New Online Module Descriptor
Our new online module descriptor has now launched. This is the new way of:
- accessing and proposing new modules;
- proposing edits to current modules; and
- proposing withdrawal of a module..
You can access your online module descriptor(s) HERE, just click on the “Module Information” tab, then “Online Module Descriptor Process”.
Benefits
This development brings with it many benefits that have been requested by academic colleagues across the University. The benefits include:
- replacing paper and MS Word based forms with a consistent online approach;
- a simple to use interface for academics to access their module information at any time, develop, edit, save and propose changes for approval;
- reduced duplication of manual effort – just propose the change you want/create from other modules;
- visibility of all proposed changes and stage of approval; and
- a single repository of all definitive module descriptors being held in our student records system.
Support
The content of the module descriptor has not changed. The system is designed to be easy to use and based on user testing we expect that most staff will be able to access and use it with the online help available.
In case you do need some assistance, a Moodle module has been created to support you. There are links from the online dashboard and Quality Framework. If you have any queries the School Support quality teams will also be there to support. There will be drop in sessions held over the initial launch period and the need for these will be monitored. Look out on the quality pages or locally in the school for more information.
Future enhancements
This is one of several enhancements we aim to implement over the next academic year including an online Programme Specification and quality reports (module leader, Programme Leader, School Annual Report). Further information on these enhancements will follow in due course.
Feedback
If you have any queries or feedback please contact your School Support quality office, your DLTE quality contact or contact the improvement feedback email We will arrange an evaluation of the online module descriptor to inform further enhancements.
From 10 September 2018 we are launching the new way of accessing and proposing new, proposing edits to current and proposing withdrawal of a module all in one easy to use online dashboard.
This brings with it many benefits the key ones are:
Single repository of all definitive module descriptors being held in our student records system.
A simple to use interface for academics to access their module information at any time, develop, edit, save and propose changes for approval.
Reduced duplication manual effort- just propose change you want/create from other modules.
Visibility of all proposed changes and stage of approval.
The content of the module descriptor has not changed, and the system is designed to be easy to use so we expect that most staff will be able to access and use with the online help available.
To support with training/frequently asked questions a Moodle module is being created and will be accessed from the online dashboard or from the quality framework.
If you have any queries on current or new proposals, the school quality teams will be there to support, as usual, with the new process.
There will also be drop in sessions planned over the initial launch period and the ongoing need for these will be monitored.
If you have any queries please contact your school quality office, your DLTE quality contact or the improvement feedback email.
Check back here for updates or look out for further communication over the coming few weeks.
Background to this Project
We have been developing the online module descriptor to allow academic staff to create and amend modules.
Module Leaders will be able to use the interface to:
Why
The current system interface and module change processes are clunky, confusing and time consuming for academics and administrative staff.
One of the benefits to this new system is to provide a process to be as efficient as possible for academics who are required keep module information up to date. It removes the need to retain word copies of module descriptors and supports effective version control. Academics currently have to propose changes on a Word form and wait for these changes to be input to the system post approval manually by an administrative member of staff.
The online module descriptor will make academic and administrative staff lives easier and ensure module information is correct, up to date and easily accessible.
When
The System & Process will be launched for start of academic year (September 2018) – from the launch, no changes presented on word/paper versions will be accepted. Staff planning to undertake summer-work regarding module developments should be aware of this and should be in communication with colleagues in the School Support Service who support Quality around this transition.
A core team of school champions will be trained and support processes put in place for the end of August/ start of September.