TLC network receives the annual prize for open learning and teaching practice
Now in its fifth year, the TLC network brings together people interested in higher education pedagogy at Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK).
According to the award criteria, TLC’s open website serves as a window into the development of higher education pedagogy. The site offers teaching and study guidance staff at various stages of their career an opportunity to develop pedagogical skills with multimedia-based self-study materials and the pedagogical support of an online community.
According to Marja Sutela, Vice President for Education at Tampere University, Tampere University and TAMK were pioneers when they established the TLC network following the founding of the Universities community.
“In recent years, universities around the world have invested in the pedagogical development of teaching and learning, including the use of AI, to support the pedagogical wellbeing of both teachers and students. There are many good practices within the Tampere Universities community, and TLC provides an excellent channel for sharing them. I hope that as many members of the teaching staff as possible will take advantage of the expertise and networking opportunities offered by TLC,” Sutela says.
“The TLC network provides a functional platform and network that enables peer-learning, sharing good practices and highlighting individual strengths. The interaction and exchange of views within the network are also valuable for teaching staff in this rapidly and constantly changing environment. Together and in collaboration, we can usually find the most functional solutions,” says Katja Komulainen, Vice President of TAMK.
TLC’s activities are organised by a core team consisting of Senior Specialist Sari Leinonen, Senior Expert Leena Katto, Senior Adviser Heidi Lehtonen and Specialist Anneli Uusitalo.
Enhancing the development of pedagogy
The core team emphasises TLC’s mission as a unifying force within the Universities community, fostering the development of pedagogy.
“The network’s operations are strengthened by the fact that both universities have included pedagogical development in their strategy, meaning we work strategically when we support pedagogical leadership. National pedagogical development programmes, where our network is also represented, are also a key aspect of our work,” says Katto, Head of TLC at TAMK.
According to Katto, teachers appreciate the materials the network produces and wish they had more time to explore and utilise them.
“Participating in network activities always requires time along one’s own duties. However, participation is facilitated by the website on which teachers from both TAMK and Tampere University can access TLC via a single point of entry,” she explains.
“In addition to the website, the TLC network is visible to the outside world due to, for example, its annual open spring webinar series. The webinars feature speakers from both Tampere Universities and other higher education institutions, meaning the events also offer opportunities for networking across universities,” says Sari Leinonen, Head of TLC at Tampere University.
TLC supports teaching staff by fostering a sense of community and offering opportunities for networking.
“When working across two universities, it is important to recognise expertise that can be shared between both,” Heidi Lehtonen points out.
TLC has organised a thematic week about open learning, and it has also provided guidance on licensing and copyright questions. In digitalisation, current questions include accessibility and the use of AI. In addition, TLC contributes to the national Digivisio 2030 project, for example, by organising training sessions.
The TLC network is also involved in Tampere Universities community’s Active Studying project. Tips for incorporating physical activity into teaching are available on the TLC website.
TLC website presents activities and offers pedagogical support
The TLC website, especially the blog, are regarded a low-threshold space for sharing experiences. TLC also organises various events and webinars, where staff from both TAMK and TAU can easily find common ground because the fundamentals of teaching are shared. For example, both universities embrace teaching that supports pedagogical wellbeing.
The Vice Presidents for Education are members of the TLC steering group.
“We really appreciate everyone who has volunteered to speak at TLC events, sharing their expertise and good pedagogical practices for free. TLC is guided by the strategy, and we support teaching and study guidance staff in concrete ways,” Anneli Uusitalo says.
“Since the Covid-19 epidemic, the network’s activities have stabilised, and awareness of TLC has grown. We communicate more effectively, not only online but also via other channels such as the TLC collaboration group on Teams, which enables the organisation of joint events as well as discussions on current topics across a range of themes,” Leinonen says.
“Our four-woman core team coordinates the TLC network, and we are getting, for example, direct input from teachers about the types of training they would like us to arrange. Interest has also been sparked beyond the Tampere Universities community,” the core team shares with delight.
