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Digital Learning

Academic Technology Newsletter

January 2024

Academic Technology is part of Flexible & Online Learning Division (FOLD). We support and advise on a range of technology-enhanced learning tools.

Contents

  • eStream - eStream de-commissioning

  • Moodle - MoodleX capabilities migrating, Planned maintenance

  • Mahara - Mahara upgrade update

  • JISC - JISC Digital Experience Insights Survey; JISC Discovery Tool, Case Study

eStream

We anticipate that Warwick eStream will be decommissioned later this year and we are awaiting further information from IDG regarding exact dates and the migration of content. Echo360 is our recommended platform for sharing video resources for teaching and learning.

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Moodle

MoodleX capabilities migration update

MoodleX capabilities (STACK & CodeRunner) have now migrated to our primary Moodle provision. MoodleX will now be a read-only service until July 2024 when it will be archived before being completely erased in August 2025.

If you have any further queries, please send them for the attention of Learning Systems via the help desk.

REMINDER FROM LEARNING SYSTEMS SUPPORT:

  • Ensure colleagues using MoodleX have migrated content to our primary Moodle provision.
  • Amend Moodle pages to ensure students are no longer directed to MoodleX.

Planned maintenance - 6 February, 05:00-09:00

This is to update to the latest version of Moodle 4.1, updating some plugins, removing redundant items and updating the database to reduce errors.

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Training & Workshop Opportunities
  • LDCU Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) forums

    Planned forums on27 February, 12:00-13:00&11 March, 11:00-12:00. Confirmation and more details from LDCU to follow.

Training & Support is available for help with Moodle, Vevox, H5P, Padlet and more. See our training pageLink opens in a new window for more information or to book a 1-to-1 support session.

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Vevox

Vevox Latest Product UpdatesLink opens in a new window

New Vevox features include numeric poll analysis, correct answer explanation, timer audio and one-click data images downloading

See this quick introduction and guide to Vevox at WarwickLink opens in a new window and the self-paced Introduction to VevoxLink opens in a new window course.

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Mahara

Mahara upgrade update

The anticipated upgrade of Mahara for Warwick to version 23.04 is pending, awaiting further details from Learning Systems (IDG) and our host.

Mahara has had 1,515 unique user logins since 1st September 2023. Please email the Academic Technology teamLink opens in a new window if you too would like to explore how this tool can be used.

See the Mahara manualLink opens in a new window for more information or the self-paced Introduction to Mahara for TeachersLink opens in a new window course.

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JISC

JISC Digital Experience Insights Survey

The Warwick JISC Digital SurveyLink opens in a new window for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught students will be closing soon. Students have been asked for their feedback regarding their use of technology, how they feel about the University’s digital environment and how it could be improved. So far, we have had over 1,300 responses to the survey. Once the survey is closed, we will review the data and share findings.

A similar staff Insights survey for academic and professional services staff is expected to be launched towards the end of this term.

JISC Discovery Tool

The JISC Digital Capabilities Discovery ToolLink opens in a new window is a 15-20 minute online activity for Warwick staff and students to produce a digital capabilities profile and recommend areas for development. This tool enables personal reflection on confidence and skills across a range of digital capabilities. It is available at any time for staff and students. There are question sets for staff on Overall digital capabilities, Effective digital teaching, Accessibility and inclusion, Teaching in HE and Leading for Digital Change. It is recommended users start with the Overall digital capabilities survey.

CASE STUDY

Robert Liu-Preece (Academic Technologist) used the JISC Discovery Tool with 111 first year undergraduates in Politics and International Studies (PAIS). While students were confident with many digital skills, findings were lowest in the areas of ‘digital creativity and problem solving’ and ‘finding information and resources’.

It has provided useful evidence for departmental colleagues to justify interventions to improve digital literacy. The next step is to review existing digital support for students, to develop a self-study Moodle space and to assess digital workshop and digital clinic office hours requirements options.

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EchoVideo

Lecture capture request guidesLink opens in a new window

For lecture capture scheduling assistance, please email lecturecapture@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window

Rapidmooc

Rapidmooc studios guidesLink opens in a new window

For an induction to Rapidmooc, please email rapidmooc@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window

Padlet

Take a look at the latest Padlet blog articleLink opens in a new window

See our Introduction to PadletLink opens in a new window guide.

Community Input

Feedback, questions, comments or tips are welcome. Please share them by contacting Jim Judges: j.judges@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window

This newsletter can only provide a taste and snapshot of some of the active areas of interest. If you need help and guidance, please refer to the main online Academic Technology pagesLink opens in a new window. If you have a technical query with Moodle or any of our supported tools, please contact academictech@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window. For more general IT enquiries, or if you are unsure who to ask please contact the IT helpdeskLink opens in a new window.

All the best,

Nirmala Ale, Cameron Deans, Michelle Jackman, Jim Judges, Nadine Stewart, Paul Trimmer

Academic Technology | Flexible & Online Learning| Education Group | University of Warwick