future

13. Digital Participation Digital & Information Literacy
Our vision is to be a successful international
university delivering access and excellence, with a
strong commitment to the common good.
Create successful global graduates and citizens and
deliver economic and social benefit for the
communities we serve
Globally networked
Global Learning
Enriching cities and communities
Engaging globally
Innovating for social impact
Digital Learning/technology
Inclusive, accessible learning
Collaborative working within GCU and with our
partners
Globally-recognised profile, positioning and esteem
Digital Development
Curriculum & Course Design Learning Environment
Engaged Learning
Personalised Learning
Flexible Learning
Real world problem solving
Transforming lives through education and research
Our mission as a University is to provide an
outstanding inclusive learning environment
Flexible Learning
Broader and deeper learning
Buildings are better connected
Social learning spaces and improved academic
teaching areas, services and facilities
A vibrant and dynamic technological and physical
infrastructure
Current
mission/vision/K
PIs
Strategy for
Learning
Heart of the
Campus
Developing 2020
Strategy

14. Digital University Consultation Day
• Cross Institution Event
• Individual and institutional experience of digital participation
• Present, short-term (2015), longer term (2020): realities
and aspirations

19. Emerging Themes
• Infrastructure – digital and physical
• Digital Literacy – staff and students
• Learning and Teaching technology implementation plans
• Data
• Open Education
• Cohering around student engagement

20. Contact info: sheila.macneill@gcu.ac.uk; @sheilmcn
More info:
https://howsheilaseesit.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/exploring-the-digital-university/
Thanks to Keith Smyth and Bill Johnston