Projects I have been involved with whilst at University
These are some of the projects I have had the opportunity to get involved with whilst at the University of Reading.
BLENDED LEARNING – EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCE OF DISABLED LAW STUDENTS
I had the pleasure of being asked to take part in a student-staff partnership discussing the impact of blended learning on disabled students. We presented our findings at the Student Engagement CoP, the Neurodiversity & Disability Showcase, and the CAN Conference (held by Keele University). You can find a report on the partnership on the university website here: https://sites.reading.ac.uk/t-and-l-exchange/2021/07/26/blended-learning-exploring-the-experience-of-disabled-law-students/!​
This student-staff partnership included students with disabilities and long-term conditions, academics in the School of Law and a Disability Advisor. Student partners and I ran a cohort-wide questionnaire and facilitated focus groups with disabled students to discover what has worked well for the academic year (2020/2021) with blended learning and where things could be improved. This work has provided a blueprint for those hoping to use blended learning to deliver accessible education for all.
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I was awarded an outstanding contribution to teaching and learning award for my work in this partnerhsip!
BLACKBOARD WORKING GROUP
I was invited to become a member of the Blackboard Working Group along with another student from the blended learning partnership. The working group was chaired by the School Director of Teaching and Learning. The purpose of the group was to consider student feedback on the look and layout of Blackboard and associated materials produced by the School of Law, in particular focusing on the needs of students with learning disabilities.
The aim was to produce a standard Blackboard front module page, and left-hand column contents and weekly outline plans. We met once a month until the go-live of the new Blackboard and associated materials had been approved for the academic year of 2021/2022. This went live from the Autumn Term in line with the new Blackboard Ultra implementation.
Something that I played a particularly strong part in was the implementation of weekly learning plans as this was something I had also brought up for discussion in the blended learning partnership. As a student with anxiety, I would sometimes get very confused and overwhelmed by what was expected of me each week. I was not the only student to feel this way. In the most recent academic year,s I can happily say that weekly learning plans have been incorporated into all modules!
LAW SCHOOL OPEN DAY AMBASSADOR
I have had the pleasure of representing the Law School on many open days for prospective students, both virtually and in person. Not only have I given multiple tours of the beautiful law school but I've spoken to many prospective students about how I've flourished at the University of Reading and why I chose to come here.