The Centre for Educational Development (HPC)
The Centre for Educational Development (HPC) at Halmstad University is a unit that works to create conditions for students’ learning, qualitative education and teachers’ professional skills based on scientific higher education pedagogy.
About HPC
HPC works to support the quality of education by promoting teachers’ scientific approach to teaching, learning and career opportunities. We also contribute to innovative teaching and examination forms.
This is achieved, among other things, through higher education pedagogical training for employees, seminars in research supervision, pedagogical consultancy, support for pedagogical qualifications and ICT support for teachers. In this way, HPC creates the conditions for the University’s staff to participate in and help develop activities themselves that correspond to the University’s educational goals.
HPC works to support the quality of education by promoting teachers’ scientific approach to teaching, learning and career opportunities, as well as contributing to innovative teaching and examination forms.
Areas of work within HPC’s mission
We develop attractive educational environments where teachers’ pedagogical and didactic competency is stimulated. Our various competencies strengthen and develop the quality of the education, with the goal of bringing the University’s educational quality towards a vital educational environment.
Teacher competence development
Through various educational efforts, we offer creative didactic concepts, which can contribute to educational innovation and new working methods. HPC works actively to support the development of teachers’ teaching and assessment skills, as well as their pedagogical competency development.
University pedagogical/didactic development work
HPC contributes to in-depth knowledge in the field of higher education education via targeted development projects for the University’s teachers, which are carried out within the framework of the operational assignment.
Student-centred teaching
HPC works to offer the teachers at the University varied pedagogical methods that emphasise the importance of student involvement in their learning and that shift the teaching focus from the teacher to the student.
Strategic and systematic quality work
As part of the overall quality work at the University, we work with continuous follow-up, evaluation and development of pedagogical development efforts, as a basis for any future measures and as an integrated part in operational planning and operational management.
Educational qualifications
Halmstad University strives for research and education to be conducted so that both scientific and pedagogical skills are recognised. We strive for a high degree of formally qualified teachers. The University has introduced the title Excellent teacher as part of offering the opportunity for merit based on documented pedagogical skill.
Digitisation in teaching
Using ICT in teaching is a flexible way to teach, communicate and promote student learning regardless of whether it takes place on campus or remotely. HPC can inspire teachers to make full use of the resources available.
Courses and activities at HPC
HPC offers a number of different courses and activities within higher education pedagogy. The purpose is to meet the need for competence development that the university and the individual teacher have.
Qualifying courses in higher education pedagogy
Halmstad University offers two qualifying courses of 7.5 credits each, which are aimed at teachers and doctoral students at the University. The learning objectives follow SUHF’s recommendations. Both courses have a large element of blended learning and run at quarter speed (25% of full-time). In addition, qualifying remote modules corresponding to 2 credits per module are offered.
Learning and teaching in higher education I (7.5 credits)
The main content of the course concerns teachers’ ability to plan for teaching, as well as examine and evaluate research-related higher education, within their own area of knowledge.
Learning and teaching in higher education II (7.5 credits)
The main content of the course concerns teachers’ ability to reflect on students’ learning in higher education based on theory and research with relevance to educational science. In addition, a reflective approach to one’s own teaching role and basic value issues are touched upon.
Mini courses
- Supplemental instruction (SI)
- Supervising
- Rhetorics
Seminar series
The seminar series is a rewarding and inspiring arena where competent guests share their expertise. Examples of topics within the seminar series:
- Learning objectives
- Educational portfolio
- Clickers in teaching
- Blackboard
Workshops
Meetings with practical elements aimed at giving you support and inspiration in your work as a teacher. Examples of workshops:
- Blackboard related
- Educational qualifications
- Active student participation
- Broadened participation
Practical educational lunches
At a practical educational lunch, you get to listen to a colleague who shares experiences from their teaching practice, while you are treated to a lunch sandwich. During coffee, you are then invited to talk about and discuss the presentation.
Subject didactic competency development (on behalf of FUN)
On behalf of the research and education board, external lecturers are invited to offer inspiration. An arena for reflection and discussions about subject didactics.
Consultation
As a teacher, you can contact HPC for consultation regarding your teaching. HPC also offers support regarding evaluations and quality work at Halmstad University. For example, you can consult us about:
- Alternative examinations
- Grading criteria
- University didactics
- Active student participation
Study circle
Join the conversation: study circle in speaking in English.
Introduction to Blackboard
The introduction aims to inform new teachers about how Blackboard Learn works in interaction with other digital systems at Halmstad University. The introduction also includes the basics for getting started with designing workspaces (e.g. a course site) and using the tool. The introductory session takes approximately two hours.
Other courses
Courses organised based on the needs of the organisation/Schools.
Other activities
- Administration of introductory courses for doctoral students
- Administration of supervisor course for doctoral students
- Recording support in the recording studio
In order to be qualified to apply for a teaching position at Halmstad University, 10 weeks of higher education pedagogics (or equivalent) is required.
Resources
HPC offers several different tools to teachers at the University.
Recording studio
HPC provides a recording studio where teachers can create high-quality video recordings. To schedule a time for a tour and support during the recording, send an email to HPC.
Learning platform
Halmstad University uses Blackboard for web-based teaching and teaching support. There are many benefits to using Blackboard for campus courses, as a complement to traditional teaching, as well as for remote courses.
If you need help with Blackboard, send a case through Help desk. Please note that you need to state whether you need technical or educational support.
Zoom
Zoom is a video conference system that provides opportunities for virtual meeting rooms. The University has access to Zoom via Sunet.
This means that anyone who is employed at Halmstad University can create their own virtual meeting rooms and also record everything that happens in the Zoom room. You can then publish the recording in any way you wish.
Information and manuals can be found on the University's staffnet.
Kaltura
Kaltura is a video service that is closely integrated with Blackboard.
As a teacher, you can easily record yourself with your webcam, record your screen or upload an already recorded video directly from your course location in Blackboard. You become the sole owner of the video clip and only you can publish the clips. It is possible, though, for you to share the clips with other colleagues.
ICT in the education
Information and communication technology (ICT) entails using technology to search, produce and exchange information. Using ICT in teaching is a flexible way to teach, communicate and promote student learning regardless of whether it takes place on campus or remotely.
At Halmstad University, the ICT solutions that are mainly used are the video conference system Zoom, the learning platform Blackboard and Kaltura for video recordings.
Blackboard in teaching
Halmstad University uses Blackboard for web-based teaching and teaching support. Blackboard can be used both for campus courses as well as for remote courses.
The system works on both PC and Mac computers and supports several browsers such as Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome.
Blackboard is also available as an app for Android and iPhone. Download the Blackboard app and then search for Högskolan i Halmstad. The app only offers a limited number of functions.
Learn more about the Blackboard mobile app
External link, opens in new window.
Technical information
Current version of Blackboard:
Blackboard Learn 9.1 (Q2 2019)
