Digital Learning – Page 86 – Digital Learning Dispatches

We are looking for a new Academic Developer to join our team.

dcu_entrance3

This part-time position offers an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to make a significant contribution to the enhancement of teaching and student learning in Dublin City University (DCU). The Academic Developer will report to the Head of the Teaching Enhancement Unit (TEU), who has overall responsibility for promoting teaching development activities.

NIDL_logo_02

The TEU plays a key role in supporting Faculties and Schools and the effective implementation of DCU’s new Strategic Plan (2017-2022) and related Teaching and Learning Strategy. The TEU is part of the National Institute for Digital Learning (NIDL) and therefore the successful candidate will have a great opportunity to contribute to a range of projects under the remit of the NIDL.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr. Mark Glynn, Head of the Teaching Enhancement Unit.

E-mail: mark.glynn@dcu.ie

More specific information, including the full job description, is available from:

http://www4.dcu.ie/sites/default/files/hr/academic_developer_part-time_teu.pdf

Closing date: 28th September 2017

By Dr Eamon Costello

Last year I wrote a Linkedin article that promoted a newly developed DCU Connected online course. In that article I talked about my own personal connection to ICT Skills Conversion courses and about the rationale behind our Higher Diploma in Science in Software Development, a two year part-time course which charges no fees for students who are working but wish to make a career change. The course is part of the Government’s ICT Skills Conversion initiative aimed at transitioning workers into areas of skills needs in the economy, and more specifically into ICT.

It’s now Déjà vu all over again as we are currently enrolling a new cohort of eager students on this course. It is now also the start of year two for last year’s group of learners so it’s a fitting time to reflect on how things are going. In many respects the course exceeded my expectations. One is always nervous starting a new venture. Start of term is a giddy mix of excitement and anxiety for the journey ahead. How will students fare in an intensive and immersive course of study? What can I say to motivate them for the road ahead? How can we build a supportive environment with students to help them engage and build skills and competencies in software development? How can I instill the passion that I and my academic colleagues have for the topics?

You can read the full version of this brief think piece and find out the answers to the above questions and more information about pursuing a career in Ireland’s growing ICT industry on Dr Eamon Costello’s Linkedin website.