1. Project co-ordinator (D Marsh) visit to P Lowe, 11th June 2009, Aston Univeristy

Pam: sample materials audit

At Aston, Sociology part of Faculty of Languages and Social Sciences.

3 semesters, 2 main teaching periods – most 10 credit modules run though one 12 week teaching period. Main teaching Oct – Dec, exams in Jan, then another team period.

Pam will offer 6 10 credit modules – eg. Sociology of Human Reproduction, typical content: 

• Introduction
• Reading lists
• Key readings
• Weekly lectures, ppts. with many images which may need removing or copyright clearing

Pam considering doing an articulate version of each introductory module presentation, each also standalone resource. Articulate create a single multimedia package file, good for the distance learning programmes. A single 50 minute lecture might take about 1 ½ hours to create an articulate version.

Typically a lecture / seminar delivery method, tend not to use WebCt for group work or discussions, most done face to face in seminar.

Of Pam’s modules:

• 20 credits at level 1
• 30 credits at level 2
• 10 credits at level 3

Aston IP policy – very useful document on IP and commercial property, more leniency with ownership of teaching materials – the member of staff grants the university a non-exclusive licence to use the material.

Consortium agreement – Pam’s suggestion for as much lead time as possible, all project activity treated as research and so has to pass through research office, FEC costed etc even if not claiming FEC. Need to build in time to identify appropriate persons to sign off the CA.