Following is a list of internal and external groups, networks and organisations relevant to e-learning together with a description of what they do and, where appropriate, how they can assist you:
Internal
External
TELAN is a subcommittee of the University's Education Committee. Its primary role is to make high-level recommendations on technology enhanced learning (TEL) issues such as strategy, university-wide projects, and improvements to relevant services.
If you have an idea or concern regarding the use of TEL that you feel the University should consider, talk to your faculty TELAN representative or to one of the other members of the committee. Students should approach the relevant University Student Union representative.
For further information including a list of members and meeting agendas and minutes, visit the main TELAN committee page.
The e-learning support network is an informal group of staff with an interest in e-learning.
The purpose of the network is to share ideas and practice, explore approaches and tools, and highlight opportunities such as relevant funding calls or opportunities for collaborative work..Those currently involved include colleagues from the e-learning team in the ESU, academics, IS, Jisc Digital Media, as well as Faculty-based e-learning staff. We have a mailing list which is used to share information and discuss e-learning -related issues. We hold monthly meetings, normally on a Thursday morning, to which all are welcome.
If you would like more information please contact roger.gardner@bristol.ac.uk.
Blackboard Local System administrators network
A key part of the support team for Blackboard is undertaken by local Blackboard System Administrators. Any member of staff can apply to have this role added to their Blackboard OLE account. The local system administrator role facilitates easier management of large number of courses (e.g. by enabling staff to easily hop in and out of courses) as well as the ability to create courses, and enrol and students and staff. We currently have over 80 local system administrators in all faculties across the university. If you are interested in finding out more about the role or who the local system administrator is in your Faculty School or Department please email bb-help@bristol.ac.uk.
JISC is a national organisation who’s mission is to “provide world-class leadership in the innovative use of Information and Communications Technology to support education, research and institutional effectiveness”.
JISC funds a wide range of infrastructure, services, innovative projects and studies. A large number of these originate from a successful response to a grant funding call (previously known as a JISC Circular), inviting eligible HE and FE institutions to bid for project funding. JISC also procures other activities (usually studies such as an evaluation or market research), through invitations to tender which are available to other organisations to bid against.
We recommend the following links:
Note: if you wish to apply for JISC funding, follow the University's internal process for making bids for external funds to support e-learning related projects.
An independent organisation that aims to support the Higher Education sector in providing the best possible learning experience for all students. They do this by working with individual academics to give them access to professional recognition, advice and support, as well as networking and development opportunities to enhance their teaching.
A network of 24 discipline-based subject centres provides a range of services to subject departments including resources, events and workshops. They also liaise directly with UK institutions, providing national leadership in developing and disseminating evidence-informed practice about enhancing the student learning experience.
ALT is a professional and scholarly association which seeks to bring together all those with an interest in the use of learning technology. It has over 200 organisations and over 700 individual members who it represents, supports and provides services for. Of particular note is ALT-C, the UK's main academic conference for learning technologists. They also run regular workshops and produce: ALT J, a fortnightly members' email digest; a quarterly Newsletter.
For further information about visit the ALT web site.
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