Newsletter Issue 1 - Spring 2005

Spring 2005: Our First Edition

• Educational stories in the Media
• David Egan, evaluates the GTCW CPD programme
• Liz Browne, looks at the impact of the reforms to ITT
  
• Les Caul, Letters from Americans
  
• Development Grants
  
• In Conversation with... Professor Bart McGettrick
• ESCalate Spring Events
• Forthcoming External

ESCalate as the subject centre for Education goes from strength to strength! Still independent though now working within the new Higher Education Academy structure, our focus continues to be the support of individuals and departmental groups within Education. In relation to teaching and learning, curriculum enhancement and the dissemination of best practice, we have an increasing range of services to offer.

The Higher Education Academy and you.
Your HE institution contributes substantial funds to the Higher Education Academy and we want to be sure that we provide what you need. We are in the process of contacting all HE institutions to invite colleagues to participate in a local consultation, providing a platform for your voice to be heard. The named ESCalate contact person from your institution will be invited to the most convenient meeting for them so that we can get good feedback on what departments want.

Easier access to ESCalate Education resources.
Work on the new revamped ESCalate web site continues, focusing on improving access to resources through the use of more effective search facilities and links - such as sosig (Social Science Information Gateway) at http://www.sosig.ac.uk/

Getting involved.
We will soon be introducing a registration facility for online event booking and for subscribing to a range of resources. Plans for 2005 include a database and chat room for External Examiners, both current and aspirational! We also have plans to introduce a Creative Assessment Bank of activities. These and some other services, made possible through JISC funding, will operate in a password-protected area of the ESCalate site - so do sign up so that you can be fully involved.

We hope that as you read this you will find it stimulating and informative. Do let us know what works for you - and consider contributing. We would like to showcase innovative departments in future editions: are you in one? Do let us know!