NTDC TechMeet - Beyond Technical Support

Discover how technicians shape blended and online learning, support student success, and why their teaching deserves greater recognition.

What does it really mean to "teach" in today's blended and online learning environments?

Where do technicians fit into that picture?

In this TechMeet, Bill Surradge (Edinburgh Napier University) shares the findings from his MSc dissertation exploring the often-overlooked educational contributions of technicians across the UK education sector. Drawing on survey responses and interviews with technicians working in universities, colleges, schools and research institutes, Bill examines the many ways technical staff support student learning - from delivering practical teaching and creating digital learning resources to developing online learning environments.

The session also explores how technicians see their own role as educators, why many still struggle to have their teaching recognised, and what institutions can do to better support and celebrate these valuable contributions.

Whether you're a technician, academic, educational developer, or simply interested in the future of blended and online education, this session offers fresh insights into the people working behind the scenes to help students succeed - and why it's time their role received the recognition it deserves.