The document outlines a student-led project module that has students work collaboratively in groups to develop online courses and learning materials that are made freely available through the University's iTunes U page. The module aims to help students develop skills to aid their transition out of university. Students receive support through workshops, a Facebook group, and multimedia production resources. Graduates note benefits like applying knowledge, learning collaboration skills, and gaining insight into the university.

1. Developing Skills to Aid the
Transition out of HE by Creating
Freely Accessible Learning Materials
Gary C. Wood, University of Sheffield Enterprise
g.c.wood@sheffield.ac.uk | @GC_Wood
Graham McElearney, CiCS
g.mcelearney@sheffield.ac.uk | @GrahamMacca
Richard Spencer, Graduate/Student Services
richard.spencer@sheffield.ac.uk

2. Session Outline
● Introduction – the module
● Support available
● Transition out of the University
● Students’ Perspectives

3. All About Syntax
● Level 3 student-led project module
● Assessment was production of online course:
o Introduction
o Extensions/applications
● Collaborative within and across groups
● Skills sessions and project board meetings – simulate
world of work
● Reflective journals capture experience and build
evidence to showcase skills.

4. Authentic clients and partnerships
● Materials produced for release through Sheffield on
iTunes U
● Briefings given by:
o Sheffield on iTunes U Manager
o Digital Engagement Manager, Corporate Affairs
o A-Level English Teacher, Sheffield High School.

5. Skills workshops
Workshops on:
● Course design – evaluating existing materials
● Working collaboratively and generating ideas
● Project Management
● Theories of learning and teaching
● Marketing – research and branding.

6. Supporting the students
Facebook group
● Student run
group
● Facilitates their
self-organisation
and
collaboration
● GCW and GM
occasional
visitors.

7. Other support
● CiCS Creative Media Team
o Audio recording/podcasting, screencasting, video
production
● University of Sheffield Enterprise
o Support with design and delivery of skills workshops
o Grants to help develop similar enterprising modules
● Department e-Learning Staff.

8. Creating higher order learning
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9. A graduate’s perspective
● Conference-style presentations at the start and end of
project
o Testing ideas and presenting/evaluating final product.
Good practice to touch base at both ends.
● Working in a team, within a wider group
o Communication across teams who all have stakes in the
project is very applicable to working environments.
● Reflection on own progress
o Taking a step back to evaluate your own role can help
you to see where best to go next.

10. A graduate’s perspective
● Applying and consolidating knowledge
o Easy to forget things you learnt a long time ago if not
actively used; good to refresh yourself!
● Insight into University goals and branding
o Brief introduction to the workings of the University from
the inside; interesting to a student and also a good
starting point for going into Student Services!
● Information skills
o Screencasts, presentation skills, audio and video
recording and production.

11. Developing Skills to Aid the
Transition out of HE by Creating
Freely Accessible Learning Materials
Gary C. Wood, University of Sheffield Enterprise
g.c.wood@sheffield.ac.uk | @GC_Wood
Graham McElearney, CiCS
g.mcelearney@sheffield.ac.uk | @GrahamMacca
Richard Spencer, Graduate/Student Services
richard.spencer@sheffield.ac.uk