Forget the tech – in the new normal, let’s focus on human beingsThe key to making learning effective, now and in the post-pandemic world, is focusing on motivation, says Grace McCarthyGrace McCarthyUniversity of Wollongong
UK universities have their heads in the sand on student addictionIsolation and shame pose big risks to recovery from addiction problems, yet on-campus support programmes are rare in the UK, say Suzi Gage and Shahroo IzadiSuzi Gage, Shahroo IzadiUniversity of Liverpool
Creating a virtual research centre ecosystem using Microsoft Teams To the busy academic, it may seem like yet another system to learn. But Amy Conley Wright and Betty Luu explain how a team-working platform can aid communication long after the pandemicAmy Conley Wright, Betty LuuUniversity of Sydney
Equal research partnerships are a myth – but we can change thatThe movement for decolonising universities should also be applied to research ‘partnerships’ and their unequal balance of power, say Faith Mkwananzi and Melis CinFaith Mkwananzi , Melis CinUniversity of the Free State, Lancaster University
Want to get on in research? You need to manage people effectivelyFrom supervisors to friends and family, the key to success is organising the people around you, says Ellie KingEllie KingThe University of Warwick
How higher education can do better at developing skills for the workplace Universities must do more to nurture enduring skills that can be transferred across different contexts such as critical thinking, problem-solving and communication, says Ben Nelson Ben NelsonZayed University
How AI and chatbots can deliver personalised career planningThe development of careers chatbots could be considered a threat to guidance practitioners, but the reverse is true, says Caroline TolondCaroline TolondArden University
Serious play: building knowledge with Lego bricks Using Lego blocks to aid brainstorming has migrated from boardrooms into university classrooms. This guide explores how to get the most out of it in your teaching – whether virtual or on campus Caitlin Kight, Holly HendersonThe University of Exeter
Obliterating the academic calendar is the easy partMore money for US community colleges and new thinking on semester lengths must be accompanied by cohesive pathways to degrees, say Karen A. Stout and Tom ShaverKaren A. Stout, Tom ShaverAchieving the Dream, Ad Astra Information Systems
There are so many reasons why EDI is not the answerIf we wish to transform our institutions, we must see EDI not as an end but as a tool to start recognising the power that feeds oppressive structures, says Manvir GrewalManvir GrewalUniversity of Westminster
Challenging Islamophobia across higher educationIbtihal Ramadan explains why Islamophobia remains absent from many universities’ efforts to tackle racism and what steps can be taken to address the problem at an institutional and individual levelIbtihal RamadanSwansea University
There’s no room for complacency: act now to improve digital inclusion Sue Bennett outlines a call to action for academics and institutions to recognise inequalities in access to, and proficiency with, technology among students and to help extend digital inclusion to all Sue BennettUniversity of Wollongong
Authentic leadership isn’t new – but we need it more than ever in higher educationFor leadership to be effective, we need to understand our own limitations and listen to others to learn how to overcome them, say Sarah Jones and Alasdair BlairSarah Jones, Alasdair BlairDe Montfort University
Embedding social impact considerations into business programmes Ridhima Aggarwal shares effective strategies for fostering a deep understanding of how business and society are interlinked and embedding social impact considerations within business school teaching Ridhima Aggarwal INSEAD
We can make research more ethical without compromising its qualityThe debate on the ethics of randomised control trials isn’t getting us anywhere – it’s time for solutions, says Stefano CariaStefano CariaThe University of Warwick
Demystifying impact: a glossary of key terms The extensive terminology surrounding research ‘impact’ can be confusing for those new to it. To help, Alex Smith and Laura Tucker have compiled a glossary of the most common termsAlex Smith, Laura TuckerVertigo Ventures
It’s our duty to teach more inclusively − online, in person or hybridStudents want to be seen, heard and valued, and there are many ways to include them while fostering equitable learning outcomes, says Flower DarbyFlower DarbyNorthern Arizona University
Creating opportunities to enhance student employability onlineWorking online presents opportunities for students to develop their employability in the digital space. Ruth Donnelly lists how remote programmes can prepare them for the changing workplace Ruth DonnellyThe University of Edinburgh
Online CPD is one pandemic innovation worth fighting forLet’s not waste this opportunity to make development broader and more inclusive using the lessons of the past 18 months, says Chris HeadleandChris HeadleandUniversity of Lincoln
Developing flexible lifelong learning in line with changing needs and opportunities Jonathan Michie shares insight to help institutions develop lifelong learning strategies that meet the need for flexible and relevant educational programmes Jonathan MichieUniversity of Oxford
Covid as a catalyst: deepening lifelong learning Miriam Green and Susanna Leong share key considerations for universities to develop effective lifelong learning programmes that will keep pace with the rapid changes across higher education Miriam Jacqueline Green, Susanna HS LeongNational University of Singapore
The shift online could set digital learning back by yearsThe digital tools used during the pandemic may help address access and scale, but they do little to help students actually learn, says Tom AdamsTom AdamsQuantic School of Business and Technology
A model for developing global expertise in blended learningDaniella Bo Ya Hu outlines a framework for building expertise in blended learning using lessons in capacity development, staff incentivisation and leadership learned from an international pilot training programmeDaniella Bo Ya HuThe Association of Commonwealth Universities
HE needs to follow tech companies’ lead and go ‘agile’Universities need shorter cycles of learning and credentialing, such as eight-week academic terms and quick, stackable certificates, says Tom MonahanTom MonahanDeVry University
Broccoli and birdsong: the shifty discourse of ‘staff well-being’When institutions put responsibility for wellness onto individuals, they also deflect their role in staff burnout and mental ill health, writes Madeleine Davies Madeleine DaviesUniversity of Reading
Designing back from the future: building scenarios to engage students with global challenges Anke Schwittay shows how design methods such as scenario building can help students think creatively about diverse challenges and imagine responses to them Anke SchwittayUniversity of Sussex
Eight ways your university can make research culture more openParveen Yaqoob and Robert Darby share eight actions institutions can take to foster a culture of research that is more accessible, transparent and reproducibleParveen Yaqoob, Robert DarbyUniversity of Reading
How to ensure your mentorship programme isn’t one of the (many) bad onesStructured mentorship programmes offer a non-judgemental setting in which to ask those pesky questions whose answers shape careers, says Lia Paola ZambettiLia Paola ZambettiUniversity of Sydney
Enhance your research through public engagement and collaboration How can academics shape research around mutually beneficial public engagement and collaboration? Emily Burns outlines the key considerations Emily BurnsQueen Mary University of London
Want to tear students from their phones? Learn their namesHolding students’ attention in a world of digital distractions is tough, but James Lang explains why remembering and using their names can make the task less herculeanJames M. LangAssumption University
Listen to this! Using podcasts for online learning Emily O’Reilly explains why and how to use educational podcasts to supplement your online teaching Emily O'ReillyThe University of Edinburgh
Displaced workers deserve more than short-termism from universitiesInstitutions must stop and think before helping reshape the career trajectories of millions of workers, says Gangaram SinghGangaram SinghNational University
Decolonising the curriculum – how do I get started? Rowena Arshad provides pointers for any teaching academics considering how to get started on decolonising their curriculum Rowena ArshadThe University of Edinburgh
Leaders: how to build community and trust during a crisisCharles Egbu, vice-chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, reflects on five key lessons he learned while taking the helm during the pandemicCharles EgbuLeeds Trinity University
Fake news, educated views and how-tos: social media for teaching and research Terese Bird shares her ideas on how to use some of the most popular social media platforms to support your teaching and researchTerese BirdUniversity of Leicester
The UK must act now to preserve its reputation internationallyThe figures show that the UK is slowly losing its appeal to overseas students, but what can be done about it? asks Vivienne SternVivienne SternUniversities UK International
Innovative approaches to transnational education Vangelis Tsiligiris outlines the key areas for innovation in the design and delivery of transnational education based on changing needs and developments in the global higher education landscape Vangelis TsiligirisNottingham Trent University
Taking the shock out of culture shock: helping international students navigate transitions, part oneInga Ackermann outlines what steps institutions can take to prepare international students for the potential culture shock they may experience on arrival at their new universityInga Ackermann The University of Edinburgh
Leaks and holes: beyond the pipeline versus process debate on diversityA pipeline does exist in higher ed, but process and structural violence in education writ large keep puncturing the pipe, says Pardis MahdaviPardis MahdaviArizona State University
Bringing international and intercultural dimensions into your programmesJeanine Gregersen-Hermans and Karen M. Lauridsen address how educators may create an internationalised learning experience for all students by including global and intercultural dimensions in curriculum design and delivery Jeanine Gregersen-Hermans, Karen M. LauridsenZuyd University, Aarhus University, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
How a community of practice can foster virtual collaboration Eugene Schulz and Dagmar Willems share insights and takeaway lessons from creating a community of practice for higher education instructors to develop virtual exchanges with international partnersEugene Schulz, Dagmar WillemsGerman Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
If we want non-traditional results, we need non-traditional approachesWe must listen to − and respect − the needs and aspirations of learners as they are, not as we wish them to be, say Gregory Fowler and Kate SmithGregory Fowler, Kate SmithUniversity of Maryland Global Campus, Rio Salado College
Engaging with the world from your home classroom: tips for internationalising the curriculum Tanja Reiffenrath shares advice on giving curricula an international dimension that helps students develop global perspectives Tanja Reiffenrath University of Göttingen
The dos and don’ts for setting up an international campus Tobias Kliem offers insight on what to prioritise and what to avoid when setting up a branch campus overseas Tobias Kliem Arden University
Top tips for developing an effective virtual exchange programme Justine Seran and Randall Reinhard offer guidance on building a virtual exchange programme to provide flexible international learning opportunities for students who cannot travel abroadJustine Seran, Randall ReinhardThe University of Edinburgh
University leaders need to demonstrate an adaptive mindsetWith huge change ahead, leaders must be brave and accept that the right decisions may not always deliver the best spreadsheet results, say Alasdair Blair and Sarah JonesAlasdair Blair, Sarah JonesDe Montfort University
Designing ‘knowledge checker’ quizzes that motivate students to review feedback and revise learning Jonathan Sim advises on designing regular quizzes as a tool to ensure students review their assignment feedback and address gaps in their understanding Jonathan SimNational University of Singapore
Stay in the frame: how to persuade students to keep cameras on in lessonsPaul Moss shares advice on how to convince students that making themselves visible during online classes is in their own interest and will aid learning outcomesPaul MossAdelaide University
What is the purpose of a university lecture?We must continue to question the true role of the lecture and how lecture recordings fit in to the effective delivery of higher education, says Jill MacKayJill MacKayThe University of Edinburgh
Mental health support for international students: five key stepsFrank Haber explains what support mechanisms universities must put in place to protect international students’ mental health Frank HaberOldenburg University, Constructor University