The University has launched a new strategy setting out its learning and teaching priorities for the next three years.
The Learning and Teaching Strategy builds on the work that is already being done to ensure high quality teaching and learning throughout the University and introduces new areas of focus, including the use of technology to enhance education.
The strategy introduces the idea of having ‘digital champions’, individuals identified by the General Board’s Education Committee, who will promote ways for staff to complement their teaching through digital learning. For example, technology could be used to improve access to learning materials, making them available to students outside of term-times, or for examinations.
Prior to the launch of the strategy Professor Graham Virgo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, said: “Our primary aim is excellence in teaching and learning – and we will use all tools, both traditional and innovative, to achieve this goal. So while the supervision and lectures remain right at the heart of a Cambridge education, we must ensure we make the best use of technological advances to enhance our provision.”
“In lectures and supervisions, we are considering how we might introduce greater digital interaction. For example, students might work from iPads or other personal devices, with information being transferred from the lecturer directly to the student.”
Other key themes covered in the strategy include a review of the University’s examination arrangements and plans to improve student wellbeing. The strategy is supported by an action plan which details how the proposals will be implemented. Both documents will be reviewed annually by the Education Committee and will be adapted to take into account changes to the higher education sector, such as the proposed Teaching Excellence Framework announced in the recent Higher Education Green Paper.
The full strategy and action plan are available on the Education and Student Policy website. If you have any feedback on either document you can email the team on educational.policy.online@admin.cam.ac.uk.