Digital Learning – Page 14 – Digital Learning Dispatches

In April, the NIDL (particularly the Teaching Enhancement Unit under the leadership of Dr Mark Glynn) played a leading role in organising and facilitating the President’s Awards for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching. Several of the awardees were recognised for their innovative teaching and use of digital learning.

As part of the event Professor Mark Brown presented a keynote address to a full room of DCU staff and invited guests entitled, “Teaching Matters: Education for Change in the New Digital World”. Mark argued that teachers are central to the student experience and part of the core ‘business’ of being a university. He also emphasised the importance of the Research-Teaching Nexus although this needs to be framed around a university for change.

Teaching Matters: Education for Change in the New Digital World from Mark Brown

In April, around 35 third level educators participated in a half-day workshop at DCU facilitated by Professor Mark Brown as part of the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning National Seminar Series. The focus was on student success in a digital world and participants were encouraged in the context of student retention, engagement and success to think about some of the big issues facing higher education. Some of the ways that digital learning can support student success were also explored following a conceptual framework which targets specific initiatives at particular groups at key stages of the study lifecycle. The NIDL will embark on some follow up work that attempts to better support and understand the needs of learners studying off-campus.