Cyber Celebrations

Edge Hill University's SOLSTICE centre celebrated its first anniversary at a special event at the Ormskirk Campus last week.

One year on from the initial launch as a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) the e-learning initiative continues to work in a world-wide context to develop programmes which capture the power of new technologies to enhance the student experience.

John Davey, who is SOLSTICE Manager said: "We really have come a long way during out first year. We have shared our research findings in the UK and further afield in China, USA, Australia, New Zealand and in Europe. And our first annual conference attracted 165 delegates from around the world to share knowledge, skills and expertise to enhance student learning through technology."

The use of blogs, podcasts and the proliferation of social networking websites such as MySpace and Bebo are influencing how people use technology on a day to day basis.

"We really need to ensure that the technologies that people are already familiar with are utilised to enhance learning. Providing podcasts of lectures, or as supplements to lectures, enables students to easily revisit material and can complement the experience of attending a lecture."

One of SOLSTICE?s recent projects is the development of a social learning space in the Learning Resource Centre, which includes the Bookends caf? area, where students can access e-mail and the internet, including using their own laptops through a wireless network, whilst taking part in group discussions.

John Davey added: "Creating social learning spaces is an important development in higher education. I think we will see changes to traditional library areas with silent study being complemented by spaces where people can interact with each other, as well as engage with technologies to support study."

SOLSTICE has extended its remit to work with Edge Hill?s further education partners to create hubs in Knowsley Community College, Riverside College Halton and Wirral Metropolitan College, providing similar support for higher education students studying at college sites.