This 3 year project, which is funded through the HEA’s Innovation and Transformation Programme, is aimed at enhancing the digital attributes and educational experiences of Irish university students through enabling the mainstreamed and integrated use of digital technologies across the teaching and learning process. The project aims to mainstream digital in teaching and learning activities in Irish Universities, by addressing the professional development of all who teach or support teaching and learning.
Why Digital?
Higher Education is facing a number of challenges that effect teaching and learning. Student numbers are increasing, while the staff/student ratio has decreased. The student population is increasing in diversity and there are demands for increased flexibility in when and how learning opportunities are provided. Digital devices and applications are ubiquitous. To respond to the changes in student population and the increasingly digital environment, educators have to develop their digital skills and adapt to more innovative teaching approaches.
| Steering Committee | |
|---|---|
| Sharon Flynn | Project Manager for Enhancing Digital Teaching and Learning in Irish Universities, IUA |
| Lewis Purser | Director of Learning & Teaching and Academic Affairs, IUA |
| Billy Kelly | Deputy Registrar/Dean of Teaching and Learning, Dublin City University |
| Dr Pauline Rooney | Academic Developer, Trinity College Dublin |
| Prof. Jason Last | Dean of Students, University College Dublin |
| Dr Alison Hood | Dean of Teaching and Learning, Maynooth University |
| Tom O’Mara | Online Learning Project Manager, Office of the Vice-President for Teaching and Learning, University College Cork |
| Dr Mary Fitzpatrick | Acting Dean, Teaching and Learning, Regional Teaching and Learning Advocate, Centre for Teaching and Learning, University of Limerick |
| Dr Iain Mac Labhrainn | Director, Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, NUI Galway |
| Dr Terry Maguire | Director, National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning |
| Dr Jim Murray | Director of Academic Affairs and Deputy CEO, THEA |
| Kevin McStravock | Vice President for Academic Affairs, USI |
| Nora Trench Bowles | Head of Lifelong Learning, Skills and Quality, IUA |
| Tim Conlon | Head of Policy and Strategic Planning, HEA |
| Project Team (as of August 2019) | |
|---|---|
| Rob Lowney Suzanne Stone | Dublin City University |
| Cliodhna O’Callaghan | University College Cork |
| Morag Munro | Maynooth University |
| Marian O’Connor Mairéad O’Reilly Cesar Scrochi | University College Dublin |
| Kate Molloy | NUI Galway |
| David Hamill Pauline Rooney | Trinity College Dublin |
| David Moloney | University of Limerick |
| Ruairi O’Gallchoir | IUA Student Intern |
EDTL Approach for Effective Remote Teaching
In the context of Covid-19, in May 2020 the project re-focused to support a move to a more blended approach to teaching and learning in the academic year 2020/21. The EDTL Approach adheres to the pedagogy-first pillar of the project, while supporting staff in their digital professional development. A pathway with key considerations for those who are adapting a single module or a whole programme, normally taught wholly or partly face-to-face, is described. The student digital learning experience is maintained at the core.
Student Digital Skills
A team of student interns based in each of the IUA’s member universities are working to create and promote resources to help students navigate the modern world of learning.
To keep up to date on the latest resources available for students follow the EDTL Instagram, where there is some great content to help students get the most out of their learning.