You asked to hear more about how students would be taught at Heriot-Watt University during the 2020/21 academic year, so we decided to make a podcast episode on it. 

During this episode, we were joined by guest speakers Martha Caddell, Director of the Learning and Teaching Academy, and Alex Hedlund, Vice President of Education with the HWU Student Union. 

We discussed Responsive Blended Learning (or RBL) - the University's new learning method for students, support available to you, and ways students can still develop that sense of community while working from home. 

For more information on the Responsive Blended Learning please visit: lta.hw.ac.uk/responsive-blended-learning

Tune in for part two of our Done is Better Than Perfect episode where you can hear from a Student Success Advisor on responses to feedback and communication style. 

In our Campus Rambles series we discuss topics that Heriot-Watt students have been asking us about during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In our first installment, we talk about Loneliness vs. Living in Solitude; the difference between the two, the impact on mental health, and what you can do to prevent the feeling of loneliness. During this podcast, we were joined by special guest Carol Murray, Head of Student Wellbeing Services. Carol brought some fantastic points to the discussion. We hope you enjoy.

Here are some steps and advice on how to cope with loneliness: https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-loneliness-during-coronavirus-4799661

*The use of headphones is recommended*

In Episode 6, a variety of Student Wellbeing Staff bring you some useful content and tips to help you manage any anxiety or stress that you may be experiencing at the moment.

We start with Rosie, a member of the Counselling Team, who is going to take us on a relaxing virtual walk on a beach. We will then move on to Kenny (beginning at 6 mins 30 secs), who we have heard from before on the podcast, for some simple breathing exercises. Finally, we will hear from Michael (beginning at 12 mins), one of the Wellbeing Team’s Mental Health Advisors, who gives us some top tips for maintaining good mental health during the current lockdown.

In Episode 5, Kenny - one of our counsellors - is back with another guided mindfulness session. This week, Kenny covers the Mindfulness of Sound. This is the third episode in our Mindfulness series with an Introduction to Mindfulness covered in Episode 2, and Mindfulness of the Senses covered in Episode 4 of the podcast.

*The use of headphones is recommended*

In Episode 4, Kenny, one of our counsellors, brings us the second exercise in our serious of mindfulness sessions: Mindfulness of the Senses.

Join the Student Success Advisors for some laughs, chat, and exam tips for the upcoming online assessments at Heriot-Watt. We discuss studying and keeping busy during the current lockdown, advice on how to prepare for online exams, and cover our Online Assessment Checklist and how you can use it.

Online Assessment Checklist: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/students/studies/examinations/assessment-checklist.htm

Exams and Assessment webpage: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/students/studies/examinations.htm

Exam timetable: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/students/studies/examinations/timetables.htm

Contact a Student Success Advisor: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/students/health-wellbeing/edinburgh/student-success-advice.htm

*The use of headphones is recommended*

In Episode 2, we hear from Kenny, one of our counsellors. He introduces us to mindfulness and provides a guided mindfulness session on Mindfulness of the Breath, which focusses on breathing. Then we go on to a 5-minute breathing space exercise. This is the first in a series of podcasts that will be bringing a variety of mindfulness exercises.