STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Innovation Modules Students to get to grips with digital bite-sized innovation learning Supporting students to navigate the changing world of work is a key focus of the university’s entrepreneurship and innovation agenda. This has seen the introduction of a number of initiatives to equip students with the transferable skills, enterprising knowledge, attitudes and behaviours for the innovation economy. An innovative way of co-curricular learning is now being piloted, offering students on any course, including parttime and online, a new range of digital bite-sized mini-modules in innovation and entrepreneurship. Termed micro learning, the suite of modules can be completed from a digital device at any time, providing students with an opportunity to gain relevant and recognised competencies and knowledge in a self-paced manner to help them adapt to changing employer landscapes and skills needs. Professor Gordon McConnell, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said:
“The new digital mini-modules recognise that the skills students need to learn to adapt and manage their careers in the changing world of work in the Fourth Industrial Revolution goes beyond the university-discipline classroom-based learning. “They are extending the reach of our innovation skills and tools short courses through truly flexible learning so that all students - no matter what type or form of course they are doing - are able to engage with the material in short bursts in their own time.” Developed in collaboration between the EIG and DELTA, the new digital provision is part of the continual enhancement of the student experience, providing additional co-curricular opportunities to develop relevant knowledge and skills. The suite of 9 mini-modules vary in length from three minutes to nine minutes and each contain at least one video element. The pilot was launched during Global 11
Entrepreneurship Week where students had an opportunity to preview the content and gain access to the full suite to complete in their own time. Sally Charles, EIG Learning Manager, said: “At this stage we are seeking to get engagement and feedback from students in order to understand their experience and the effectiveness of the modules as part of the development process. “Once we have completed the beta testing, the modules will become a formal mode of learning. Students will be able to document their knowledge gained which will be verified by the university through a form of official recognition of the competencies achieved.” The modules can be accessed via RGU’s CampusMoodle platform.
