Reflecting on Innovation and Collaboration at the WRLTF Year-End Events
2024 is ending on a high note for the White Rose Learning Technologists Forum (WRLTF), with two community-led events bringing together innovative ideas and collaborative discussions. These events highlighted the Forum’s commitment to fostering impactful practices in learning technology across the White Rose institutions.
Authentic Assessment Event
On 7th November, WRLTF co-chairs Johanna Fenton (University of Leeds) and Ruth Clark (Leeds Conservatoire) facilitated an online event centred on authentic assessment. This theme resonated deeply with participants as they explored ways to create meaningful assessments that prepare students for real-world challenges.
The session began with Eddie Cowling and Dr. Richard Cotterill (University of York International Pathway College) showcasing their use of asynchronous video interviews (AVI) to assess oral communication skills. They highlighted how AVI not only simulates real-world scenarios like job interviews but also supports broader applications such as reflective journals and case study analysis.
Next, Professor Neil Gordon (University of Hull) shared his insights into competency-based approaches within Computer Science. His presentation demonstrated how incorporating peer assessment and teamwork reflections fosters deeper engagement and satisfaction. Neil also illustrated how students are leveraging AI as a “teammate” to write code, underscoring the discipline’s alignment with cutting-edge technology.
The event continued with Dr. Gabriel Jones (University of Leeds), who presented a interprofessional approach to collaboratively designing portfolio-based assessments. Drawing on expertise from multiple university teams, Gabriel introduced an assessment model that integrates skills-based submissions and reflective practices, prompting a rethinking of the TPACK model to include ‘skills knowledge.’
Closing the session, Charlie James and Dr. Sarah Copeland (University of Leeds) discussed the affordances of e-portfolios within medicine and healthcare. They outlined how these can showcase competencies, encourage reflective practice, and maintain records of professional observations. Finally, Jessica Bruce (University of Leeds) introduced an innovative use of interactive narrative pathways through presentation software, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills for healthcare students.
The presentations sparked engaging Q&A discussions, with recurring themes around giving students greater agency in their assessments and enhancing real-world applicability across diverse disciplines.
The White Rose Unconference
On 6th December, the WRLTF held a participant-driven unconference hosted at the University of York. Facilitated by Emily Armstrong (University of Hull), William Heathcote (Leeds Trinity University), and Lilian Joy (University of York), the unconference provided an inclusive space for attendees to raise their own topics for discussion.
Morning sessions tackled issues such as digital accessibility and student upskilling. Participants shared strategies for training student ambassadors to promote accessibility and the challenges of gaining institutional buy-in to build a culture of inclusion. Another key topic was the use of technology in and outside of classrooms, with examples ranging from polling tools for anonymised real-time feedback to VLE-based escape rooms for engaging learning activities.
The afternoon discussions continued the conversation on authentic assessment, focusing on industry-aligned tools and alternatives to traditional essays and exams. Participants also explored the use of diverse course-authoring software and emerging productivity tools that could transform teaching and learning.
The event concluded with an opportunity for colleagues to round off a successful year for the WRLTF to celebrate in and around York’s beautiful Christmas markets.
Looking Ahead
As 2024 comes to an end, the WRLTF thanks its vibrant community for their engagement and contributions. We look forward to building on this year’s successes with an exciting schedule of events in 2025. Wishing everyone a joyful festive season and a productive new year!