Category: Online Learning

Associations, Blended Learning, Digital Learning, Events, Leadership, Learning Futures, Online Learning, Policy and Strategy, Projects, Publications, Quality, Research

A Strategic Reflection on Digitalisation in Higher Education – Webinar Recordings

Over the past fortnight the NIDL team was pleased to contribute to two webinars offering strategic reflections on the increasing digitalisation of Higher Education. This two-part webinar series was part of the Digi-HE project being led by the European Universities Association (EUA). The project aims to promote critical self-reflection in supporting institutions to develop their capacity and strategic approaches to digitally enhanced models of teaching and learning.

In the next phase of this project, a number of Thematic Peer Groups (TPGs) will get underway shortly involving around 30 different higher education institutions across Europe. We were delighted to have some many institution al applicants for this phase of the project. The TPGs will enable participants at each institution to engage in regular lively discussions and share their experiences relevant to the chosen theme related to digitalisation in the context of teaching and learning. The selected themes include:

  • Curriculum and Assessment
  • Strategy and Organisational Culture
  • Strategic and International Partnerships

We look forward to meeting up with a diverse group of participants in this next phase of the project. However, before then the following recordings kindly made available by EUA may be of interest to those who were unable to join our recent webinar series.

In reverse order, the second webinar which took place on Friday 5th February (recording above) discussed the findings of our report which presents the results of a survey of digital learning and teaching in European higher education institutions.

One of the key takeaways from the survey in terms of supporting teaching with new digital technologies is the value of an environment that fosters rich professional conversations with and between colleagues.

The first webinar back on January 26th (recording below) explored the question, what does digital education look like from an institution-wide perspective when successfully implemented in a mature way? This webinar coincided with the launch of another Digi-HE project report focusing on the development of a high performance digital education ecosystem. The report provides advice and guidance for higher education institutions wishing to undertake self-assessment of digital learning and teaching using selected instruments reviewed as part of this study.

if you have any questions about the Digital-HE project or anything arising from the two webinars, then please do not hesitate to contact us. The project team meets regularly and we would be happy to provide further advice concerning the range of self-assessment tools reviewed for fostering a culture of strategic reflection and quality enhancement.

Assessment, Digital Learning, Learning Design, Online Learning, Teaching

Edge of Discovery Podcasts – 2nd Series Launch

Podcasts have been seen to have significant potential as an engaging and flexible learning tool in higher education (Evans 2008, Morrissey 2012, Joly 2019). TEU Edge of Discovery Podcast series aimed at providing DCU academics with information and reflections on various teaching, learning, and professional development initiatives across the university community was first launched as part of Teaching & Learning Week, September 2020. They have now attracted over 220 downloads.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

The podcasts comprise of short interviews (approximately 15 minutes each) with different academics across the university and led by two members of the TEU team – Dr Fiona O’Riordan and Lisa Donaldson. The first set of conversations centred around Teaching and Assessing Online, Eportfolio-based assessment and Advance HE Fellowships.

We are pleased to release today, January 25th, a second set of podcasts that feature a number of DCU colleagues, including…

Clare Gormley and Dr. Jane O’Kelly discussing Learning Design, Dr Enda Whyte and Dr Paul van Kampen sharing their creativity for the Covid-19 delivery of practical modules; Asst. Prof. David Kennedy describes how he transformed a module for online delivery with student care to the fore. In addition, there is a set of two podcasts focusing on ways of assessing students to promote academic integrity – Dr Rob Gillanders discusses peer assessment and other assessment approaches that partner students; and Drs Tara Concannon-Gibney and Niamh Watkins share their experience of using oral interactives as an authentic and engaging assessment tool that promotes academic integrity

Providing innovative and impactful CPD for staff has been critical during the Covid-19 crisis. The DCU Teaching Enhancement Unit has offered many skills based online webinars; facilitated the Sipping Point community to provide a space for conversations about teaching which aims to encourage the sharing of teaching practice and the spread of new ideas; and promoted Elevenses, learning in bite sized breaktime sessions. We are delighted to now add the next series of the Edge of Discovery podcasts to our TEU CPD offering. They are available on the TEU website and Podbean. In the dark days of January, they are a perfect CPD soundbite for pandemic 5k walks as we all wait and hope for better times. 

References

Evans, C. (2008). The Effectiveness of M-Learning in the Form of Podcast Revision Lectures in Higher Education, Computers and Education 50, no. 2 (February 2008)

Joly, K. (2019). Podcasting: A Voice of the Future for Higher Ed? A once-overlooked platform is back, bigger than ever.  University Business, 18.

Morrissey, J. (2012). Podcast Steering of Independent Learning in Higher Education. All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (AISHE-J) 4, no. 1.