This text has been translated from Norwegian with the assistance of GPT UiO.
EILIN is as a network for learning and teaching, and an educational support service for teachers at the Faculty of Social Sciences. The service promotes active learning for students in the classroom and on digital platforms, and assists teachers with small and large development projects.
– It’s excellent to have such a great local support service at SV. It enables us to develop teaching and learning arrangements closely aligned with the subjects and teachers, says Kaja.
She emphasises that achieving this requires close collaboration between the administrative roles within EILIN, and the academic staff across the faculty.
– The Academic Contacts Network consists of dedicated teachers from all units. They participate in EILIN to have a platform where they can advocate for educational topics they care about, and to serve as an advisory group for us, says the new coordinator.
Solid foundation for further development
Braathen is taking over the coordination responsibilities for an EILIN that is already firmly established in several areas. Besides the Academic Contacts Network, EILIN has developed a website with resources for teachers, and employed a number of student assistants in two primary groups; research assistants and user support.
– The user support is available for technological support in all teaching rooms used by SV teachers, including in buildings such as Harald Schjelderups and Georg Sverdrups hus. The research assistants can provide resources for projects aimed at the development of teaching or educational activities, Braathen explains.
– What will be the main priorities for EILIN going forward?
– Firstly, I want to continue the great communication with teachers and maintain a close dialogue with them, says the coordinator.
– Furthermore, there are significant global developments we need to adapt to. Many teachers are curious about the use of artificial intelligence and alternative assessment methods, she continues.
Braathen also highlights student-centred learning environments as a key priority area for EILIN.
– We are curious about how we develop more teaching spaces that foster student engagement. This can involve activity both in the room and on digital platforms, she says.
Positive rumours about the work environment at SV
Braathen holds a doctoral degree in education and joins SV from the department of educational studies at Kristiania University of Applied Sciences. When she applied for the role as EILIN's coordinator, she was motivated by the University of Oslo's strong academic environments - in addition to positive rumours about the work environment at SV.
– Honestly, part of the reason I applied for this position was that a former colleague spoke highly of the work environment here, she reveals.
So far, the rumours have proven to be true.
– I’ve settled into the role relatively quickly, largely thanks to the wonderful people here. Everyone is welcoming and eager to help me get started, both within the administration and among the academic staff.
– Is there anything particular you want to express to your new colleagues at the faculty?
– I want to emphasise that EILIN's door is always open, and people are welcome to drop by to discuss matters big and small. We also welcome suggestions for new initiatives and feedback on improvements. Ultimately, it's the teachers who know best where improvements can be made in the lecture halls, so we need their input to develop effective support resources and a strategic priority list.