Activity data – delivering benefits from the data deluge

One of the challenges facing leaders in HE, including those leading library services, is making effective use of business analytics data,  for example to improve the student experience.   JISC is currently looking at the scope for a shared service for libraries in this area in the form of a library analytics dashboard. SCONUL, RLUK and others are helping to inform this work.

In the meantime, for those interested in knowing more about this area, JISC has produced a guide for HE decision-makers on this topic, including case studies from The Open University, The University of Huddersfield, Roehampton University, Michigan State University, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania.

It is available on the Jisc website: http://bit.ly/jisc-ad and a pdf version can be downloaded from here: https://repository.jisc.ac.uk/5010/1/JISC_Activity_Data_singlepages.pdf

16 Reasons to value academic libraries

Missed this in November … an excellent list from SCONUL. Very useful to be able to refer to this when needed:
http://www.sconul.ac.uk/page/the-value-of-academic-libraries

Statement on Higher Education reconfiguration by Leighton Andrews

On 17 July Education and Skills Minister Leighton Andrews made a statement on Higher Education reconfiguration in South East Wales.

“Having considered the available evidence and the issues raised in discussions, I continue to believe that HEFCW’s proposal for a strong metropolitan university in South East Wales remains a sound one. I welcome, therefore, the recent announcement by the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport regarding their intention to merge. They intend to create an institution with an enhanced applied research capacity, a focus on business engagement and employability, and improved access opportunities for local learners.

I have noted the recent response of the governing body of Cardiff Metropolitan University to the proposed merger and of their desire to remain outside of any merger discussions. However, I continue to believe that there is a case for that institution to join with the University of Wales, Newport and the University of Glamorgan.

The discussions between Glamorgan and Newport focus on a merger that is likely to utilise the existing vehicle of the University of Glamorgan structure. There would therefore be a need to dissolve the existing University of Wales, Newport HE Corporation. I have, therefore, decided to commence, as soon as possible, a statutory consultation on the dissolution of the University of Wales, Newport HE Corporation.

Subject to the outcome of this statutory consultation, I would anticipate seeing real progress on the merger of Newport and Glamorgan by 2013.

Since I am minded to accept HEFCW’s proposal, I would also expect to proceed to a similar and concurrent consultation on the dissolution of the Cardiff Metropolitan University HE Corporation. I would hope to see progress in terms of Cardiff Metropolitan’s involvement in the new merged institution in 2014.

If the outcome of the statutory consultations resulted in a decision to proceed with merger, there would be a need to plan the development of the new institution. In that eventuality, I would therefore propose to establish a new strategic board, chaired by Geraint Talfan Davies. The board, if constituted, would include representation from all three institutions, including the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and would  work for a period of some two years on a ‘blueprint’ for the merged institution.

Clearly the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales will need some certainty in planning future arrangements. If the outcome of the statutory consultations resulted in the dissolution of the institutions affected, I would expect that HEFCW’s public funding of provision in South East Wales from 2015-16 onwards would support two higher education institutions, Cardiff University and the new merged metropolitan University.

I believe at this point that HEFCW’s recommendations for South East Wales, leading to a more focused research-intensive institution alongside a strong metropolitan university, are the way forward.

Read the full statement at: http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/educationandskills/2012/120717statement/?lang=en

Professor Sir Steve Smith’s evaluation of the options, and related evidence, for creating a single post-92 Higher Education (HE) institution in South East Wales was published by the Welsh Government on 16 July. Professor Smith’s conclusions are “entirely in line with this Government’s long-standing view about the need for radical change within the Welsh higher education sector.”
http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/educationandskills/2012/120716heevaluation/?

Written Statement – Learning in Digital Wales

Chair of WHELF, Andrew Green, was a member of the Task and Finish Group which published its report entitled Find it, Make it, Use it, Share it – Learning in Digital Wales on 29 March 2012.

The Minister has considered the wide ranging recommendations in this report and has agreed an action plan for the use of digital technology to improve performance in schools.

He is establishing a National Digital Learning Council to provide expert and strategic guidance on the use of digital technology in teaching and learning in Wales.

In December 2012 he will be launching a new bilingual learning platform for Wales, for which the working title is Hwb.

National Digital Collection – Hwb will provide the online home for a national digital repository of teaching and learning resources.  This will include the thousands of curriculum and good practice resources which have previously been developed for our teachers’ website NGfL Cymru, which will be migrated to Hwb in December.

Hwb will host resources which can be used on a variety of platforms.  One element of Hwb, however, will be the use of the free iTunes University platform (iTunes U) in order to showcase the best educational resources and activities in Wales.

Hwb will also provide access to the wide range of free educational tools and resources which have been developed through the Microsoft Partners in Learning initiative.

Professional Development: Digital Technology and Computing
Establishing a team of Digital Leaders which will be drawn from the best practitioners using digital technology in Wales.

A Culture of Digital Citizenship
The world wide web provides a tremendous learning resource for children and young people.  As well as access to a vast range of information and educational tools, it provides an opportunity for learners across the world to share their own ideas, experience and creativity with one another.  We need to help learners develop the skills, confidence and maturity to navigate this new world and make good use of the opportunities it provides.  Most importantly, we also want to ensure that our children are safe online.

The new digital learning programme for Wales will, however, take a new approach to the use of social networking technologies in education.  Through this programme, and through Hwb, we will be encouraging schools to make full use of social technologies in order to engage learners and improve learning outcomes.

http://wales.gov.uk/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2012/learningindigitalwales/?lang=en

‘Find it, make it, use it, share it’

Education Minister Leighton Andrews has today (29 March) received the final report from the Digital Classroom Teaching Task and Finish Group which sets out how Welsh schools can deliver digital classrooms in a digital age.

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/publications/wagreviews/digital/?lang=en

Led by Janet Hayward, currently headteacher at Cadoxton Primary School, the group considered what digital materials work in the classroom and how the Welsh Government can work towards all schools in Wales being able to deliver digitally.

The report makes a number of recommendations including the creation of a hub to enable learners and teachers to share best practice resources. The report also recommends the creation of a national digital collection of teaching and learning resources.

The Minister will now consider all of the recommendations set down in the report to see how technology in the classroom can be strengthened for the benefit of Wales’ learners.

Education Minister Leighton Andrews said:

“New technologies can offer new approaches to engage learners. Digital content, wireless access in classrooms, cloud computing and mobile handheld touch screen devices can revolutionise the way in which we communicate and share information with each other in the 21st Century.

“It’s not unreasonable for learners, parents and teachers to expect that the technology they use in their daily life can also be used in education. Across schools in Wales you will see an array of technology being used innovatively for learning and teaching.

“It is important that all learners and teachers have access to appropriate technology and can use it with confidence. We know there’s good practice out there, but as with many things in education, it’s important that schools learn and share the best ideas.

“I want Wales to a take a lead on digital inclusion and digital learning and this report shows us how we can achieve that goal.”

Chair of the Task and Finish Group Janet Hayward said:

“In Wales it is clear that there are some real pockets of outstanding practice in the use of technology to enhance learning outcomes.  We have a strong platform to build on.

“The recommendations do not provide a specific template of how a “digital classroom” should look. The recommendations provide more of a vision of how learners and teachers need to engage with and be supported in their use of technology and how we can develop and share world class content.  Hence the name of the report – Find it, make it, use it, share it – learning in digital Wales.

“We’re delighted to be able to present the Minister with our final report, it’s been a labour of love for the group. We are hugely optimistic that it will mark the beginning of a journey that will secure the best learning opportunities for Wales.”

Science for Wales

Science for Wales sets out the Welsh Government vision for science, the key initiatives they will take and how they measure success.

How the strategy was developed

Science for Wales has been prepared for the Welsh Government by the Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Professor John Harries; his team; and members of the Science Advisory Council for Wales.

The strategy was developed after consultation with internal and external science stakeholders. It supersedes ‘A Science Policy for Wales 2006’.

It tells some hard truths but offers a constructive way ahead both for what we can do to help science thrive and what we expect our partners (e.g. in higher education and business) to address to make this strategy a reality.

Sêr Cymru (Stars Wales)

The strategy introduces a new initiative ‘Sêr Cymru’ (Stars Wales). It comprises funding (up to £50 million over five years) for new academic ‘stars’ and National Research Networks in:

• Life sciences and health
• Low carbon, energy and environment
• Advanced engineering and materials

Science for Wales also proposes the development of a new national innovation strategy, and stronger coordination and leadership of science engagement activities through the National Science Academy.

Download:
Science for Wales-A strategic agenda for science and innovation in Wales

Libraries Inspire Delivery Plan for 2012-13

The Libraries Inspire Delivery Plan for 2012-13 is now available.

The Delivery Plan outlines specific actions and targets relating to deliver the priorities in each section of Libraries Inspire. It is a dynamic document and will be revised to reflect new priorities which arise during the duration of the Framework. It will also provide an opportunity to highlight the work carried out by the library sector.

Download: Libraries Inspire Delivery Plan

HEFCW Annual Report 2010-2011

Every year HEFCWpublishes a report of their activities to show how successfully they have met their targets and how they have used public funding.

The Annual Report also includes information about HEFCW’s accounts, and a summary of developments in areas which have been given priority over the previous year.

http://www.hefcw.ac.uk/publications/corporate_documents/annual_report.aspx

Libraries Inspire

Libraries Inspire: The strategic development framework for Welsh libraries 2012-16

Libraries Inspire outlines CyMAL’s plans to work in partnership with the library in sector in Wales.

Public, educational, and workplace libraries, are at the heart of their communities. The very reason for their existence is to inspire and assist people to make a positive difference to their lives. Libraries contribute to the social, educational, cultural and economic wellbeing of the people of Wales.

This strategy describes how CyMAL will maintain and develop new innovative services to meet the needs of the people of Wales over the next 5 years.

Download in English

Llyfrgelloedd yn Ysbrydoli: Fframwaith strategol ar gyfer datblygu llyfrgelloedd Cymru 2012-2016
Download in Welsh

Libraries Inspire

The official launch of CyMAL’s new strategy is 7th November in Treorchy library, Rhondda Cynon Taf, with the Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage.  There will be an online version of the strategy on the CyMAL website shortly.

Alyson Tyler has written a short blog post to explain current projects and programmes – see http://libalyson.wordpress.com/2011/10/25/your-guide-to-several-l-words/