Situation
The Digital Learning team at Central Saint Martins is a small, central support team assisting staff and students in using the suite of digital learning tools available at the University of the Arts London. Our core platforms include Moodle and its associated plugins such as Turnitin, Panopto, and H5P, along with supplementary tools like MyBlog (WordPress), Workflow (Mahara), Padlet, and Miro. Additionally, we provide guidance on productivity tools like PowerPoint and MS Teams where they intersect with teaching and learning, such as delivering live online sessions.
Our responsibilities are divided into four key areas:
- Advising staff on best practices for using digital tools in their teaching.
- Working with academic teams to design structure and content for Moodle.
- Designing and delivering staff development sessions tailored to course-specific needs.
- Acting as the first point of contact for troubleshooting issues faced by staff and students.
Unlike larger teams with specialized roles, our team structure assigns us responsibility for supporting specific programmes. This structure allows us to develop a deeper understanding of each programme’s needs and build strong working relationships with staff. I am responsible for supporting Foundation, Spatial Practices, Fashion, and Graphic Communication Design.
Task & Action
Below, I provide two examples of the type of work I undertake to support two of these programmes—Foundation and Graphic Communication Design
Working with Foundation
Foundation students are required to create a Workflow portfolio for each part of their course. However, students often struggle with the platform initially, and academic staff require portfolios to be set up in a specific way. Additionally, Workflow has usability challenges and occasional bugs, making support essential.
To address these challenges, I have:
- Delivered training to staff on how to introduce students to Workflow effectively.
- Designed and delivered student training sessions at the start of each term to ensure they understood how to use Workflow for their assignments.
- Held regular drop-in sessions where students can seek assistance with Workflow-related issues.
- Worked closely with tutors to redesign assessment practices, ensuring Workflow is used effectively and aligns with course learning outcomes.
Working with BA Graphic Communication Design
In the Graphic Communication Design programme, MyBlog (a WordPress-based platform) decided to use the platform as a way to share resources within the community.
Workflow (Mahara) Training and Support
My work in this area has included:
- Creating an instructional video demonstrating how to add posts to a shared resource blog.
- Provide troubleshooting support for technical issues relating to the use of MyBlog, ensuring smooth operation for both staff and students.
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Results
Providing embedded support within the course can help to:
- Increase student confidence in using various digital platforms.
- Reduce technical barriers, allowing students to concentrate on their learning and creative outputs.
- Improve alignment between digital tools and assessment practices through collaboration with academic staff.
- Promote digital skills among the student population.
Evidance
Supporting students on the Foundation:
Trouble shooting for BA GCD
