WINCHESTER RESIDENT -t16 Aug | Page 7

Upfront University launches new learning platform T HE University of Winchester has invested in a new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to improve students’ study experience both on and off campus. The Canvas VLE allows students to access online course materials, communicate with lecturers, submit coursework and receive feedback with ease – from any device at any time, wherever they are. The University is committed to delivering a superb teaching and learning experience. It is already ranked in the top four universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2015) and 10th for teaching excellence (The Times and The Sunday Times 2016 Good University Guide) in England. It is hoped that this new cloud-based www.residentmagazine.co.uk UPFRONT Resident Aug-Sep.indd 7 platform will build upon this by allowing students to take control of their own learning experience and drive their own development. Canvas is an intuitive open platform, compatible with mobile devices, which allows students and staff to connect easily outside scheduled lecture times. Dr Tim Meldrum, senior lecturer in entrepreneurship and innovation management at the Winchester Business School, said: “The use of Canvas on the MBA has already been an overwhelming success. Students love it and the staff who took the training think it’s much more appealing to use and more accessible.” Savannah King, president of Winchester Student Union, added: “With greater accessibility, and more tools available to staff and students, Canvas has the potential to have a hugely positive impact on students’ learning experience.” Staff are being trained to use Canvas throughout summer; it will be rolled out to 7,500 students from September. Resident 7 15/07/2016 11:24