Why learning basic skills in Moodle management matters, and how to go about it. Moodle is a well-known Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and I am sure many of you are already familiar with it, whether as educators or students. Due to the growing shift towards blended and online learning, VLEs…>
Career Development
How can I build my experience in the HE sector?
From student support services to marketing and recruitment… …and from fundraising to human resources, the Higher Education sector requires a wealth of expertise and experience from professionals across different areas of work. Typically, when people think of working in the higher education sector, they are likely to visualise roles that…>
How to organise a conference
Having organised several academic events, I wanted to share some practical advice on how to plan a conference from start to finish. Months of isolation made us appreciate the little things in academia. Nothing quite beats the return to in-person conferences: good coffee, and face-to-face conversations that spark ideas! As…>
How important is EDI in HE?
The approach to EDI by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) As both employers and education providers, many HEI’s have chosen to take a robust approach to equality by establishing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policies and strategic plans. In the UK, we are required to adhere to the framework of the…>
Moving to the UK checklist
The United Kingdom, steeped in history and culture, as well as being home to high-quality universities and research opportunities is an appealing option as a prospective PhD candidate or established academic coming from abroad. However, before you make the move to the UK for either study or work purposes, there…>
How do you stay focused when researching?
Imagine spending hours on research, only to realise that you have drifted off course and lost your focus. Academic research and analysis can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling multiple tasks, distractions (because, as we all know, life happens!) and tight deadlines. Whether writing a PhD thesis, preparing a publication, or…>
Is a teaching career the right path for me?
Whilst a teaching career is a popular choice for graduates, and there is a wide range of training routes available to get into different areas of education, a key consideration is whether or not teaching is a suitable vocation for you. This will involve identifying your own skills, motivations and…>
How can I get into teaching?
Teachers are in high demand in the UK If you are a recent graduate exploring potential career opportunities, teaching can offer a rewarding and fulfilling career option for many individuals. Whilst the labour market in the UK will see variations in the demand for different skills and qualification levels – …>
How to overcome writer’s block
Writer’s block is frustrating and requires patience to overcome… …but it is a common challenge, especially for academics and professionals juggling multiple projects and deadlines, whether working independently or in collaboration. We have all been there before, staring at a blank screen as the deadline looms, unable to type a…>
AI in higher education – where are we now?
It has been a bit less than a year since I wrote a blog post on how generative AI can be used in higher education, with a focus on applications for teaching, research, and admin. I was a relatively early adopter of ChatGPT and have had my subscription to the…>