CILASS: Centre for Inquiry-based Learning in the Arts and Social Sciences

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Learning and Teaching Services

LeTS provides specialist learning technology support to CILASS programmes/projects, for example in areas including multimedia production (video recordings, graphics etc.) and advanced web technologies. LeTS staff can advise on the choice of technologies to suit specific pedagogical needs and can help CILASS project leaders achieve a professional look for technology-based learning resources and environments. LDMU expertise in WebCT Vista is of great value to many CILASS projects.

Both CILASS and LeTS have a strong interest in championing pedagogically-led use of new learning technologies. In this context, LeTS is collaborating with CILASS on a JISC-funded institutional project, which is running from 2006-7, to evaluate the Learning Activity Management System (LAMS) as a tool to support the design and sharing of inquiry-based learning activities.

LeTS has specialist expertise in the evaluation of learning and teaching development and innovation initiatives, and is supporting the development and implementation of the CILASS evaluation strategy.

LeTS also supports both teaching and enhancement and teaching quality across the University. Within LeTS, the Strategy and Enhancement Section supports CILASS by helping to ensure that, wherever possible, CILASS activities are co-ordinated with other learning and teaching developments across the University.

The Quality Enhancement Adviser (Dissemination) offers specific support to CILASS in a part time secondment.

LeTS web pages

Dee MacCormack: Quality Enhancement Officer

As Quality Enhancement Adviser my role is to encourage and promote dissemination of good practice and innovation in teaching and learning. The post involves working closely with the academic community, and particularly the Directors of Learning and Teaching Development and departmental Learning and Teaching Advocates, to help promote excellence in learning and teaching.

As part of my overall remit, I provide advice and guidance to the CILASS team on areas such as the content and implementation of the CILASS Dissemination Strategy; the programme of activities aimed at groups of internal and external stakeholders to raise awareness of CILASS and its aims, objectives and outputs; and the design and production of publicity and promotional materials. I also advise on ways to build relationships and links with external bodies such as the Higher Education Academy Subject Centres and cognate CETLs.

As I see it, one of the most important parts of the role in relation to CILASS is to ensure that, wherever possible, CILASS activities and events are an integral part of the wider learning and teaching agenda here at Sheffield. Adopting this kind of joined-up approach both increases impact and ensures that CILASS aims and outputs are disseminated to a wider audience so helping to achieve the long-term goal of embedding CILASS beyond the initial five-year funding period.

d.maccormack@sheffield.ac.uk
0114 2221362