Poster Abstract

1. Learn something new in 20 minutes: bite-size sessions for research,
teaching and collaboration
Andy Tattersall, University of Sheffield, a.tattersall@sheffield.ac.uk
Jenny Freeman, University of Sheffield, j.v.freeman@sheffield.ac.uk
Claire Beecroft, University of Sheffield, c.beecroft@sheffield.ac.uk
Ursula Potgieter, University of Sheffield, u.potgieter@sheffield.ac.uk
Nowadays the environment in universities and other large knowledge organisations is
increasingly pressurised with busy staff finding it increasingly difficult to make time
for training, even when it might enhance their role and enable them to work more
efficiently. We have pioneered an innovative, minimal-cost solution that encourages
staff to engage with new technologies that could enhance their potential as researchers
and their abilities as lecturers, as well as increase the skills-base of support staff. It is
based on one very simple idea, that whilst individuals may not be able to spend hours
training, they can spare 20 minutes during the mid-afternoon for a quick coffee break.
We give a weekly 20 minute presentation using a variety of technologies such as
Prezi, videos and voting tools for interactive demonstrations, along with an optional
10 minutes for questions and discussion. As an added incentive we provide free
cakes! The ‘Bite-sized’ sessions have been designed to cover various topics relating to
teaching and research practice, with a strong emphasis on web 2.0 and emerging
technologies and innovations. Bite-Size actively seeks out sustainable technologies
that can address staff needs and solve organisational problems usually for no cost.
Topics so far have included Google Docs, social networks, rss, the use of the Social
Web to promote research, and the use of electronic voting systems in lectures. The
sessions act as both a demonstration and a signpost to further resources- they are very
much about planting seeds and ideas.
The poster will explain the key ingredients that make up Bite-Size, the structure and
format of the sessions, the content that has been covered to date and the target
audience. In addition we will present research that we have undertaken to evaluate the
Bite-Size sessions and discuss its future direction including podcasting sessions and
new topic areas.