Birds of a Feather sessions

Birds of a feather stick together – An opportunity to discuss topical issues with colleagues. Each session will be facilitated, and notes taken for wider discussion within the CIS community.

The topics for discussion this year (each session to be run twice):

Mobile everything
Facilitator:  Lee Stott, University of Manchester
 A discussion of strategies for delivering mobile services, potential benefits and issues. Join us for an opportunity to hear from managers and users putting mobility into practice across a wide array of applications. We’ll examine what works, what doesn’t, and what key requirements have been identified for the next generation of applications. We’ll also explore cost issues and how to make the best decisions regarding the marriage of applications and mobility.

 Notes

Flexible service delivery
Facilitator: John Townsend, Liverpool John Moores University
What is it, why would you want it, how might you go about getting it, and where do Enterprise Architecture and SOA fit in? John Townsend is Director of Corporate Information Systems at LJMU and a member of the JISC Flexible Service Delivery Programme Steering Group. 

 Notes   Blog  Blog

VLE
Facilitator:  Lindsey Martin, Edge Hill University
VLE’s are like Marmite – loved and hated in equal measure.  However, the VLE is increasingly seen as a mission critical tool to deliver not only teaching and learning but other core university systems.  There have been some interesting developments and conversations over the last few years which demonstrated the need for more integration; links to e-portfolios, library systems, mobile learning and generally a greater application of Web2 technologies.  We are entering a period of reassessment and reflection as a number of UK universities are undertaking a review of their Institutional VLE and the opportunity to share experiences, knowledge and expertise is in valuable.

 Notes

Financing IT
Facilitator:  Russell Roberts, University of Derby
We are heading into, at best, a turbulent period with less funding for universities.  However, business demands won't suddenly dry up.  If anything, they will grow as operational areas drive to lose staff by developing self support processes.  How can business and IT work together in this hostile environment?

 Presentation    Notes

 

Cloud email review panel

Over the last year or so, many institutions have moved to either Microsoft or Google to provide their email service for students, and some have also moved to Cloud email for staff too. Now would seem like a good time for the CIS community to review how successful Cloud email has been, what have been the issues, and what could this mean for the potential of other CIS services in the Cloud?

Taking a Question Time format, the audience will be able to submit questions for our panel in advance, or else ask during the session.