The document discusses a technology strategy and infrastructure review that was conducted at AECC University College in 2017 by experts from Jisc. The review identified areas for strategic support and developed an IT strategy to embed digital learning and teaching. Key actions included stakeholder meetings, a skills audit, infrastructure review, and staff workshop. This led to a draft strategy, digital learning initiatives, and new staff and resources. Feedback indicated the review provided reassurance, confidence, and a clearer shared vision for digital transformation.

1. Contributing to
the pursuit of
excellence
Caroline Cooke, AECC
University College

2. • Working alongside Jisc
• Caroline Cooke
• Head of Library and Learning Services
Contributing to the Pursuit of Excellence

3. • 2014: HE College
• Undergraduate Chiropractic Programme
• MSc Medical Ultrasound
• Growth in Clinical Services: Chiropractic Clinic, X-Ray facilities,
Open Upright MRI, Ultrasound Clinic
• TDAP: growth and diversification
Background

4. • Identified areas requiring strategic support
• Partners and experts…
• Jisc
• Digifest 2016
• Aim: Review IT provision and embed support for digital learning
and teaching within IT Strategy
Towards Transformation

5. • Teleconference: Where are we now?
• Led by Rohan Slaughter with
Peter Ford Executive Director of Administration, Steve Goode
IT Manager, Caroline Cooke Head of Learning Services and
E-Developments
• Strategy documents reviewed
• In-depth information on infrastructure
• Structure and team profiles
• Ongoing support outlined…
Work starts

6. • Subject specialists George Munroe, Rohan Slaughter
• Meetings with key stakeholders from across the
organisation: assess current situation and Vision
• Desk based Infrastructure Review
• Supportive IT skills audit workshop
Technology Strategy and
Infrastructure Review, March 2017

7. • Mobile devices for use in the classroom
• Flexibility: operating systems, internet browsers, access
• Fast, Integrated systems, SSO
• Seamless, simplified access to learning and teaching, EMA
• Dashboards and data
• More support for staff training
• External reporting requirements:
• HEFCE, HESA
• ASAP!
Key stakeholder meetings: themes

8. • Strategy and Infrastructure
• IT Skills Audit
• Key points, detailed notes
• Next steps and support
• Expert level evidence linked to strategy
• Reviewed by Executive Team and Board
Extensive Reports

9. Consistency across the learning and teaching experience
Real-time tools for meetings and tutorials
Virtual and Augmented Reality medical simulations
Short online polls what’s the ‘biggest issue right now’ – “discussing the ‘now’ in real time”
Student portal self-service: online payments, room bookings, admin etc.
Push notifications
Data to inform decision making
Intelligent campus
Clear expectations of digital teaching and learning
Multiple platform support, devices, Operating Systems
Staff Workshop, summer 2017:
What would Outstanding look like?

10. • Strategy development workshop and IT briefing
• Draft Strategy
• Digital Learning workshop ‘Has Learning Really Changed?’ James Clay (Digital Leaders)
• Informal group of digital champions – peer to peer training and support
• Presented draft strategy to Board in November
• Presented vision for digital learning and teaching to Board in Jan
• E-learning Group established
• Draft strategy reviewed by SMG
• Focus Groups to come (students and staff)
• Final presentation to Board by Peter Ford in July
Achievements since the
Infrastructure Review

11. • IT is a higher institutional priority; enhanced understanding of
IT at all levels
• Draft strategy, now with project timeline and costings
• Engagement and ownership from staff
• Recruiting new staff in line with strategic requirements
• Office 365 for students
• Surface tablets for staff
• Inspiring confidence across the UC
Impact

12. • “Reassurance that we are on the right track”
• “Reassured by the fact that it was unbiased review”
• “Confidence to know that the strategic recommendations would be in line with the
wider HE sector, rather than merely our own (sometimes insular) view”.
• “great confidence-boost to our staff to be recognised by sector-experts; often
smaller institutions lack confidence due to resources available to them, but this
showed we have the knowledge and expertise here, with a little help.”
• “We talk about digital in a strategic way now”
Feedback from SMG

13. Feedback from the IT Team

14. Clearer Shared Vision