Cheers to our L&T Comm-YOU-nity | 2023 in review

What a whirlwind of a year it has been! As 2023 comes to a close, we pause to reflect on the numerous milestones and events that have shaped our learning and teaching community over the past year.

Our year kicked off with an adventurous exploration into Generative AI, setting the foundation for a year rich in innovation and discovery. This theme continued throughout the year, with Navitas leaders and staff actively participating in the Australian Academic Integrity Network (AAIN) Forum and Australian International Education Conference (AIEC). We also launched our Student Success Playbook, a key initiative supporting the Student Retention and Success project. The year also included reflective discussions within our Communities of Practice, and we wrapped up the year with an engaging all-staff forum, offering a global perspective on Generative AI.

Navitas Impact Awards: Highlights

We proudly celebrated the dedication and achievements of staff within our learning and teaching community including:

• Ajay Karia from Curtin College, awarded the Life Changing Lens Award.
• UPA’s Learning and Teaching Services Team, recipients of the Ripple Effect Team Award.
• Angela Martin from the University of Canterbury International College, securing 3rd place in the Life Changing Lens Award.
• Maria Remiendo from La Trobe University Sydney Campus, finalist for the Care Factor award.

For the full list of Navitas Inspire Awards, click here (accessible to Navitas staff only).

Community Contributions

We extend a heartfelt thank you to those who generously shared their valuable insights throughout the year through co-leading Communities of Practice (CoPs), webinars and roundtable discussions, as well as contributing through L&T website articles, and sharing best practice in CoPs. 

• Leadership in Communities of Practice: We are grateful to UPA Academic Coordinators Co-Leads Maria Remiendo (LTUSC), Niva Kaspi (ECC), and Nicky Zaikis (SAIBT) for their leadership and dedication.
• Webinars and Roundtable Facilitation: Special thanks to Angela Martin (UCIC), Jonathan Brown (SIBT), Jason Cormick, Dr Melissa Walker, Ramesh Presser (LTCA); Les Hughes (Curtin College), Niva Kaspi, Robert Ellis (ECC) for co-delivering engaging and information sessions (for more information on these sessions, click here).
• A Year of Generative AI: We acknowledge all the presenters and participants in the Navitas Staff Forum: “A Year of Super-Accessible Generative AI in Higher Education” (for more information on the event, click here).
• L&T website articles: We appreciate contributions from Dr Saad Odeh (SIBT), Faiza Qureshi (Murdoch Dubai), Rajinder Kaur (ECC), Kate Nicholson (Deakin College), and Inez Chai (Griffith College). See full list of articles below.

Launching the Student Success Playbook

This year marked the launch of the Student Success Playbook, a significant achievement that reflects the innovative retention strategies of our colleges. The Playbook showcases evidence-based, best-practice that have enhanced student success. Featured case studies include:

• La Trobe College Australia’s Wellbeing Hub and the Puppies Assisting Wellbeing for Staff and Student (PAWSS) program, promoting mental health and wellbeing.
• SAIBT CELUSA‘s Student Mentoring Program, emphasising the value of peer support.
• Deakin College’s Streamlined Timetable Initiative, aimed at enhancing the academic experience.
• Griffith College’s Core Maths Skills Initiative, focusing on strengthening foundational math skills.

These initiatives highlight the diverse approaches to student support and engagement.

Navitas Advance HE Fellows

This year we celebrate the 200th Advance HE Fellowship awarded to Navitas educators! Congratulations to our new Navitas Advance HE Fellows, and a big thanks goes to all the Navitas Fellows acting as mentors, draft reviewers, and guest speakers in this year’s program, including Lili Zhang (UCC). Join our growing collaborative community of lifelong learners on Yammer (accessible to Navitas staff only) for more opportunities in the new year!

A Year of Learning and Teaching Insights at Navitas

We invite you to revisit the thought-provoking topics and discussions featured on our Learning & Teaching website from 2023.

• March: Exploring the implications of Generative AI in Higher Education
• May: Murdoch University Dubai Learning and Teaching Symposium 2023: Key Trends in Higher Education
• June: Harnessing the Power of Communities of Practice: Embracing Proactive Communication for Growth and Collaboration
• August: What does it really mean to be an Academic Coordinator?
• September: Nurturing Educators and Fostering Collaboration in the Evolving Landscape of Education
• September: Fostering Academic Integrity through Peer Mentoring Programs: An Examination of On-Campus ‘Influencers’ and ‘Intervenors’ at Griffith College
• October: Introducing the Student Success Playbook
• November: Navitas at the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) 203: Highlights and Reflections
• November: La Trobe College Australia student recognised as finalist in prestigious Study Melbourne award
• November: Insights from “A Year of Super-Accessible Generative AI in Higher Education: A Navitas Staff Forum”
• November: Celebrating our newest Navitas Advance HE Fellows (2023)

Looking Ahead

As we approach the new year, we invite contributions to the L&T website and the Student Success Playbook. If you are interested in co-leading a Community of Practice, and/or facilitating a webinar or roundtable discussion, please contact us at learningandteaching@navitas.com for support.

We wish to express our gratitude to every member of the Navitas community. We look forward to another year of growth, learning and collaboration at Navitas!

Feature photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash