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Use of non-UAL digital platforms in learning and teaching

In this guide:

Introduction:

UAL provides digital learning (DL) platforms for use by staff and students for learning and teaching activities. 

Other platforms, referred to here as ‘non-UAL DL platforms’, can sometimes be used for teaching and learning activities but there are restrictions explained below. 

What are considered UAL digital learning platforms?

The UAL digital learning platforms are:  

These platforms are: 

  • Available to all staff and students through a UAL network account.  
  • Fully supported by all digital learning staff across UAL.

*There is UAL licence for Miro, but with limited access. Contact your Digital Learning Team for details. Staff can also register for an Educator licence for use with students. 

What are considered non-UAL digital platforms?

All other digital learning platforms are considered non-UAL DL platforms. 

Some non-UAL DL platforms have been licenced or approved on a small-scale, for example at a college level or on a particular course. Consult your Digital Learning team (contacts below) before using one. 

When can you use non-UAL digital platforms? 

Using non-UAL DL platforms can facilitate students’ digital skills development and critical engagement with digital practices, as well as providing staff with a wider toolkit of resources and platforms.  

Non-UAL DL platforms can be used in some teaching and learning activities but not in others:  

  1. They can be used for content and for formative learning activities in certain circumstances (see below).  
  1. They must not be used for essential course communication, live teaching sessions or for collecting or storing summative assessments.  

Before using non-UAL digital platforms 

  • It is essential to consider factors beyond functional needs, such as data protection, information security, accessibility and support before using non-UAL platforms.  
  • No student’s assessment, progression, or participation must depend on creating personal accounts or agreeing to third-party terms and conditions. 
  • When non-UAL DL platforms are used to support learning and teaching and preparing for summative assessment, equivalent UAL DL alternatives must be provided.  
  • If the platform collects personal data (data that identifies someone such as their name or email address) students must be provided with the option of using a UAL digital learning platform. 

Course teams should discuss any potential use of non-UAL platforms with their Digital Learning team before using them. 

Appropriate uses for non-UAL digital platforms 

These examples are indicative rather than exhaustive.   

Directing students to content on non-UAL DL platforms is acceptable.  

Examples:  

  • Recommending YouTube videos for students to watch or sharing resources on Instagram or Linked In for students to access.  
  • Using an online polling tool such as Poll Everywhere is acceptable if no personal data is collected.  
  • Asking students to create a website using either a non-UAL DL platform or a UAL DL platform is acceptable, as students have a choice.   

Unacceptable uses for non-UAL digital platforms 

These examples are indicative rather than exhaustive.  

  1. Non-UAL digital platforms must not be used to store or collect summative assessments. Students can use non-UAL digital platforms to create artefacts but not to host the final submission. 
  1. All course communication must be done using UAL platforms & UAL email addresses. Non-UAL digital platforms must not be used for essential course communication from staff. 
  1. Non-UAL platforms should not be used to deliver live teaching sessions or tutorials online. Only Blackboard Collaborate Ultra & Microsoft Teams can be used to deliver live teaching. 
  • Examples:
    • A summative assessment could be created on a Mural board but the subsequent submission must be a file (e.g. PDF) exported from Mural and uploaded to Moodle. Students cannot submit a web address of a Mural board.
    • A summative assessment could be a video hosted on Panopto but not a video published to Vimeo.

Need more help?

If you have any questions about using non-UAL digital platforms in teaching and learning activities, contact your college or Institute’s digital learning team.  

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