Services and Resources

Services and Resources Header


vUWS Sessions

The Learning Futures Portfolio is providing support for academics teaching online during the period of social distancing through online workshops and consultations. These workshops will be conducted via Zoom or Collaborate Ultra and facilitated by a Learning Futures staff member.

Please visit our Learning Futures Support for Online Teaching, Learning, and Assessment web page to access Learning Futures workshops and resources for online teaching, learning, and assessment.

How to access

You will soon be able to register for all workshops through My Career in Staff Online (opens in a new window) in the interim, please email dft@westernsydney.edu.au with training date and workshop you would like to attend.
Zoom meeting link (opens in a new window) for all training sessions.
Queries can also be sent to us via email: dft@westernsydney.edu.au

Training Dates

vUWS Orientation Training - Provides a quick overview of vUWS site and how it works

  • Check back later for more dates

The Zoom link for all sessions is https://zoom.us/j/2744469486

vUWS Training - Topics include, Groups, Turnitin/Rubric, Quizzes.

  • Turnitin: Tuesday - 31 March 2020 at 2:00 pm

For all Workshops staff must bring their own instructor site and four test students. Details on how to do this can be found on Staff Online (opens in a new window) when you register.

Example Scenarios

  • Get a quick refresher on certain aspects of vUWS (e.g. Creating Quizzes)

vUWS Support and Contact

MyIT portal has a range of knowledge articles to help with common vUWS queries.

A Digital Futures vUWS support page is available for all your vUWS information needs. It contains step-by-step instructions on all topics to do with using vUWS, from requesting the site through to finalising the submission of grades. Suggestions for future topics are always welcome.

More information can also be found on the Blackboard support site (opens in a new window)

How to access

ITDS Service Desk:
Phone: (02) 9852 5111
Email: itservicedesk@westernsydney.edu.au
MyIT Portal site (opens in a new window)

Queries can also be sent to us via email: dft@westernsydney.edu.au

vUWS Self Help:

Example Scenarios

WOS Studios

Western One Stop Studio is a custom-built lecture pod capture system designed to assist staff in making simple, high quality video pods. It’s been designed in-house by our team. Many academics have already used these facilities. The website link is the central resource for WOS Studio locations, bookings and support material.  Once you’ve recorded your video, our team will edit it and provide it back to you ready to upload to your vUWS site etc.

How to access

Visit the WOS site (opens in a new window) to make your booking.

Queries can also be sent to us via email: dft@westernsydney.edu.au

Example Scenarios

  • Record a welcome video
  • Record lecture pods
  • Voice-over to a PowerPoint presentation

Technology Enabled Learning

  • Academic resources for developing online content
  • Examples of prior Learning Futures work
  • Advice on best practice
  • Quality Matters (international standard for online learning)

How to access

TEL website (opens in a new window)

Queries can also be sent to us via email: dft@westernsydney.edu.au

Example Scenarios

  • See what's possible with online learning
  • Access tools to help you design your vUWS site

Cortex - the new vUWS template

  • Overview of migration process
  • Academic resources (checklist, information documents, etc.)

How to access

Cortex website (opens in a new window)

Queries can also be sent to us via email: dft@westernsydney.edu.au

Training Dates

In order to assist staff with transitioning to this updated vUWS interface, Learning Futures will be hosting Zoom Training Sessions on the following dates:

  • Check back later for more dates

The Zoom link for all workshops is https://zoom.us/j/2744469486

Example Scenarios

  • Your unit is being migrated to Cortex
  • You've requested a new vUWS site and have been given a Cortex site

Project Support and Digital Consultancy

Our Digital Consultants (DCs) are the primary liaison between Learning Futures and Schools for technology enabled learning projects and initiatives. The DCs work collaboratively with school academic staff (Deputy Deans, School Managers, DAPs) to identify opportunities and analyse and scope requirements for advancing technology enabled learning practices and environments. They are also responsible for presenting potential projects and initiatives to the Learning Futures senior leadership team, as well as overseeing and reporting on a portfolio of projects and initiatives.

How to access

Contact person:

Kim Heckenberg
Senior Digital Consultant (GRS)
k.heckenberg@westernsydney.edu.au

Rhoda O’Higgins - Health and Medicine
Digital Consultant (SoHS, SoM, SoNM, SoP)
r.o'higgins@westernsydney.edu.au

Sinead Brennan - Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Digital Consultant (SoBUS, SoED, SoHCA, SoL, SoSS)
s.brennan@westernsydney.edu.au

Forrest Duxbury - Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering
Digital Consultant (SoBE, SoCDMS, SoEN, SoSC)
f.duxbury@westernsydney.edu.au

Queries can also be sent to us via email: dft@westernsydney.edu.au

Example Scenarios

  • Require support to design/redesign/enhance online unit material
  • Would like interactive or content enhanced elements created for your vUWS site
  • Would like to engage Learning Futures on a new project within the school (e.g. learning analytics, Rich Media video production)