TECHE is Macquarie University’s Learning and Teaching (L&T) community blog – and it’s well known for being an informed, real-world and ‘for the people, by the people’ channel.  Here’s our latest round up of recent TECHE highlights.

As we are coming to the end of the year, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the year that’s been and start thinking about the new academic year ahead. There are several initiatives that will come to fruition in 2022 and these are highlighted below.  Staff in our faculties play an important role with their contributions to TECHE and we highlight two posts that we have recently published from colleagues in Arts and Business.

• Online learning standards and the iLearn template – a standardised iLearn template for all units is coming in Session 1 2022. 
• Peer review of teaching – a pilot will commence in Session 1 2022 with a small number of volunteers.
• Curriculum Life cycle Framework and Unit Monitoring – Professor Sean Brawley, PVC (Programs and pathways) provides an update on the new Unit Monitoring, Grade Ratification and Periodic Review process.  
• AV upgrades are coming to the Central Courtyard teaching spaces– learn more about the enhancements planned for Session 1 2022. 
• Teaching for all: a forum to share inclusive teaching practices– register for this event taking place on 10 February 2022, 10am-2pm on how we can be more inclusive for students.
• MQBS engages students by running Ask Us Anything sessions – Lurion De Mello explains how he has been engaging students on Friday afternoons.  
• Spotlight on Practice: What’s lost – and found – when teaching online – Dr Sarah Powell from the School of Education reflects on the exhilarating and exhausting experience of teaching music education online. 
• Reflections on 2021 and thinking ahead to 2022– learning and teaching leaders reflect on the past year and share their plans for the new year ahead.  
• Wrapping up a lively year for the teaching and leadership community– learn how this community of practice collaborates to support teaching and teachers.  

The TECHE fortnightly highlights email will be “on holiday” during December and January and will recommence on 31 January 2022. Articles will continue to be published on the TECHE blog (though not as frequently). The TECHE team wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.