The popular micro-credential short course returned in summer 2025. The course comprised of four, 1-hour session topics around teaching and learning. As part of the Aberdeen 2040 Strategy, these Principles for the Delivery of Education build upon our established teaching innovations and achievements and underpin teaching in the academic year. Staff who participated in all four topics gained a digital certificate of completion.
Details of Course Topics below.
- Course Topics
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Topic 1: Course Design and Readiness
Facilitators: Catherine Ogilvie & Megan Buchanan, Centre for Academic Development
This session focused upon good practice regarding structuring and organising your course content online. Although the examples pertained to the University’s online platform, MyAberdeen, the session was relevant for any online learning environment. We began with a brief overview relating to the use of the Institutional Template, before including some examples, which were followed by an interactive discussion that highlighted the key elements of course design. We then summarised some of the key components to ensure that your course was ready and available to your students via MyAberdeen for the academic year.
Topic 2: Development Feedback
Facilitators: Dr Aaron Thom, Centre for Academic Development & Dr Donna MacCallum, SMMSN
This interactive session focused on the ways in which developmental feedback can be given by staff, as well as how students engage with feedback more generally. Focusing on a series of case-studies, this session also looked at how Formative Assessments can scaffold Summative Assessments..
Topic 3: Promoting Student Engagement
Facilitators: Dr Aaron Thom & Dr Mary Pryor, Centre for Academic Development
From both a staff and student perspective, this session explored a range of definitions around what is meant by Student Engagement, what can be expected, and considered whether expectations have changed recently.
Topic 4: Generative AI in Teaching
Facilitators: Catherine Ogilvie & Megan Buchanan, Centre for Academic Development
Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, numerous Generative Artificial Intelligence options have been launched. This session looked at the ways in which GenAI can be used to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment practices. Participants discovered how others are using this technology in their own teaching, and discussed the possible uses of GenAI in our day-to-day practice.