Collaborative Project Spotlight – iNOTE Project

Collaborative Project Spotlight

Building our Digital Learning and Teaching Capabilities

In January 2019, the CUA was awarded a HEA Transformation Innovation Award for the iNOTE project. This project builds digital capability for flexible learning delivery in the West and North-West Region. Staff from each of the institutes have worked together to:

• Develop a quality assurance policy for flexible delivery. • Build digital capabilities amongst CUA staff. • Develop a range of digitally enhanced student supports for those undertaking programmes through flexible delivery. • Develop and deliver workbased programmes utilising digital capabilities for flexible delivery. • Mainstream, disseminate, and evaluate CUA digital capabilities for flexible delivery.

The team have developed a Blended and Online Learning Policy Framework, which facilitates the provision of blended and online programmes across all the campuses. The use of blended and online learning will further extend the reach of the TU to industry, employers, and prospective students who wish to upskill and reskill through engagement with lifelong learning opportunities

Initial outcomes of this project (which runs to 2022) ensured the CUA was prepared to provide timely supports for staff and students in relation to emergency remote teaching following the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Will bespoke courses continue to run for local and national industry?

Yes, one of the main growth areas in recent years has been the development of Special Purpose Awards and Minor Awards. These programmes are of shorter duration than degree programmes and are aimed at providing specific sets of skills. Many of these have been designed in response to initiatives such as Springboard and are aimed at upskilling, reskilling, and cross-skilling. Engagement with our business, industry and community stakeholders will ensure that we continue to provide industrial relevant programmes that are focused on the practical application of knowledge.