Changing how we communicate: Creating and distributing regular newsletters using an ePortfolio...

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Maintaining regular communication across large institutions can be demanding and ineffective. At a Western Australian university, past attempts at using newsletters have been unsuccessful for two significant reasons. Firstly, a sustainable newsletter needs a champion responsible for solving logistical issues. Also, it requires commitment to developing a newsletter that engages with the specific needs of the community. A School of Education newsletter, created using an ePortfolio platform, is overcoming these challenges. The newsletter regularly communicates news and events. However, this platform is demonstrating potential to facilitate a vibrant and interactive learning community. Staff members are encouraged to use the newsletter to share professional successes, initiate important discussions among staff, and to create a collaborative space. The growing community has a clear and supportive leadership, which has contributed to its sustainability. This presentation explores the process of creating an ePortfolio newsletter, and its potential to sustain professional learning communities.

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School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Changing how we communicate: Changing how we communicate: Creating and distributing regular Creating and distributing regular newsletters using an ePortfolio newsletters using an ePortfolio

platformplatform

Julia Morris

Edith Cowan University

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Success requires…

• A champion:– Someone who takes logistical control of the

newsletter (day-to-day organisation)– Someone who is a point of contact for staff (a

‘face’ for the newsletter)

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Success requires…

• Engagement with the needs of the community:– Purposeful news– Timely– Interesting– Short & sweet delivery (none of us have time…)

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 1 Email

Link to newsletter sent via email

All staff invited to contribute

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Viewing the newsletter

Ability to look at past issues

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Banner for newsletters

Contact details for newsletter contributions

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 1

Humble beginnings…

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 2

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 3

By the third edition we found images

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 3

A place to welcome new staff

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 4

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 4

Pleas for help!

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 5

Raising staff awareness of new campaigns and opportunities

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 5

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 6

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 7

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 8

New technology integration update

Event details

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 9

Thank you to staff

… and

acknowledgement of where things need to improve!

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Newsletter 10

Professional development opportunities

School of EducationEdith Cowan University

Outcomes• Regular communication about:

– events,

– issues,

– achievements, and

– successes in the School of Education

• Achieved by:– good leadership (Head of School and Assistant)

– easy to use software that streamlines approach

– targeting needs of community through staff inclusion

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