Plans for Durham University to become a 'Technology-Enhanced Campus'

(News feature published in Durham University's Palatinate, 25/11/08)

Plans for Durham University to become a 'Technology-Enhanced Campus'

>>Most students feel that Durham University is lagging behind in the technology stakes. But is this accurate? Sophie Maden invesitgates.

DURHAM’S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Service has claimed that it is “miles ahead” in terms of technology, after unveiling a strategy to become a ‘Technology-Enhanced Campus’. This project is subject to governmental and research council funding, including £2.2million awarded by government initiatives for the University’s forward-thinking ideas, which could help put the University on the map as an innovator in technology to aid learning.

In the same week that a study published in the Institute for Public Policy Research claiming that UK Universities should be more advanced in their use of online technology, ITS have claimed that both their online infrastructure and future technology projects should help to place them amongst the top-ranking technologically able universities.

Improvements to DUO (Durham University Online) have this year included online student enrolment, the addition of personal blogs, personal podcast spaces, wikis, Google maps and various other new applications. ITS have also made an effort to simplify the site, to make it easier both for University staff to provide better teaching aids and for students to communicate more easily for group projects. This year will also be the first to allow Durham students to register for graduation online.

Further online learning could also be encouraged through proposals to make postgraduate student dissertations available to view online, which could be implemented as early as next term, and an institution-wide initiative to digitise thousands of academic books and make them available for online reference.

Alongside other universities such as Oxford and Loughborough, whose registration processes continue to be heavily paper-based, Durham also has plans to move registration online, with proposals due to be submitted in March 2009. It is hoped that this will speed up and simplify the long registration process, although factors such as requisites and concessions which are individual to each module would suggest that this process will not immediately be fully online based.

Other integral projects to the ‘Technology-Enhanced Campus’ initiative include an SMS based system which is being experimented with, which would enable University staff to contact students registered on the system via text message, with details of seminar cancellations or last minute room changes, for example. Once implemented, Durham would be the first UK University to use this system university-wide.

The ITS department have also written software which will allow a student’s PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) to access wireless hotspots and to receive individually structured information such as if new books relating to your modules have become available at the library, although this remains for the moment an experimental project.

Dr Liz Burd, Deputy Dean of Computer Sciences, said that Durham is “one of the world leaders in terms of research and learning spaces” with the addition of the Calman Learning Centre, completed last year. This suite incorporates a techno café and group facilities such as large plasma screens connected to laptops so that students can share images and documents with each other. Further improvements to the University Library have also taken place over the last three years, improving work spaces and installing more computers for quick email access, as well as a self-service borrowing system.

Although the vast majority of these technology features are situated on the Science Site, plans to relocate various departments onto the site over the next four years as part of the Gateway Project will ensure that more departments can take advantage of these learning spaces, which have earned the University recognition as a Centre of Excellence.

Despite the national focus upon online learning and technological teaching aids, some students feel that a depersonalisation of learning could have its drawbacks. Mike Lehan, JCR IT Officer at St Aidan’s College, said “I am primarily of the opinion that the most important tool in learning is the teacher. If everything we needed was on DUO coming to lectures or even university would be pointless. That is why despite how much I’d like to use a laptop in lectures I still end up with a pad of paper and a pen!”

Dr Liz Burd added that rather than seeking to remove the personal element of university learning, the ITS group are “looking at ways of improving learning inside and outside of the classroom in order to keep learning active”.

Well-wishers dig deep for brave little fighter

(Article written for and published in the Accrington Observer, http://www.accringtonobserver.co.uk/news/s/1051898_wellwishers_dig_deep_for_brave_little_fighter)

Well-wishers dig deep for brave little fighter
Sophie Maden 30/ 5/2008

A CHARITY event is to take place in Oswaldtwistle to raise money for a little girl who is fighting a battle against a critical illness.
Sixteen-month-old Madison Kennedy-Finglas suffers from rare Scimitar Syndrome, which causes a malformation of the lungs, and bronchomalacia, which causes the airways of the lungs to narrow and collapse while exhaling.
Madison, who has only seen her home in Sharples Street, Accrington, once, depends on a respirator at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool.
But her parents Lee Finglas and Danielle Kennedy, along with her big brother Dylan, are hoping to have her home soon providing her condition is stable.
Their lowest point came last spring when her parents were told by doctors that she did not have long to live. But the little battler pulled through the crisis and carried on fighting.
A whole host of entertainment will be on offer at Oswaldtwistle Conservative Club next Friday to raise money for the hospital which cares for Madison.
Two Accrington DJs have offered their services and will play a variety of music, including hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s along with soul. Local band BTS will also be performing and a raffle with prizes donated by Oswaldtwistle businesses will boost funds.
Linda Morris, who works at the Hyndburn Used Furniture Store, is organising the event to raise funds for Ronald MacDonald House at Alder Hey, which provides accommodation for families of patients so that they can stay close to their children.
Linda said: "I’ve known Madison’s grandma Colleen since we went to school.
"My own daughter was in intensive care briefly and I can’t imagine Madison’s family having to live with that every day. It must be a nightmare. Every day must be a challenge for them.
"I promised them I would get on my feet and do something and I’ve kept my promise."
Linda also hopes that if Madison is allowed home, the council will help her parents to find suitable accommodation and to supply her home with vital oxygen equipment.
She said: "Local businesses are really supporting us and Barclays Bank made a very generous offer to match what we raise.
"I’m hoping if the event goes well we could schedule a monthly soul night too, as there is nowhere to go in this area any more."
Denise Byrne, fund-raising administrator at Alder Hey, will travel from Liverpool for the event, which will run from 8pm to 2am. Tickets costing £2 are available at the Hyndburn Used Furniture Store, Unit 1, Fairfield Street, or you can call the store on 393784.

Blackburn Pupils Ready to Fly the Flag for Prince William

(Article written for and published in the Lancashire Telegraph, and online at http://www.blackburncitizen.co.uk/news/2255765.blackburn_pupils_ready_to_fly_flag_for_prince_william/)


Blackburn pupils ready to fly flag for Prince William
9:59am Thursday 8th May 2008
By Sophie Maden

PUPILS are busy making flags to give Prince William a right royal welcome.
Youngsters at St Aidan's Primary School, Mill Hill, Blackburn, have also been busy learning about the history of the Royal Family.
Acting head teacher Laura Pooles is hoping that the pupils are able to "show teamwork" which she believes to be "a very important part of the curriculum".
Staff and students are also hoping to write their own newspaper article about the visit.
The prince is coming to town to check on pupils' soccer skills in his role as president of the Football Association.
Mrs Pooles said that the visit would be "great publicity for the school, but the most important thing is that the children enjoy it and feel special for a day".
She added: "As you can imagine, there are lots of people who want to be present, so parents will have to watch from a community park close by."
Asked about her opinion of Prince William, she said "He is a very good role model.
"I have heard that he is a very pleasant young man, and we are looking forward to meeting him."
Hayley Probert, 11, is one of the children taking part in the coaching session being put on for the Prince. She said: "I am really excited about Prince William's visit. It will be a great opportunity to meet him; one I will never forget"
"I think the Prince will think that Blackburn is a great place and that St Aidan's school is a really good school to go to because we are all so friendly.
"I am really looking forward to meeting our future king," added Callum Clark, also aged 11.
FA Director of Football and former West Ham and England legend Sir Trevor Brooking, who will join Prince William at St Aidan's, said: "The Skills Programme is all about getting boys and girls enthused through positive encouragement and allowing them to express themselves with a ball.
"It's not about becoming a world-beater, it's about fun and improving your skills, whatever your level."

Not a Single Day off School in 11 Years

(Article written and published in the Accrington Observer, and online at http://www.accringtonobserver.co.uk/news/s/1049931_not_a_single_day_off_school_in_11_years)

Not a single day off school in 11 years
Kate Watkins and Sophie Maden 16/ 5/2008

TEENAGER Niall Gibson walked out of school for the last time on Wednesday as the proud holder of a remarkable record – never having missed a single day.
Niall, 16, had a perfect 100 per cent attendance record during his 11 years at St Nicholas’ Primary School in Church and then at St Christopher’s High School, Accrington.
He never had a single day off sick and was never taken out of school for a family holiday.
Niall, of Queens Road West, Accrington, said: "I’m just never ill.
"Actually I was ill once, but that was over the Christmas holidays."
His favourite class was geograph but after sitting his GCSEs he plans to start a plastering course this summer and possibly go on to work with his uncle.
He added: "I'm going to start work straight away but I might try to throw a sickie for a change if my uncle lets me get away with it!"
His parents, Alison and John, said getting Niall to school everyday had occasionally proved a bit of a challenge.
Alison said: "There have been days when he begged me to stay at home but I insisted he must go.
"He has gone to school feeling off but I always told him the school would send him home if he was really bad."
Accrington Stanley supporter Niall has a brother Callum, 17, and sister Grace 12, both of whom also have good attendance records.
Alison said: "We tell our kids that going to school is important. I always tell them they should get their education now while it’s free so they won’t have to pay for it later in life."
She added: "It's not something you hear about everyday, a child going right through school without being off sick, and we are really proud of him."
Niall, along with five other pupils who have had five years’ full attendance at St Christ-opher’s, will receive a prize at the school awards night in October.
A school spokeswoman said: "Niall’s perfect attendance throu-ghout his school career is a tremendous achievement.
"We wish him and all our other Year 11 pupils well in their GSCE examinations."

L'Art de Paris

(An article I wrote in Brioude, Auvergne, 28/09/07 for The Sanctuary, another student publication at Durham University)

I recently visited the magnificent city of Paris before travelling further south to begin my year abroad. During a brief, and what turned out to be a rather rainy break in the city, I was struck by the abundance of art in every corner of Paris.

Paris. Art. The two words are synonymous. Everything about Paris is artistic! My very first metro journey was accompanied by an accordion, which transported me to very Amélie-esque sentiments, and made me realise that for many Parisians, art and music are a way of life.

Every single busker I encountered was an accomplished musician, one lady in particular I remember playing the harp beautifully for passers-by. Having just spent a weekend in London, I couldn’t help comparing the two cities, and I’m afraid that in terms of art, aesthetics and a general ‘joie de vivre’, London just doesn’t compare.

One area I had been eager to visit was Monmarte, made famous by Henri de Toulouse-Laturec’s depictions of absinth fused visions and backstreet brothels, which were apparent from the moment I arrived. I also took the opportunity to take some very touristy photos of the Moulin Rouge, famed by Baz Lurhman’s musical extravaganza, although in the daylight it was less than “spectacular spectacular”.

However, having climbed a vast array of steps, I reached the cœur de Monmarte, a busy central square alive with art. Budding artists presented their Parisian landscapes and Eiffel Tower nightscapes, whilst others floated about offering to sketch portraits, a much greater souvenir than a rushed and simplistic caricature.

Whilst there I was lucky enough to catch the Salvador Dali exhibition, demonstrating thirty-five of his wackiest works. As an art history student I was a little disappointed not to see any of the works I had studied, but it was an excellent exhibition nonetheless. Particularly impressive were his models of elephants crossed with giraffes and his strange pieces of optical art. Dali was unquestionably a genius, although after encountering some of his pieces first-hand I’m unsure whether I agree with his claim that “the only difference between myself and a madman, is I’M NOT MAD!”

The next day I queued up with scores of others to visit the Louvre, and was surprised to find that the entrance was via a shopping centre. Its glass pyramids and grand architecture however did not disappoint, and I can only hope that the scores of other visitors were there for the same reason as me, and not simply crazed fans of the Da Vinci Code.

My only complaint about the Louvre, and probably a seemingly silly remark, is that it is far too big! I know I should appreciate the vast amount of masterpieces within its walls, but when you have only a day to see it all, it’s hard work! Unfortunately I also started in the wrong section, a collection of classical sculptures and artefacts, not my forte. I still managed to burn out my camera in this section, although it was the architecture of the building I found most photo-worthy.

The only piece of art which was signposted in the entire museum was Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. It was like the opening of Oxford Road’s Primark in that area, with crazed Japanese tourists taking their lives in their hands to get close to the piece. The museum had been forced to protect the work with a pane of glass and barriers due to the vast amount of attention it receives meaning that unfortunately I couldn’t see it closely. I still feel privileged to have seen it, despite its disappointingly small size. Far more powerful and impressive in my eyes were Daviid’s Oath of the Horatii and Liberty Leading the People, two pieces which I had been eager to see and which disappointed neither in size nor classical academic technique.

I was rather sad leaving Paris; as a country girl I was shocked at the impact the city had had upon me. I have never seen a city so alive with art, and it really made me realise that for many of the residents of Paris, art is not merely a visual pleasure which satisfies our desire to appear cultured, but a way of life.

Durham Student's Union: A Sad State of Affairs

(The full version of an article published in Palatinate, Durham University's student newspaper.)

A new Senior Management Team has recently been appointed at the DSU to help revitalise the long-suffering Union, and to create better facilities for Durham students.

The Student’s Union has suffered a number of problems in previous years, including financial debt, and other issues which are still affecting Dunelm House. Despite the continuing success of club nights such as Planet of Sound and Revolver, the Union is now becoming a less and less popular place for students to go during the daytime.

One reason the Union has lost popularity amongst students is the demise of the Riverside Café, which once sold hot food, fruit smoothies and Starbucks coffee, but is now a sorry collection of wonky tables, dim lighting and expensive coffee, at £1.85 for a latte.

Even Kingsgate, voted the Best Bar in Durham at the 2008 ‘Best Bar None Awards’, used to have a take-away pizza facility, which has never been replaced since its closure two years ago.

Despite the DSU website’s claim that “On average 3000 students a day come into the Union to make use of the various services that are based in Dunelm House”, the deteriorating appearance of the Union teamed with its poor facilities has seen it plummet in popularity, and is a far cry from the hive of activity it was two or three years ago.

The new Senior Management Team, including a new Commercial Services Manager, now wants to develop the Union and to improve student facilities. A strategy has been agreed for 2008-2010 to overhaul the Union in an effort to put it back as the hub of student activity. This includes plans to re-develop the Riverside Café in summer 2009, and to reintroduce catering facilities to provide snacks such as paninis in both the café and Kingsgate bar.

Even after these proposed long-term plans have been carried out, the DSU will still be a far cry from the array of facilities offered at other universities. Nottingham University’s Student Union, for example, even incorporates a fruit and vegetable market and a university book store.

Sue Sibley, the new Marketing Officer at the DSU, hopes to integrate more student input into the Union, possibly through student satisfaction surveys and focus groups, so that the Management Team can act according to the needs of Durham students.

She said: “The Union has undergone a long period of continuous upheaval, and the result of some poor decisions being taken several years ago is still reverberating in the DSU.”

“The DSU now needs to provide a social space for students: somewhere that people can come and have a drink or something to eat.”

The Management Team hopes from now on to keep students updated about changes at the Union, including details of the strategic plan, which aims to make the DSU the heart of the Durham campus.