SOLSTICE is Edge Hill Universitys HEFCE funded Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).
Whilst the HEFCE funding for the 74 CETLs has ceased and many have effectively closed, in contrast Edge Hill University has retained the SOLSTICE brand as a signifier of its focus and processes for Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL). This has been achieved by:
- Embedding TEL and SOLSTICE activities in Objective 5 of the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy
- Positioning leadership of TEL with the Associate Deans Learning and Teaching within the newly configured Learning and Teaching Strategy Group chaired by the Dean of TLD in collaboration with the Dean of LS and the E-Learning Strategy Development (SOLSTICE) Manager
- Maintaining a Senior SOLSTICE Fellow in an expert advisory capacity in each Faculty with responsibility for supporting strategic development of TEL
- Continuing the SOLSTICE TEL Fellowship Scheme, with Fellows acting as champions, advisors and members of the Validation and Audit Standing Panel
- Sustaining provision of TEL professional development activities through the collaborative activities of the Learning Services Learning Technology Development Team, Fellows, Visiting Professors and other external experts under the auspices of the E-Learning Strategy Development (SOLSTICE) Manager
- Continuing to support and organise the annual conference
- Securing an administration base for conference and professional development activities and income generation related to SOLSTICE activities
- Progressing affiliation with the Teaching and Learning Development Unit and its research and development work through practice-based research and development of seminars and conferences
- Having SOLSTICE and hence TEL represented through designated membership of key university committees
- Maintaining the SOLSTICE Centre as a hub for location of the Learning Technologists and by making the classrooms in that location available for general use.
A key part of the legacy of the CETL at Edge Hill University is the residual knowledge and skills base of staff and a sound reputation for excellent work in the sector