Ranga Auaha Ako
Learning and Teaching Design Team

On this page

• What we do
• Our team
• What we bring
• What is learning design and why does it matter?
• How can learning design improve your course?
• What to work with us?
• Additional ways we support teaching

What we do

We support academic staff through practical, creative, and research-informed advice, and provide training and professional learning for teaching opportunities. Our work aligns closely with strategic initiatives such as the Signature Pedagogical Practices, TeachWell Framework, and the University’s vision, Taumata Teitei—helping you translate these priorities into inclusive, impactful learning experiences.

Our team

What we bring

Our learning designers and learning technologists each bring their own strengths, interests, and expertise in:

• Curriculum and course design
• Assessment strategy and academic integrity
• Inclusive and accessible learning
• Blended, online, and in-person teaching
• Cultural capability, indigenous, and kaupapa Māori pedagogies
• Learning technologies and digital tools
• Staff capability-building and facilitation

What is learning design and why does it matter?

Learning design is more than delivering content or using digital tools. At its heart, it’s the intentional, research-informed planning of student engagement, learning, and assessment. As teaching and higher education evolve—especially with rapid changes like generative AI—thoughtful learning design is more important than ever.

Through our team, you have access to support that ensures your course is inclusive, high-quality, and future-ready, helping you translate big ideas and policy into teaching that truly works for you and your students.

Learning design gives structure to your ideas, helps you sequence learning in ways that build understanding, and creates space for meaningful student engagement. Whether you’re designing new activities, refining assessments, or wanting to get the most out of Canvas and other educational tools, learning design provides the frameworks and support to make it all work for you and your students.

Whether you’re developing new materials, adapting for changing needs, or seeking practical improvements, our team is here to help you get there.

How can learning design improve your course?

If you’re interested in working with us, have a chat with us via a drop-in session, submit a request through TeachWell Consult service, or speak with your faculty about initiating a project.

Additional ways we support teaching

Beyond collaborative projects, we also offer professional learning opportunities to help you grow your teaching practice. These include:

• Professional Learning Series—Facilitated and self-paced sessions on topics like blended learning, generative AI, course design, and assessment. Some are co-run with academic staff.
• Learning Futures CoI—A monthly community of practice forum for academic staff sharing and exploring future-focused teaching.
• Workshops by our learning technologists—Practical sessions on Canvas, design tools, accessibility practices, and similar.