What is a Learning Technologist?

As the University continues to enhance learning experiences with the use of cutting-edge digital technologies, it’s crucial that educators have support to call upon when integrating new methods and tools. 

That’s where Learning Technologists come in…

What is a Learning Technologist?

The Digital Education Enhancement (DEE) team has Learning Technologists (LTs) embedded into each faculty, helping educators design, deliver, and continuously improve their teaching.

As well as helping to ensure that students benefit from an outstanding educational experience, local LTs can offer expert advice, support, and training in the use of digital learning technology.

Whether you're exploring new digital tools, navigating Minerva, planning assessments, or just trying to make things work better for students, LTs are always on hand to assist.

Learning Technologists are firmly embedded within our faculties, where they’ve become trusted partners to educators and programme teams. They bring together pedagogy, technology, and practical know-how to help make learning more inclusive, engaging, and effective. Whether it’s supporting curriculum redesign, improving accessibility, or helping staff navigate emerging areas like generative AI, their impact has never been more important.

Phil Vincent, Head of Digital Education Enhancement & Design

DEE’s broader work is now routinely referenced in faculty strategic planning, and team members are sought-after collaborators for curriculum enhancement and innovation. 

Here are three ways that Learning Technologists have supported academics to improving learning experiences:

1. Designing inclusive learning

Feedback from working with Learning Technologists shows that teaching staff have increased confidence in applying digital approaches to design more inclusive learning.

DEE recently supported the use of MS Teams channels to capture student voice more consistently and equally on groupwork on a Climate Risk module.

Susanne Lorenz, Programme Lead for MSc Climate Futures, said: "This allows us to see/double check student's contributions in writing, even if they may seem less confident verbally, enabling us to provide fairer marks/feedback on individual contribution to group work."

Learning Technologists from the Digital Education Enhancement team have been nothing short of transformative for School of Geography. Their expertise and dedication have empowered staff at every level – from delivering comprehensive training on Generative AI and inclusive digital tools, to providing tailored, one-to-one support that guides course development from initial planning through to completion. They've helped to upskill academics who weren't confident teaching with digital tools such as Padlets and Vevox, while supporting pedagogic research in digital geographic education. Their impact is deeply felt and deeply appreciated.

Julie Peacock, Director of Student Education in Geography

2. Using digital assessment tools

Learning Technologist Lucy Bird recently supported the implementation of digital assessment tools in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Science.

Professor Johanna Steibert, School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science, said learning to use digital assessment tools had been a rewarding and worthwhile experience:

"I have enormously appreciated the hands-on, swift and constructive help from Lucy. It is fun but also daunting using new assessment methods – the competent and patient assistance made it possible. Thank you."

3. Trialling ‘flipped classroom’ approaches

Senior Learning Technologist Buena Galleposo provided training for the delivery of the MSc Climate Futures course, significantly improving pedagogical possibilities for students and staff.

Susanne Lorenz (Programme Lead) said:

"The Digital Education Enhancement team provided training on a 'flipped classroom' approach to the Programme Development Team on the MSc in Climate Futures. Not only did they reflect and provide knowledge on the pedagogy and value in terms of the learning experience of such an approach, but they also provided very specific technological guidance on how to support our recording and uploading of teaching material.

"They also ensured that the academic teaching staff were aware of the services offered at HELIX and suggested that they can provide technological help for us in preparing our recorded teaching material."

Top tips for Minerva

Learning Technologists in the faculty-based DEE teams have also advised on how to increase student engagement and satisfaction when using Minerva for teaching and assessment.

Take a look at the guidance on using the module template, copying content, and how to engage and interact.