Shane Cronin, Munster Technological University
Reaction to the Award
We are thrilled to have received the inaugural SATLE National Forum T&L Impact Award for Excellence and Impact in Digital Transformation. This national recognition means a lot to everyone involved in the Reusable Learning Resources (RLR) initiative. This award helps to highlight the collective effort at MTU to champion sustainable digital transformation and open education. We would also like to acknowledge the National Forum for their pivotal role in promoting OER and OEP nationally, not only with SATLE funding support but with resources like the national resource hub and open courses which have all been invaluable to HEIs in advancing open education practices.
The Journey
Launched in 2023, the Reusable Learning Resources (RLR) initiative responded to the need for high-quality, media-rich and adaptable resources which are often challenging to create without sufficient support. Drawing from best practices in open education and the team’s expertise in digital learning and creative digital media design, the project empowered staff to develop media-rich, interactive materials — often referred to as ‘Big OER’ — that engage students and support sustainable educational practices.
The initiative’s success stems from the collaboration of the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Department, the E-Learning Development Support Unit (EDSU), the Teaching and Learning Unit (TLU), and MTU staff, whose efforts have resulted in 28 impactful projects across the university. Early challenges, such as time constraints for academic staff and complexities around licensing, were addressed through support from our 10 learning technologists, who provided workshops and one-on-one guidance throughout the initiative. A peer review process improved project quality while providing staff with valuable timely feedback and direction.
This year’s introduction of multi-annual projects enabled academic staff to tackle complex, long-term challenges through iterative development. Across all projects, the focus remains on user-centred design, with end-user feedback ensuring resources meet staff and student needs.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, we are excited to use the funding from this award to build on the success of the RLR initiative. While our plans are still evolving, initial priorities include consulting with participants from existing projects to enhance the initiative and developing university-wide resources to improve OER literacy. This work will ensure that OER continues to play a vital role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence at MTU.