2019 Conference Themes

Theme 1: Adventures into Playful Learning

An approach where students and teachers are given time to learn and think together. It is a space where imagination, innovation and creativity foster deeper thinking and more reflective learners.

For further information, see:
Research in Learning Technology themed collection of articles on Playful Learning available at https://journal.alt.ac.uk/index.php/rlt/playful
James, A and Brookfield, S (2014) Engaging Imagination: helping students become creative and reflective thinkers. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco. ISBN 978111840947390000 Available to buy from Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Engaging-Imagination-Students-Creative-Reflective/dp/1118409477/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=alison+james+play&qid=1551958744&s=books&sr=1-2

Theme 2: Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning informs the design of teaching and learning goals, assessment, methods and materials that can be customised and adjusted to meet individual needs.

For a basic starting point on University Design for Learning see http://www.cast.org/our-work/about-udl.html#.XH5fGoj7TIU.

Theme 3: Learning through Failure

“The greatest mistake you can make in life is continually fearing that you’ll make one”. (Elbert Hubbard)

We understand the power of mistakes/failures in our everyday academic practice. We also recognise and value their potential from a pedagogic perspective because they can trigger learning and development. But we don’t always share our mistakes or failures, and so their impact can be minimised. For further information, view the 8 TEDTalks about Learning from Failure available at https://blog.ted.com/8-talks-about-learning-from-failure/.