Sharing good practice and creating community spirit online: A staff development initiative for Associate Lecturers in the STEM Faculty at the Open University - HEA Annual Conference 2017 - Generation TEF: Teaching in the spotlight

Many Open University modules especially in Science are all online so tutors (Associate lecturers or ALs) and students meet online not face-to-face.  This programme of regular online sessions delivered by ALs for ALs was introduced as a Staff Development initiative which would give Science ALs the opportunity to share good practice and hence improve their online interactions with their students.  Moreover it has helped to nurture a sense of community among Science ALs providing an opportunity for them to get to know each other and share concerns. It is now being expanded to include all STEM ALs.