The 2018 Teaching and Learning Conference, which took place at the end of April, invited participants to engage in critical debate and discussion around the important theme of ‘Digital Learning in Higher Education’ and the potential it has to:

• enhance the student experience
• effectively prepare students for their lives beyond university
• support staff development and collaboration.

The conference attracted more than 250 delegates from across the University and featured 32 presentations, the majority of which can now be watched back via Sharepoint. There were also three engaging keynote sessions, which provided delegates with the opportunity to consider digital learning in numerous ways.

The first of the sessions saw Cassie O’Boyle, the current Student Union Education Officer, provide insights into the ways in which students need to be prepared to face a digitally enabled work environment post-graduation. The research informed presentation stressed the importance of gaining a good degree and obtaining a well-paid job to students and the need for the University to ensure appropriate digital learning environments to support them in achieving this.

Dr Fiona McCullough then provided insights into how blended learning had been integrated into a Masters course, illuminating the need to embed professional skills and competencies into the curriculum. Importantly, Fiona emphasised that the ‘e’ can be taken away from e-learning as digital learning environments become increasingly more normalised.

Finally, Professor Phil Race, who is a world-renowned author on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, provided a highly interactive session that encouraged delegates to consider the importance of learning, irrespective of the teaching approaches taken. A post-it note exercise, which invited delegates to consider and respond to the following ‘optimising learning for my students would be better if only I…’ caused some hilarity as they were read out with dramatic emphasis. However, the serious point being made around the idea that ‘knowledge isn’t infectious’ and it ‘has to be created’ reminded delegates of the importance of creating an effective learning environment above all else.

Videos of the keynote sessions can be found at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ttp/events/tl-conference-2018.aspx.

Following the success of the 2018 conference, preparations are already well under way for the 2019 event which is likely to take place on Thursday 2 May 2019 (if it is a one-day event), or Thursday 2 May – Friday 3 May 2019 (if it is a two-day event). If you are interested in attending, please hold these dates in your diaries. Further information will be announced nearer to the time.