Introduction to JISC TechDis in Higher Education
JISC TechDis are working across Higher Education to support an inclusive learning and teaching environment. In order to achieve this we work at a range of levels and across a very wide range of topics. A document “Informing Policy, Improving Practice: making the student experience more inclusive through technology – the work of JISC TechDis in Higher Education” is now available - go to a page giving an
overview of the document.
We work with policy makers and funding bodies in HE to ensure that any policies and strategies relating to or affecting accessibility are incorporated into our work, and to try provide a voice in shaping policy and effecting change where that is appropriate.
Recently we have published and distributed to all UK HEIs a document entitled “Technology Change for Inclusion: 12 Steps Towards Embedding Inclusive Use of Technology as a Whole Institution Culture”. This document is a Briefing version, aimed at Senior Managers, of a wider piece of research conducted by JISC TechDis over the past two years. Both the Briefing and full research paper are available at
www.techdis.ac.uk/getTCI. JISC TechDis are now working intensively with several institutions who volunteered, upon receipt of the Briefing, to discuss how best to implement its recommendations in their institution.
JISC TechDis has also worked with the Quality Assurance Agency to revise and update their Code of Practice Section 3 (Disabled Students). The revised Code is due for publication in the latter half of 2009.
We provide guidance to a range of strategic partners, including the
The Higher Education Academy Subject Centres, CETLs, JISC Advisory Services and many others, to ensure that where their work has the potential to enhance inclusion they are fully equipped to exploit those opportunities.
JISC TechDis is currently Working with a range of research teams, projects and steering groups. Examples include
InCurriculum,
the Teesside University Accessibility Research Centre and
CIRCUA at the University of Middlesex
We work with management, front line and specialist staff in institutions and organisations to help inform and embed the strategies that will enable the most inclusive culture possible and the best practice with technology as an integral part of those strategies.
The JISC TechDis Online Accessibility Self Evaluation tools provides plain English, contextualised information, and point to the advice and guidance needed to make a difference to inclusion in six key institutional roles. By targeting different staff roles with pragmatic, easily implemented solutions the service helps maximise coherent implementation of inclusive practices across institutions. To find out more and sign up to a free, online session please see the
Online Accessibility Self Evaluation page
We provide a range of effective staff development resources for staff working in Higher Education, to enable staff to acquire the knowledge and skills to enable them to make best use of technology in creating an inclusive learning experience.
The Teaching Inclusively Using Technology modules are a series of 5 short tutorials (15-20 minutes each) for staff to learn about preparing inclusive teaching, delivering inclusive teaching in the classroom, online and in the field/ on placement, and assessing inclusively. There is a generic set of modules for wider usage, plus themed sets aimed at staff teaching Economics, Physical Sciences, Art Design & Media and Information and Computer Sciences, as well as a set themed to staff working in HE in FE. For further details see
www.techdis.ac.uk/getTeachingInclusively
The HEAT scheme provides staff working in higher education (teaching staff, library staff, careers officers, staff developers, IT specialists and accessibility or support specialists) with technology with which to develop or uncover an aspect of good inclusive practice. This may be specific to the teaching of a particular discipline, supporting a specific role area, or may have more generic applicability across the sector. Over 80 projects have so far been funded across all discipline areas as well as libraries, careers services, staff development and students support.
JISC TechDis HEAT Scheme
This
new leaflet describes some of the many activities JISC TechDis are
undertaking in the HE arena. It is by no means exhaustive, but is
intended to raise awareness of the the services we can offer to the HE
community and the work we are undertaking.
Further Links
JISC TechDis Advice and Guidance for Higher Education
Key Topics in Higher Education
Who are JISC TechDis working with in Higher Education
Who are the people at JISC TechDis?
Technology Change for Inclusion: 12 Steps towards Embedding Inclusive Practice with Technology as a Whole Institution Culture
Teaching Inclusively Using Technology
Online Accessibility Self Evaluation page
JISC TechDis HEAT Scheme
ALPS CETLs
Mobile Enabled Disabled Students Project
