Higher education IT departments face a critical challenge: efficiently onboarding new student employees with limited time while ensuring accessibility and engagement. This presentation introduces a practical approach to training using Arcade Software, combining microlearning principles and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines. Arcade is an interactive demo platform that allows users to create engaging, personalized product demonstrations quickly and easily, requiring no coding skills. We'll showcase how this method tackles common issues such as time constraints, information overload, and the need for accessible, engaging content.
Communication, though an integral part of life, can be a weird phenomenon for many. Some find it easy to voice their concerns and opinions in such fluidity that it can only be described as second nature. Alternatively, others will find it difficult, often bottling up the things bothering them until they reach their breaking point. In the workplace, actions like this can lead to deeper issues, such as frustration, disengagement, and ultimately, the deciding factor for an employee to leave the company. In this presentation, I aim to explore communication styles in various aspects of the work environment through the lens of the beloved Australian kids’ show, Bluey. I will be delving into helpful communication tips with peers, managers, and other departmental/end-user interactions while referencing lessons taught throughout the show. The presentation aims to be fun and educational, all in the same beat. Together, we will explore the dynamic between characters of the show, how they communicate with each other to solve problems collaboratively, how active listening is portrayed throughout conversations, navigating specific topics, and bringing it back to how this mimics interactions in the workplace. There are many examples throughout the series in which talking things through has helped clear up situations, providing a better understanding so that both parties can move forward. For example, in the episode “Wagon Ride,” the kids, Bluey and Bingo, along with their dad, Bandit, are all heading to the park. On the way, Bandit runs into another dad, Rocko, and they stop to have a conversation, pausing their trip to the park. As the dads talk, this delay upsets Bluey, causing frustration, interruptions in Bandit’s conversation, and unexpected outbursts. Bandit addresses the frustration that both of their actions have caused one another and together they create an action plan to avoid frustration in the future. Effectively communicating allows open dialogue and aids in resolving interpersonal situations, as well as bringing opportunities for learning and collaboration. With Bluey as our guide, we are reminded of the value of open and honest communication and its application in the workplace - not only will everyone feel as if their voices are being heard, but they will feel as if, no matter what, there will always be a way forward.
Throughout the changing landscape of Higher Education, the models for student and classroom support have drastically changed over the past five years. One of those major changes is how we provide supports in the technical sphere, specifically with changed staffing models. One such model eliminated the specialized support technician as dedicated classroom support in lieu of a generalized support staff which not only covered IT and Media Services, but also testing, tutoring and library support. Due to this change, there was an influx of support staff serving as technicians in non-technical roles.
This presentation covers the process for training these non-technical staff into their technical roles to provide support equal to the specialized staff of years past. Topics covered would be how a training plan was developed utilizing staff knowledge-gap surveys, specific training plans, individualized training plans (from both internal and external sources) and industry certifications. Finally, it would cover the ongoing planning for assimilating new staff, as well as how to continuously check that skills remain up to date.
