Category / student research

Effective channels for course or unit communication

Research themes, student research

Student using smart phone

How and when we communicate course or unit level information with students can impact their perception of course organisation and management and subsequently their student experience.

The Student Communications Team and Student Experience Champion Mark Ridolfo host a workshop, Effective channels for student course communication, on Tuesday 14 October.

The event will explore a range of channels and how to use them effectively. Topics will include:

  • How course communication can impact student experience
  • The current communication environment and managing the expectation of your students
  • Some effective course communication examples from colleagues across BU, including:       
    • Text messages (Students Comms Team)
    • iBU (Amy Blackham, (Student Communications Manager)
    • myBU (Mark Ridolfo, Student experience Champion)
    • Facebook and Twitter (Dr Ana Adi, Lecturer in Corporate and Marketing Communications)
    • Other social media examples (Jasmine Connolly, Social Media Officer)
  • Expert panel discussion / Q&A.

You can find out more and register at the Staff Development and Engagement pages.

Readers of this blog post might also have a particular interest in Julie Northam’s blog post Benefits of research-led learning on the student experience and NSS scores.

Review of CEL Grand Opening

student research

Following the launch of BU’s Centre for Excellence in Learning in April 2014, we now have a CEL room in the heart of the Talbot campus. On Tuesday 23rd September, the CEL space on the ground floor of Poole House, PG30a, was officially opened.  To mark the occasion, there were presentations from three well-renowned speakers about the ‘Importance of Learning’.  Professor Stephen Heppell, BU Professor in the Centre for Excellence in Media Practice (CEMP), began by talking on ‘The importance of the context for learning and the value of a Centre for Excellence in Learning’, followed by Professor Ron Barnett, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at the Institute of Education in London, who spoke on the issue of ‘Flexibility in Learning; Challenges and Possibilities’ – his presentation can be viewed by clicking on the link below.  Dr Jenny Moon, BU Associate Professor in CEMP and National Teaching Fellow, concluded the presentations by sharing her thoughts on ‘Inspiring a passion for learning about learning’.

Following the presentations, invited guests gathered in the foyer outside the Centre to hear a few words from the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Vinney about the important work that CEL has initiated to date.  Before cutting the ribbon, the guest of honour, Professor Ron Barnett,  said how encouraged he felt about the prominence of CEL at BU as its central location was a clear representation of the value attributed to it.  A drinks reception followed where colleagues were able to further network and consider how best to use this very positive resource in taking forward student centred learning in future.

Flexibility – Bournemouth university