Presentation at Education Strategy Forum 25-2-20

1. Dandelion to Lion King – a
transformational journey

2. If you had the opportunity to
change major parts of your
institution – would you take it?
If so, raise your hand
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

3. What are some of the things
you would change? (Share 2
items for 1 min with neighbour)
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

4. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Buildings
Policies
People
Processes
Teams
Systems
Pedagogy
Technology

5. 1 x Strong leadership
1 x Clear vision
330 x Million £££s
1,500 x Staff
15,000 x Students
Loads x Suppliers
Lots x Patience
Lots x Goodwill
1 x Change Culture
Loads x Evidence
Tonnes of resilience
Preheat the oven. Prepare the pedagogical mix, building on strong
principles of Active Blended Learning (ABL). Whilst the mix is gently
settling, then separately prepare the bowl into which this will be poured.
Take one brownfield site and ensure all permissions are sorted. Use vision
and detailed plans to develop physical infrastructure.
Gently combine the pedagogical mix with the physical site and then pour in
the students and staff. Clean pots and pans. Leave to bake for 2 to 3 years
and then enjoy with a warm glass of NSS / TEF / REF.

6. The Final product – Opened August 2018

7. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Not everyone / everything helps
change – disruption impact
What tasted good?
• Fresh new campus.
• Opportunity to look at
new tech.
• Physical site matches
pedagogical vision.
What got burnt?
• Takes time to settle –
new ways of working
• New tech does not
always work first time
• The site needs ongoing
work to maintain the
fit.

8. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Bringing it all together
This Photo by Unknown Author is
licensed under CC BY-NC
This Photo by Unknown Author is
licensed under CC BY-SA

9. Thank you for listening
(please come and visit us)
Rob Howe
Head of Learning Technology
University of Northampton
Rob.howe@northampton.ac.uk
@rjhowe

11. ABL – a definition
Active blended learning is a pedagogical approach
that combines sense-making activities with focused
student interactions (with content, peers and tutors)
in appropriate learning settings – in and outside the
classroom.
ABL focuses on engaging students in knowledge
construction, reflection and critique, on the
development of learner autonomy and of course, on
the achievement of learning outcomes.

12. A course follows an ABL methodology if it:
 Is taught through student-centred activities to develop
knowledge and understanding, independent learning &
digital fluency.
 Has a core, collaborative face-to-face component, explicitly
linked to learning activity outside the classroom.
 Helps to develop autonomy, Changemaker attributes and
employability skills.
Source: ILT website