Learn something new in 20 minutes: bite-size sessions for research, teaching and collaboration Andy Tattersall, University of Sheffield, a.tattersall@sheffield.ac.uk Jenny Freeman, University of Sheffield, j.v.freeman@sheffield.ac.uk Claire Beecroft, University of Sheffield, c.beecroft@sheffield.ac.uk Ursula Potgieter, University of Sheffield, u.potgieter@sheffield.ac.uk Nowadays the environment in universities and other large knowledge organisations is increasingly pressurised with busy staff finding it increasingly difficult to make time for training, even when it might enhance their role and enable them to work more efficiently. We have pioneered an innovative, minimal-cost solution that encourages staff to engage with new technologies that could enhance their potential as researchers and their abilities as lecturers, as well as increase the skills-base of support staff. It is based on one very simple idea, that whilst individuals may not be able to spend hours training, they can spare 20 minutes during the mid-afternoon for a quick coffee break. We give a weekly 20 minute presentation using a variety of technologies such as Prezi, videos and voting tools for interactive demonstrations, along with an optional 10 minutes for questions and discussion. As an added incentive we provide free cakes! The ‘Bite-sized’ sessions have been designed to cover various topics relating to teaching and research practice, with a strong emphasis on web 2.0 and emerging technologies and innovations. Bite-Size actively seeks out sustainable technologies that can address staff needs and solve organisational problems usually for no cost. Topics so far have included Google Docs, social networks, rss, the use of the Social Web to promote research, and the use of electronic voting systems in lectures. The sessions act as both a demonstration and a signpost to further resources- they are very much about planting seeds and ideas. The poster will explain the key ingredients that make up Bite-Size, the structure and format of the sessions, the content that has been covered to date and the target audience. In addition we will present research that we have undertaken to evaluate the Bite-Size sessions and discuss its future direction including podcasting sessions and new topic areas.

1. Learn Something New in 20 Minutes:
Bite-Size Sessions for Research,
Teaching and Collaboration
Andy Tattersall, Dr J
enny Freem Claire B
an, eecroft, Uzzie Potgieter
W is Bite Size?
hat
Nowadays the environment in universities and other large knowledge organisations is
increasingly pressurised with busy staff finding it increasingly difficult to make time for
training, even when it might enhance their role and enable them to work more
efficiently. We have pioneered a smart, innovative, minimal-cost solution that
encourages staff to engage with new technologies and techniques that have the
potential to enhance their skills as researchers and lecturers.
It is based on one very simple idea: whilst individuals may not be able to spend hours
training, they can spare 20 minutes during the mid-afternoon for a quick coffee break.
Bite Size for Research Bite Size for Teaching
Maintaining your Research Grant Assessment Methods
How Not to Display Data Lecture Capture
Research Professional PhD Supervision
Video Recording Online Marking
Mendeley Voice Works
SCIRUS Pebblepad
REF Plagiarism
Wikis Prezi
Medline Podcasting
Google Apps MOLE – VLE
Social Media Online Supervision
Cloud Computing Supporting Students
Data and Copyright Interactive Whiteboards
Mobile Phone Apps for Research Dissertation Supervision
The Bite Size Formula
Presenters + Cake + 20 mins + Topics =
Short, focused,
They are good, quick intro to a interactive,
new tool. Because they're given in entertaining I really like dipping
person you have the chance to ask into a topic I would
questions. I like the social (cake otherwise not have
and tea) aspect of it. meeting learnt about.
other colleagues you might not
know
Audience
Feedback Great idea, like the cakes, wish I'd
thought of it, but reassured to see
handouts
It's short, there is cake, that it is genuinely not easy to get
and if the topic isn't of researchers to take time out.
immediate use to you
then you don't feel
like you have wasted
time learning about it.
54 respondents (25% of staff approx.)
Contact:
a.tattersall@sheffield.ac.uk (Bite Size for Research) andy_tattersall
j.v.freeman@sheffield.ac.uk (Bite Size for Teaching)
Bite Size: https://sites.google.com/a/sheffield.ac.uk/bite-size/
Bite Size videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/scharrvids/featured
What is Bite Size? http://vimeo.com/36693909