Tag: Introduction

The TILE team recently added a new member – our Assistant Learning Designer Azharul Rafy. Here’s Rafy talking about his background, interests and his role at Staffs in his own words.

Azharul rafy – Assistant Learning Designer

A smiling man with short black hair and beard standing on a grassy lawn with trees in the background, giving a double thumbs up sign. He is wearing a light brown sweatshirt and blue jeans.

As an enthusiastic international student from Bangladesh, I am currently pursuing an MSc in Digital Marketing Management at Staffordshire University. With a strong passion for digital marketing, I have embarked on a placement opportunity with TILE Hub, where I serve as an Assistant Learning Designer.

During my placement, I immersed myself in a dynamic learning environment, collaborating closely with the TILE Team to gain in-depth knowledge of the cutting-edge technologies and tools utilized in Higher Education. My diverse range of responsibilities includes assisting with event management, where I have been able to develop invaluable skills in organizing and coordinating podcasts, workshops, and other engaging activities.

Drawing from my previous experience as a content creator on YouTube, I brought a unique perspective to my role, and I manage social media for TILE Hub. With expertise in YouTube video optimization, I ensure maximum visibility and engagement for the TILE hub’s content. In addition, I apply creative flair and strategic thinking to develop captivating social media strategies, designing and publishing posts across platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Through my efforts, I am successfully promoting upcoming events and activities, fostering a vibrant community around TILE Hub.

I believe, with my dedication to my studies and gaining practical experience in Digital Marketing, I will become a valuable asset to any team. With a focus on continuous learning and growth, I aspire to leverage my skills and knowledge to create impactful marketing campaigns, driving success in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing.

Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy exploring new avenues for creativity and expression, constantly seeking to push boundaries and make a positive impact in the digital world.

A very warm welcome to this brand new blog from the Teaching Innovation and Learning Enhancement team (TILE for short).

The TILE team are here to help staff and students embed and use technology to enhance the teaching and learning process. We’re currently working on a range of different projects, alongside running training sessions, providing bespoke support, and helping to develop an academic community of practice through various networking and showcase events.

Why we’re starting a blog

Unless you’re a regular attendee at our events, or are working with one of us on a specific project, you might not be aware of all the ways we’re already using tech at Staffordshire University. So this is another way that we can spread the word and encourage curiosity and wider discussion about technology in Higher Education.

It’s also a platform to directly showcase some of the things you might want to incorporate in your teaching – watch this space.

Who are the TILE team?

Here are the team in their own words…

Anshul Lau – Digital Academic Developer

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I am currently the Team Lead at TILE Hub, focusing on fostering excellence in digital learning ecosystems. My role involves aligning digital learning services with the university’s teaching and learning goals, collaborating with stakeholders, and developing and enhancing digital learning services. I have successfully led projects in Higher Education and Further Education institutions, and I hold qualifications such as SFHEA and CMALT. With a background in Digital Education and online distance learning, I bring valuable insights to enhance institutional digital learning practices. I am also a certified Lego Serious Play Facilitator and pursuing the Data Science and AI Educators program, allowing me to contribute innovative strategies to the evolving digital learning landscape. As a creative technology and education leader, I am dedicated to improving the student learning experience, and drive innovation and excellence in digital learning.

George Hill – Online Distance Learning Designer

Previously I have worked within Online Radio, leading on the development of asynchronous training for our global team. I have also worked with the TILE Hub as a Graduate Project Officer focusing on content production and videography. I am mainly focused on the development of Online & Distance learning courses, the implementation of immersive and interactive teaching technologies (such as ThingLink and Padlet), the uses of simulation and VR around the classroom and supporting DTA with Blackboard. I will also be running masterclasses throughout the summer on Blackboard module design as well as assisting in the design of Micro-credentials.

Head and torso shot of a person with a full brown beard wearing a dark blue shirt and a Staffordshire University lanyard. He is standing in the Learning Market in the Catalyst building wearing a virtual reality headset.

Simran Cheema – Instructional Designer

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I am a Master of Chemistry graduate with 2 years’ experience designing and creating virtual lab simulations specializing in higher education science topics. I am responsible for the development of interactive e-learning courses for staff development and training, and supporting the development of Simulated courses with the use of AR, VR and mixed reality. However, I am currently working on the lecture capture project (trialling two systems: Echo360 and Panopto) and supporting HSW with Blackboard. I will also be running Blackboard masterclasses throughout the summer focusing specifically on Multimedia, and upskilling on VIRTI to encourage the application of this technology in courses University-wide.

Robin Ray – Digital Curriculum Designer

I’m a former FE mathematics teacher with a background in educational and tech publishing. As well as supporting JSS and IoE with using the Blackboard VLE, I’m currently investigating e-portfolio software and alternative hybrid and flexible learning modalities. I’ll be running some Blackboard masterclass training sessions over the summer focusing on Assessments, and will be having input into design sprints for new courses later in the year.

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Rowan Walker – Student Digital Engagement Officer

Head and shoulders shot of a person with a short beard and glasses wearing a burgundy hat, blue jacket, shirt and a blue tie, standing outside some buildings with a blue sky

Hello, I’m the Student Digital Engagement Officer for TILE Hub. My primary objective within our team is to specifically reach out to students and promote sessions and events that foster digital initiatives at Staffordshire University. As a Film graduate with a passion for interactive technologies, I’m excited to organize a variety of sessions throughout the academic year, allowing students to experience these technologies firsthand. You may have already seen me leading staff sessions in the past, such as the Blackboard Induction sessions or the polling app workshops. I want to assure you that these sessions are still ongoing, and I encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to discuss any of these opportunities further!

Julia Wisniewska – Assistant Learning Designer – E-Learning (SPO)

I am a Games Art student, just about to graduate. I have experience with both traditional and 3D art. At work, I assist my team with their masterclasses, and I teach my own class about the Blackboard Mobile App. Aside from that, I participate in a JISC project that helps students and staff in determining the level of their digital skills and I support staff with Blackboard.

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Follow us…

We have a dedicated Staffs TILE Hub YouTube channel where you can find instructional guides, unboxing videos, webinar recordings and more.

You can follow us on Twitter (@StaffsTILEHub) or Instagram (staffs_tilehub) too.

And if you haven’t already, add yourself to the TILE Hub on Microsoft Teams, where you can chat with a community of colleagues about all things TILE.

Want to share your work?

If you’ve been using or trialing something new or innovative in your teaching, we’d love to hear about it and invite you to contribute to this TILE Hub blog. Please let us know by completing this short form and we’ll be in touch:https://forms.office.com/e/vmtkk421uc

Staffordshire TILE Hub

TILE Hub: Enhancing education with innovative tech at Staffordshire University

Tag Archives: Introduction

Welcome to the Staffordshire TILE Hub