Whether you’re new to teaching at MQ, an experienced teacher wanting some technology tips, or you’re ready to undertake some more structured professional learning – we’ll support you to achieve your teaching development goals with facilitated and self-paced programs, workshops and resources.
Bookmark this article for reference as it will be updated regularly.
What’s on in teaching development
Click on the headings below to reveal what is on offer for teaching development in 2023.
Facilitated programs and workshops
| Title | Description | How to access | Duration |
| Beginning to Teach Program (BTT) | BTT is an online program designed to develop the teaching capability of those with limited or no experience of university teaching. The program includes an opportunity for participants to plan, facilitate and evaluate a short (‘micro’) teaching session and receive peer feedback. | Read more about the BTT program and express your interest to participate. Next offered November, 2023. Dates: 31/10, 7/11, 14/11, 17/11 | Total participation time is 15 hours (includes 4 x 2-hour facilitated sessions) |
| Echo360 Universal Capture Workshop | Echo360 Universal Capture enables you to record screen captures and webcam footage from your own computer. Learn how to use the software to configure, record, edit and save recordings and then insert into iLearn. | Workshop will be held over Zoom. Register for 20 July 10.30am -12 noon Or there’s this self-paced Echo360 Universal Capture Workshop available anytime (via Workday) | 90 minutes |
| Feedback Studio and Rubrics workshop | Learn how to set up and use the features in Feedback Studio (including QuickMarks and Rubrics) to provide feedback to students. | Workshops will be held over Zoom. Register for 9 August 10.30-12noon Register for 23 August 10.30-12noon Or there’s this self-paced Feedback Studio module and this Rubrics Module available anytime (via Workday). | 90 minutes |
| iLearn Basics for Unit Convenors | This workshop provides a hand-on introduction to using iLearn: navigating, adding & editing content, posting announcements, using forums and the dialogue tool. | Workshops will be held over Zoom. Register for 11 July 9.30-11am Register for 19 July 10.30am-12 noon Or there’s this self-paced iLearn basics for Convenors module available anytime (via iLearn) | 90 minutes |
| iLearn Gradebook workshop | Learn how to utilise the functions of Gradebook to manage student grades and information in your iLearn unit. | Workshop will be held over Zoom. Register for 25 July 10-11.30am Or there’s this self-paced Gradebook module available anytime (via Workday) | 90 minutes |
| Teaching in iLearn for Tutors | This workshop provides an overview of iLearn, how to access student work online, use forums and make announcements. Ideal for casual academic tutors or teaching assistants who are not responsible for building or editing content but need to access student work in iLearn such as online assignments, quizzes and forums. | Workshop will be held over Zoom. Register for 1 August 10.30-12noon Or there’s this this self-paced module available anytime (via iLearn). | 90 minutes |
| Workshops on demand | If you have a group of 15 or more with a specific training requirement, related to learning and teaching at Macquarie, we can facilitate a targeted workshop. See below for topics available. | Contact: professional.learning@mq.edu.au |
Workshops on demand: View topics available
Contact professional.learning@mq.edu.au if you would like us to facilitate one of these workshops for your Department/Faculty.
| Workshop topic | Description |
| Active learning | The aims of the workshop(s) are to (i) raise awareness of active learning techniques, (ii) support teaching staff in finding practical solutions to their teaching ‘pain points’; (iii) create small communities of practice; (iv) support staff in implementing practical changes to their teaching. |
| Blended synchronous teaching | Teaching students on and off campus simultaneously using Zoom or Echo360? This workshop shares evidence–based resources and strategies for effective design and delivery of blended synchronous classes. |
| Evidencing your teaching practice | This workshop covers evidence, scholarship and reflection to demonstrate your teaching and leadership practices for multiple purposes including awards, fellowships and grants. |
| Feedback to students | This workshop focuses on providing impactful feedback to students. It is relevant to unit convenors as well as casual markers and aims to highlight practical solutions and extend teachers’ sustainable feedback repertoire. |
| iLearn refresher workshop | This workshop enables teaching teams to get customised help and guided support with iLearn, Echo360, Turnitin and Feedback Studio. |
| Rubrics | Interested in improving your rubrics or getting your students more engaged with rubrics? This workshop will take you through some ‘good practice’ in rubric creation and share rubric evaluation and ideas. |
| Zoom for teaching | Learn how to set up and work with – and in – Zoom for learning and teaching: practical tips and techniques, using basic Zoom functions, recommended set-up options, tweaking default options and how to make your Zoom teaching sessions more interactive and engaging |
Other possible topics include: peer review of teaching, articulating your philosophy of teaching, writing course and unit learning outcomes, curriculum design, online assessment, reflective teaching practice, and external standards for learning and teaching. Please contact us if you have other topic requests.
Self-paced professional learning: Access anytime
Go at your own pace with these learning modules and resources.
Some of these are accessible via Workday, Macquarie’s HR system – log in to Workday using your OneID and then look under ‘Topics’ to view all of the learning and teaching modules.
| Title | Description | How to access | Duration |
| Academic Integrity Module for Staff (Foundation) | An overview of academic integrity for teaching staff. | Via Workday | 45 minutes |
| Academic Integrity Module for Staff (Advanced) | This module is recommended for all staff who manage academic integrity matters. It covers: * Fostering a culture of academic integrity across the faculty * Assessment and academic integrity * Detecting breaches * Managing suspected breaches | Via Workday | 1 hour |
| Active Learning 1: A ‘starter pack’ | This module covers the basics for implementing active learning in your classroom: popular low-stakes techniques, key literature findings and practical tips on using MQ-supported technologies. | iLearn module | 45 minutes |
| Active Learning 2: Advanced | Explore advanced active learning techniques for your classroom. Find practical suggestions for tackling common issues with active learning. | iLearn module | 45 minutes |
| Design for PowerPoint | Explore effective presentation slide design for educators. Guidelines and examples demonstrate how presentation slides can be enhanced for professional, clear and engaged learning in face-to-face and online classes. | iLearn module | From 20 minutes up to 4 hours |
| Echo360 Universal Capture | Learn how to create, edit, upload and share your own recorded media using Echo360 Universal Capture software. | Via Workday | 35 minutes |
| Enhance your online presence (video series) | Get ready to present your best self for online teaching, whether you are running classes via Zoom or recording lectures. This series of short videos, called ‘Discover your voice’ and ‘Discover your online presence’, was created by an experienced voice coach. Also great for students creating online presentations or videos. | Discover your voice and online presence series | 5 minutes each |
| Feedback for student learning | Key principles for impactful feedback: what makes feedback impactful, what to include in feedback and how to structure it. Practical strategies for markers, teachers, and unit convenors. | iLearn Module | 20-60 minutes |
| Foundations for Inclusive Teaching | Enhance your awareness of student diversity and the policies and strategies for inclusive teaching at MQ. Extend your knowledge of inclusive teaching principles, scholarship and practices. Access resources to support MQ staff and student learning and wellbeing. | Access via Workday | 90 minutes |
| iLearn Basics for Unit Convenors | Introduces the basic features of iLearn you will need to use as a Unit Convenor. This self-paced module is equivalent to the face-to-face iLearn Basics for Unit Convenors workshop. | Register | 90 minutes |
| iLearn – Gradebook | Learn the features and functionality of the iLearn Gradebook. This training is equivalent to the face to face iLearn Gradebook workshop. | Register | 90 minutes |
| iLearn for tutors – teaching and grading in iLearn | An introduction for Tutors on the features you will use in iLearn. This self-paced module is equivalent to the face to face Teaching in iLearn for Tutors workshop. | Register | 40 minutes |
| Introduction to MQ’s Curriculum Management System (MQCMS) | For anyone needing to use or work with the MQCMS: what it’s used for, information flow, approval process, searching information, making unit or course amendments. | Access via Workday | 1 hour |
| Learning and Teaching Staff Induction Module | For new commencing MQ L&T staff. Get the rundown on all the important learning and teaching things you need to know when you first commence at Macquarie. Casual staff in FMHHS should complete this version. | Access via Workday | 35 minutes |
| Marking and giving feedback | A short Q&A activity to help staff marking and giving feedback for the first time. | Access activity | 5 minutes |
| Online Learning Design for Educators (Coursera for MQ specialisation) | Improve your online teaching skills: design, develop and deliver effective and engaging online learning experiences. There are 3 courses: 1: Online Education – the foundations of online teaching 2: Create video, audio & infographics for online learning 3: Online teaching – using Zoom to connect with learners. You can audit to view the materials, enrol in just 1 course, or complete all 3. | MQ staff can register for free via Coursera for MQ | 15 hours per course or 3-4 months to complete the full specialisation |
| Quick Guides for learning and teaching | Bite sized chunks of learning and teaching theory and practice – a quick read at just 1-A4 page each. | Quick Guides site | 5 min read |
| Technologies and tools: Quick guides on everything! | The Technologies and tools website has information and quick guides on all of the learning technologies and tools available to support learning and teaching. | Technologies and Tools Website | Various |
| Turnitin: Feedback Studio | Learn how to use the different features of Feedback Studio to provide students with assignment grades and feedback, including QuickMarks, general comments and a rubric. | Via Workday | 45 minutes |
| Turnitin: Rubrics | This module provides an overview of the different types of rubrics you can create in Turnitin, shows you how to create and share a rubric. | Via Workday | 30 minutes |
| Using iLearn and other learning technology and tools (workshops) | A series of specialised workshops to support all staff in using our learning technologies. Includes iLearn Basics, using Gradebook, Feedback Studio, Rubrics and Echo360. Targeted workshops for tutors and unit convenors. | Workshops on Teche Events | 90 minutes |
| Zoom for Teaching self-paced module | Learn how to set up and work with – and in – Zoom for learning and teaching: practical tips and techniques, using basic Zoom functions, recommended set-up options, tweaking default options and how to make your Zoom teaching sessions more interactive and engaging. | iLearn Module | 45 minutes |
External professional learning
| Title | Description | How to access | Duration |
| ANU Coffee Courses | Short self-paced courses run by the Australian National University covering topics in education technology, teaching online, digital tools, pedagogy, or trends in technology. | ANU Coffee Courses | 15 minutes per day over the week that the course is offered. |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education for Teachers | An online course for those wanting to increase their general understanding of AI, including how important it is for learners; and/or those who want to embed AI into their teaching practice and their students’ learning. Free for MQ staff. | On Coursera for MQ | 16 hours |
| Contemporary Approaches to University Teaching MOOC | A self-paced comprehensive teaching induction course which includes content developed by Macquarie University staff. | Enrolment link for S2 2023. | 2 hours per module |
| Contract cheating detection and deterrence (TEQSA Masterclass) | A free online, self-directed course to build your baseline knowledge about academic integrity issues and techniques and practices for deterring and detecting contract cheating. | TEQSA Masterclass link | 3 hours |
| Create video, audio and infographics for online learning | An online course for anyone interested in creating powerful and memorable learning experiences for learners. Free for MQ staff. | On Coursera for MQ | 20 hours |
| Disability Awareness | Free e-learning program offered by Disability Awareness – highlights the impact that societal attitudes and inherent stigma have on the lives of people with disability. | Disability Awareness e-Learning | 90 minutes |
| Online education: The foundations of online teaching | This course will help you to reimagine, redesign and optimise face-to-face offerings for the online environment so that learners feel connected, engaged and motivated to learn. It is one part of the Online Learning Design for Educators specialisation on Coursera for MQ. | On Coursera for MQ | 21 hours |
| Online teaching: Using Zoom to connect with learners | This course will explore Zoom functions relevant for teaching a live online class (e.g. class management tools, break-out room function, chat, screen-sharing and the poll function) so you can feel confident designing and delivering a live Zoom class. It is one part of the Online Learning Design for Educators specialisation on Coursera for MQ. | On Coursera for MQ | 17 hours |
| Transforming Assessment webinar series | Exploring assessment in higher education with a particular focus on use of technology to enhance the assessment of student learning. View over 100 recordings of past events from 2010 onwards or join upcoming events. | Transforming assessment website | Webinar duration 1 hour |
| Universal Design for Learning in Tertiary Education | Focuses on designing, developing and implementing UDL within your teaching practice. Free module made available to MQ by Disability Awareness. Access via MQ Workday. | Universal Design for Learning | 90-120 minutes |
| Writing techniques for Advance HE Fellowship | Examine your teaching philosophy, master key writing techniques and discover how to avoid common pitfalls when applying for fellowship in this free online course offered through Metron College. | Advance HE writing techniques | |
| Coursera for MQ | Macquarie staff have free access to Macquarie created courses on the Coursera platform. Create an account using your Macquarie email address. Explore what’s available! | Coursera for MQ | Various |
| Linked in Learning | All staff (and students) have access to the LinkedIn video library of courses. | LinkedIn Learning for MQ | Various |
Observe teaching live and in action
Experienced and dedicated MQ teaching staff are opening up the door to their classroom in Open for Observation, a peer observation of teaching program, providing you with a unique opportunity to observe one of their classes.
Opportunities to participate in Open for Observation for Session 2 coming soon.
Teaching in 1CC Central Courtyard spaces
Teaching in 1CC for the first time?
If you are teaching in 1CC for the first time, then this TECHE article will get you up speed on using the technology in 1CC teaching spaces with information about using the touch panel to control the technology, things to know before your first class, and what to expect in the rooms.
Teaching in-class students and online students at the same time in 1CC?
This TECHE article covers everything you need to know to get set up for teaching via Zoom in 1CC. It includes a Quick Start Guide, teaching tips and troubleshooting guide.
Join a Community of Practice
There are some great opportunities for you to engage with like-minded colleagues. Why not join one of these Communities of Practice groups:
- Learning and Teaching Podcast Discussion Club – like a book club, but for podcasts!
- Learning and Teaching SWAT Team – a network for all learning designers and learning and teaching support staff.
- Teaching and Leadership Community of Practice – shape how we lead learning and teaching at MQ.
- Learning Technology Research Cluster Group – exchange ideas and share information about research into learning technologies.
Teaching Development resources
Access our curated (and growing!) repository of resources that will support you in your teaching development.
We have created a teaching development resources site to bring together useful articles, guidance documents, tips, and links that underpin the Professional Learning and Capability Enhancement (PLaCE) framework. The site is designed to make it easy for learning and teaching staff to locate relevant information to use for planning and achieving their personal and professional goals.
Resources have been organised for you to search and find resources under the five PLaCE domains of educational practice:
- Learning and teaching scholarship in higher education
- Student learning and support
- Curriculum and assessment
- Reflection and feedback on practice
- Developing self and others
On TECHE: Teaching development articles
You might be interested in these series of articles relevant for teaching development from Macquarie’s learning and teaching blog:
- ABCs of Pedagogy – using scholarly language to describe learning and teaching practice.
- Spotlight on Practice – Macquarie teachers talking about how they teach, and why.
- Over a Cuppa: prompts to reflect on learning and teaching – prompting you to reflect on your own learning and teaching.
Find your PLaCE persona to access teaching development offerings and resources relevant for you.
Click on the Persona activity image (right) to start. Choose the Persona that best describes you. You will then see a couple of developmental capabilities from the Professional Learning & Capability Enhancement (PLaCE) Framework that are relevant to the selected role. There are suggestions for targeted professional development resources, programs and/or communities of practice to support you in achieving those capabilities. You may find that your specific role crosses over with more than just one of the personas, in which case we invite you to look at other Personas.
Coming soon…
The Learning and Teaching Staff Development Team is offering, and supporting Faculties to offer, professional learning programs and resources for teaching, with lots more under development. Soon to be released are:
- Online module on teaching neurodiverse students
- A module for Unit Convenors
- Support for Course Reaccreditation and Unit Reviews
As further resources become available they will be announced via the TECHE blog. Ensure you don’t miss out by subscribing to the TECHE highlights newsletter.
These professional learning for teaching development offerings align with the Professional Learning and Capability Enhancement (PLaCE) Framework and have been guided by the objectives of the University Operating Plan and faculty learning and teaching support priorities.
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