Note: Use the comments facility to leave suggestion for more questions!

Q. Where do I find out about my programme / module?

A. General programme information and news will be maintained here on the Voice of Experience blog. Individual module leaders will supply information directly related to their module. The MDE programme also uses Basecamp for team project management, and Dropbox for document sharing.

 

Q. Why do you guys not use the VLE much?

A. The VLE as a system is much better suited to traditional undergraduate teaching than to postgraduate. The system does not allow us to make information available in the range of ways appropriate for highly project based collaborative learning with strong industry involvement. And using a variety of online tools and apps is a core skill for Design Ethnographers, the VLE is not used in industry!

 

Q. I have a problem attending class, completing assignments or submitting work, what should I do?

A. Contact the relevant module leader as soon as possible, and copy your communications to the programme director.

 

Q. I am struggling with managing my time, what should I do?

A. Arrange to meet with the Programme Director for a discussion.

 

Q. I want to see my module leader or programme director privately, how do I do that?

A. Email the relevant person and request a one-to-one meeting with them?

 

Q. Our team is having problems because of poor commitment/poor quality work/bad attitude of a particular member, what should we do?

A. As professionals, in the first instance you should call a team meeting to air grievances and give the person in question an opportunity to respond (your grievances may not be fair, or it may simply be a misunderstanding or cultural difficulty). You should make sure you take solutions, not just complaints, to the table. If that fails contact the relevant module leader and request a team meeting. Do not leave either of these steps too long – act quickly at the first sign of an issue. But remember – we all have our rocky times – be sure it’s not simply something that could be death with by a quiet chat over coffee before escalating. It may be you in that position one day!