National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

National UDL Online Workshops - Workshop One: Digital Accessibility
2023-04-19 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
The HE Universal Design for Learning Centre for Excellence at Atlantic Technological University is proud to present a series of online workshops led by national experts. This series will be available to all higher education staff throughout Ireland. Through this, we hope to bring colleagues together and contribute to the national conversation around accessibility and inclusivity at HEIs.
There will be three workshops altogether, each covering a unique angle and led by national experts in their field. You can register for all workshops individually. Please take a look at the details of workshop one below:
Presented by James Northridge (UCC) and Ellen McCabe (ATU)
Having Dyslexia and ADHD, James Northridge understands the learning challenges that students face. After struggling throughout school due to his own learning challenges and dropping out of University, a second chance came his way. He turned it around, earning a first-class honours degree from University College Cork and a Masters in Disability Studies from University College Dublin. James is currently the Project Manager for UCC’s innovative “Inclusive UCC” project, which is focused on making UCC a leader in Universal Design and Accessibility.
Dr Ellen McCabe has a background in instructional design and educational research, with a specific interest in UDL and inclusive pedagogies. In her role as instructional designer, she has supported staff across the ATU to utilise digital tools and resources in the creation of accessible learning environments. She now works as the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for the NTUTTOR project.

Future Thinking with KNOWEAU
2023-03-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Online
One day online workshop / Ignite Session available on March 23rd, 2023
KNOWEAUX, Applied Futures who will provide the workshop in an online format, for students and faculty, is a Berlin-based consultancy for transformative future & learning experiences, it aims is to support leaders and organisations in their strategic preparation for profound changes and complex futures.
This free workshop is based on the Future Modelling framework, designed to provide a transparent method for the definition of long-term strategies in any field and for any purpose.The framework combines elements of traditional foresight with systems thinking, trend research, design thinking and experience design and includes a training set of leadership and team capabilities to succeed in times of radical change and high complexity.
For more information or to register please contact justyna.doherty@iadt.ie before 15 March 2023.

MoodleMunch Series 4 2022/2023
2023-03-14 13:00 - 14:00
About MoodleMunch
MoodleMunch is a lunchtime webinar series, led by Dublin City University and supported by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, in which members of the Moodle community can share knowledge, good practice and innovations from their own institutions. It is an opportunity to learn from one another, get a flavour of Moodle activity taking place across various regions, chew the fat, digest interesting developments and munch on ideas!
In keeping with Moodle’s mission to empower educators, each webinar will explore Moodle innovations and stories that support the development of educators’ competencies on the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu).
Webinar 3
In this webinar, Dublin City University and Atlantic Technological University will deliver presentations:

DCU will present on how it uses Moodle to support a graduate mentorship programme involving internal and external users, drawing on the flexible Database activity (DigCompEdu competence 3.3 ‘Collaborative learning’)
ATU will present on its approach to designing and developing microcredential courses with subject matter experts and the role of Moodle in the learning experience (DigCompEdu Area 2 ‘Digital resources’ and Area 3 ‘Teaching and Learning’)

Register to attend this webinar on Zoom
Webinar structure

0-5 mins: Introduction
5-20 mins: First presentation
20-30 mins: Q&A
30-45 mins: Second presentation
45-55 mins: Q&A
55-60 mins: Conclusion

MoodleMunch Series 4 2022/2023
2023-02-14 13:00 - 14:00
About MoodleMunch
MoodleMunch is a lunchtime webinar series, led by Dublin City University and supported by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, in which members of the Moodle community can share knowledge, good practice and innovations from their own institutions. It is an opportunity to learn from one another, get a flavour of Moodle activity taking place across various regions, chew the fat, digest interesting developments and munch on ideas!
In keeping with Moodle’s mission to empower educators, each webinar will explore Moodle innovations and stories that support the development of educators’ competencies on the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu).
Webinar 2
In this webinar, Dublin City University and the Irish College of General Practitioners will deliver presentations:

DCU will present on its hybrid university transitions programme for all new students and how Moodle underpins it (DigCompEdu competence 3.2 ‘Guidance’)
ICGP will share its story of embarking on a blended learning curriculum development journey, with Moodle at its core to support national and regional learners (DigCompEdu Area 3 ‘Teaching and Learning’)

Register to attend this webinar on Zoom
Webinar structure

0-5 mins: Introduction
5-20 mins: First presentation
20-30 mins: Q&A
30-45 mins: Second presentation
45-55 mins: Q&A
55-60 mins: Conclusion

MoodleMunch Series 4 2022/2023
2023-01-17 13:00 - 14:00
About MoodleMunch
MoodleMunch is a lunchtime webinar series, led by Dublin City University and supported by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, in which members of the Moodle community can share knowledge, good practice and innovations from their own institutions. It is an opportunity to learn from one another, get a flavour of Moodle activity taking place across various regions, chew the fat, digest interesting developments and munch on ideas!
In keeping with Moodle’s mission to empower educators, each webinar will explore Moodle innovations and stories that support the development of educators’ competencies on the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu).
Webinar 1
In this webinar, Dublin City University and AHEAD/National Forum will deliver presentations:

DCU will share practical guidance around embedding Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices using Moodle tools and plugins (DigCompEdu Area 5 ‘Empowering Learners)
AHEAD and the National Forum for Teaching and Learning will share insights in using Moodle to facilitate a massive open online course (MOOC) leading to the awarding of a UDL digital badge (DigCompEdu competence 3.1 ‘Teaching’)

Register to attend this webinar on Zoom
Webinar structure

0-5 mins: Introduction
5-20 mins: First presentation
20-30 mins: Q&A
30-45 mins: Second presentation
45-55 mins: Q&A
55-60 mins: Conclusion

MoodleMunch Series 4 2022/2023
2023-01-16 08:00 - 17:00
About MoodleMunch
MoodleMunch is a lunchtime webinar series, led by Dublin City University and supported by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, in which members of the Moodle community can share knowledge, good practice and innovations from their own institutions. It is an opportunity to learn from one another, get a flavour of Moodle activity taking place across various regions, chew the fat, digest interesting developments and munch on ideas!
In keeping with Moodle’s mission to empower educators, each webinar will explore Moodle innovations and stories that support the development of educators’ competencies on the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu).
Webinar 4
In this webinar, Maynooth University and another partner will deliver presentations:

MU will present on its experiences of using the quiz tool STACK within Moodle to support mathematical assessment (DigCompEdu competence 4.1 ‘Assessment strategies’)
Second presenter to be announced

Register to attend this webinar on Zoom
Webinar structure

0-5 mins: Introduction
5-20 mins: First presentation
20-30 mins: Q&A
30-45 mins: Second presentation
45-55 mins: Q&A
55-60 mins: Conclusion

DELTA Award Applications
2022-07-06 08:00 - 17:00

Utilising the Irish Sagas Online Website as a Teaching Tool
2022-06-22 00:00 - 23:59
Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this workshop, particpants should have familiarised themselves with the range of sources and methodologies in use on the Irish Sagas Online website
Participants should better understand the potentialities of the Irish Sagas Online website as a teaching resource
They should be in a position to use the website and associated technology with increased confidence
Participants should also have an overview of the processes involved in preparing a text for inclusion in the Irish Sagas Website by engaging in a detailed study case presented at the workshop

Using Digital Technologies to Promote Inclusive Learning and Teaching Practices
2022-06-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
Learning Objectives

Reflect on and share current use of digital technologies to enhance teaching, learning and assessment in initial teacher education in the context of a blended learning environment
Consider and apply the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to promote and implement inclusive teaching and learning approaches
Explore how a range of digital technologies can support inclusive practices and provide flexibility in the way information is presented, learners are engaged, and learners respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills in the blended learning environment
Discuss the opportunities and challenges to enhance and promote teachers’ use of digital technologies in their practice
Share new learning and understanding of the use of digital technologies to support inclusion and learner success

Click here to register

From Graduate to Professional- Making the Transition Smoother for Nutritionists
2022-06-02 09:45 - 15:00
Learning Objectives

Learn how to run a successful one to one consultation business and the skills necessary to work with individual clients
Discuss the issues surrounding conflicts of interest and learn how to manage appropriate disclosure of affiliations
Outline the procedure for transferring from ANutr to RNutr status with the AfN
Learn how to effectively use social media to share evidence-based nutrition information with the public, build a successful business identity, and raise the profile of qualified nutrition professionals in Ireland

Click here for in person tickets
Click here for virtual tickets

The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflection on the Early Years & Childhood Studies Professional Practice Placement as a Community of Practice Experience - Part 4
2022-05-26 15:00 - 17:00
Learning Objectives

To develop a community of practice exploring the triquetra relationship among student, placement supervisor and placement mentor with a focus on student well-being and student success
To discuss the fusion of theory and practice, of the interdisciplinary degree, identifying the key components that assure student well-being and student success during professional practice placement
To reflect on the key components for high quality practice that contribute to and/or inhibit the success of the student, placement supervisor and placement mentor relationship
To create a shared vision and develop an evidence–based professional practice placement model to ensure an enriched, engaged and positive experience of the professional practice placement that leads to student success
To evaluate and plan the next steps for dissemination of best practice, through an Action for Transformation Plan, facilitating a collaborative and co-created approach to ensure student success in the professional practice placement

To register contact Marie O’ Donovan, the Early Years and Childhood Studies Programme Administrator eycs@ucc.ie Further details on exact location etc. will be disseminated to those registered at a later date.
Seminar 3: The Fusion of Theory and Practice: Reflection on the Early Years & Childhood Studies Professional Practice Placement as a Community of Practice Experience Newsletter

Digital Connectedness and Regional Growth
2022-05-25 14:00 - 16:30
Description
Rich digital connections support interaction and collaboration between people and organisations and offer us new ways to work, live and learn. In the context of Irish and European education and regional development policy and investment – as well as recent local and global experiences of remote working and remote teaching – this seminar event invites us to consider the current moment with respect to the way in which the world of work and education are changing and converging as part of an ever-more digitally enhanced future. Join us on May 25th to hear Grainne O’Keeffe (Ludgate Digital Hub), Professor Frank Rennie of the University of Highlands & Islands (UHI), and Professor Keith Smyth (UHI) offer their perspectives.
This is a Hybrid Event that you can attend online or on the Bishopstown Campus of Munster Technological University in Cork.
Click here to register

Enhancing Teaching and Learning of Physical Activity in Irish Medical Curricula
2022-05-25
Learning Objectives

To enable those attending to understand the national picture for teaching and learning in this area, by describing existing physical activity teaching and assessment in medical curricula in Ireland
To promote sharing of experiences between staff, students and recent graduates, and identify examples of best practice and innovation in physical activity leadership, teaching and assessment methods
To enable discussion to explore ways of delivering physical activity teaching in medical curricula and to develop approaches for enhancing teaching and learning relating to physical activity in medical programmes in Ireland
To identify needs and opportunities for professional development of staff, and to develop interdisciplinary, intra-institutional, and cross-sector collaborations to support teaching and learning in this area

Promoting Undergraduate Research at Third Level Post Covid-19
2022-05-20 10:00 - 13:30 | Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Learning Objectives

Identify best practice in relation to the organisation of national and international undergraduate research conferences for Higher Education
Evaluate the advantages, disadvantages and opportunities gained though the online versus F2F delivery of undergraduate research conferences throughout the Covid period
Promote undergraduate student engagement with scientific research programmes across the Higher Education sector, nationally and internationally

Click here to register

Curricular Approaches to Wellbeing in Higher Education
2022-05-20 09:40 - 13:00
Learning Objectives

To describe the main recommendations of the National Forum USI “Embedding Wellbeing in the Curriculum” report
To describe key components of selected initiatives being showcased during the seminar
To identify opportunities that exist within current curricular offerings to incorporate wellbeing

Click here to register

Inaugural European Team-Based Learning Community (ETBLC) Symposium and TALENT Project Showcase
2022-05-20 09:00 - 16:00
We are pleased to announce that TUS Midlands will be hosting the inaugural European Team Based Learning Community (ETBLC) Symposium 2022 on Friday May 20th from 9am to 4pm. This in-person event is sponsored by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
The symposium brings together lecturers and researchers from across Europe and beyond, including presentations by staff from Ireland, the UK, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and beyond.
Presenters include staff from University of Manchester, University of Bradford, Keele University (Scotland), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Brunel University and Technological University of the Shannon (one of the earliest adopters of TBL in Europe).
Presenters will be sharing their research and insights on implementing Team Based Learning in a variety of contexts including: Medical/Nursing Education, Science Education, Engineering Education, Secondary School Education, Business Education – and using TBL for Online/Hybrid delivery. For more on the TBL pedagogy click here.
Registration is free, but you do need to register in advance by May 17th at 5.00pm – click here to register.
Click here for the draft symposium programme
Unable to attend in person? Everyone that registers will be sent a link for a live stream of the symposium

Innovative Assessment and Feedback Mechanisms for Placement
2022-05-19 10:00 - 12:00
Learning Objectives

Discuss innovation assessment and feedback mechanism options for placement
Analyse a series of practical interventions conducted across different colleges
Identify a list of potential strategies for assessment and feedback on your own placement
Gain more connections across placement to act as a sounding board for placement queries

Click here to register

Digital Futures in Higher Education Practice and Policy
2022-05-19 10:00 - 11:30
Learning Objectives

Reflect on existing digital education practices
Discuss challenges arising from digital innovation in academic teaching practice
Join the conversation around the evolving shape of current and future educational practices

Click here to register

Think Outside the Box: Professional Development to Support Inclusive Assessment
2022-05-19 09:30 - 15:30
Learning Objectives

Understand the definition of inclusive assessment
Understand the importance of inclusive assessment in Higher Education
Recognise opportunities to engage in professional development related to inclusive assessment

Click here to register

Teaching and Research in the UK Higher Education Sector during the last 30 years
2022-05-12
Learning Objectives

Gain a professor’s view of people and processes, and how to work in HE as an early or midcareer academic
Explore the set-up and development of an international research group within a teaching-led University and how research can complement teaching
Develop an appreciation for the role that metrics (student satisfaction, research excellence framework (REF), teaching excellence framework, TEF) have played for better and for worse in UK HE
Reflect on a professor’s experience of mentoring international students from Brazil, India, Taiwan, Libya and many other countries and the role that their culture plays in their PhD journey
Learn about the case for ‘passing’ all students or at least broadening classification of marks in examination

Supporting the Student Journey from Classroom to Workplace
2022-05-06 10:00 - 13:30
Learning Objectives

To develop a greater awareness of teaching and learning methods employed in placement preparation nationally
To explore innovative practices in placement preparation
To discuss good practice in supporting students’ placement preparation journey
To consider challenges of digital engagement in placement preparation

Click here to register

Re-Connect – An Intervention with Students on their Digital Habits
2022-05-05 15:00 - 17:00
Learning Objectives

Identification of the key factors that influence students’ use of the internet both positive and negative
Investigation into the impact of the internet on the student experience of University and the impact on their educational experience and wellbeing
To evaluate the effectiveness of the application of behaviour change principles on students’ internet behaviours and potentially on their educational experience and wellbeing as a result
Evaluation of the merits and limitations of one intervention

Click here to register

Enhancing Practice in Further Education: Contemporary Issues & Future Pathways
2022-05-05
Learning Objectives

On completing this workshop seminar FE teachers will have identified their current professional development needs through peer dialogue with the support of FE lecturers
This workshop will give FE teachers from multiple disciplines an opportunity to reflect on and discuss the visionary document, Future FET: Transforming Learning The National Further Education and Training Strategy 2020-2024 (https://www.solas.ie/f/70398/x/64d0718c9e/solas_fet_strategy_web.pdf) and thereby discuss current opportunities and challenges in the FE sector
FE teachers will be given the opportunity to critically reflect on their practice and to contribute to changing conversations in the FE sector

Difficult Events, Different Narratives: Strategies and Capacity Building for Teaching, Learning and Assessing Contested Issues in Modern Languages, Communications and Journalism
2022-05-04 14:00 - 15:30
Learning Objectives

Identify key issues that impact upon teaching, learning and assessment in Higher Education when engaging with contested events and narratives in the fields of Modern Languages Applied Linguistics (MLAL) and Journalism
Explore strategies used within and across disciplines towards the pursuit of best practice in the teaching, learning and assessment of contested events and narratives
Establish the areas where further professional development is required and amendments to current practice could be implemented
Experiment with teaching, learning and assessment innovations and analyse their appropriateness for specific (contested) topics of study

Click here to register

Designing Learning Outcomes for Labs
2022-05-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
The ability to deliver effective laboratories in higher education came under sharp focus during the pandemic with the move to online teaching and learning. Prior to this move, the department of Multidisciplinary Engineering Education in the University of Sheffield had re-examined their approach to the provision of labs across engineering programmes. As a result they developed a new model for lab delivery, one that included rigorous development of learning outcomes for the labs, with a focus on the cross disciplinary nature of practical engineering skills. During the pandemic they found that these changes facilitated a somewhat smoother transition of labs to the online mode than may otherwise have been expected.
In this workshop Prof Andrew Garrard and Dr Adam Funnell will outline their experiences of refocusing the labs within the engineering programmes in the University of Sheffield, and what worked and what didn’t during the pandemic. As part of the workshop, you will be guided through the process of developing effective learning outcomes for your labs that are situated within the wider context of the module and the associated programme. You will also be facilitated in the development of lab types that can be used both to achieve different types of learning outcomes and different modes of lab delivery.
This event has been funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Click here to register
Please note that this is an in-person event.

Leadership for strategic change and development in Teaching & Learning in European Universities
2022-05-03 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
The Irish Universities Association is pleased to offer an online policy dialogue workshop which will focus of the issue of leadership for strategic change and development in teaching and learning in European universities. This event is organised in the framework of the EUA-led project “Leadership and Organisation for Learning and Teaching at European Universities” (LOTUS) in which IUA is a partner. The policy dialogue workshop will build on recent work undertaken in Ireland by the IUA’s Enhancing Digital Teaching and Learning project, and the National Forum for the Enhancement of T&L’s Next Steps project.
The event will also present practices from other European countries and offer an overview of how the EU Recovery Fund is being used to strengthen teaching and learning in a range of member states in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The policy dialogue workshop will be of interest to institutional leaders with a responsibility in learning and teaching, teachers, education developers, national and European policy leaders, as well as representatives of stakeholder organisations active in learning and teaching.
The event will be hosted on the Zoom platform. Registrations are open until the start of the event. Participation is free of charge and open to anyone interested in the topic.
Click here to register

Ensuring Academic Integrity in a Digital Universe
2022-04-29 13:00 - 15:00 | National College of Ireland, Ireland
Learning Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge of the core concepts of online learning and be able to evaluate key concepts, assumptions and theories in blended learning approaches
Describe the challenges of ensuring the integrity of students’ submitted work
Differentiate between the current tools that identify plagiarism

Click here to register
Event Organsers:
Michael Bradford
Keith Maycock

From Surviving to Thriving - Negotiating the Post-Zoom Landscape
2022-04-29 10:00 - 13:00
Learning Objectives

To reflect on the language learning experience students have had since March 2020
To consider how best to use the teaching and learning experience gained since March 2020
To explore challenges facing staff and students as we return to onsite teaching, learning and assessment
To discuss best practice in terms of a return to onsite assessment
To share language learning strategies aimed at enhancing student success

Click here to register

Amplifying the Upside to Academic Life
2022-04-28 09:30 - 12:45
Learning Objectives

Engage in interdisciplinary peer dialogue and cultivate a professional network that seeks to enhance teaching, learning and scholarship
Clarify their values, interest, strengths and skills as they relate to teaching, learning and scholarship with an emphasis on strengths based learning
Become aware and articulate the position of teaching and learning in the context of their early career professional development
Develop a bespoke plan that identifies key short and long term goals relevant to teaching, learning and scholarship

Click here to register

OperationBrent: Navigating a Collaborative Online International Learning Project
2022-04-27 14:00 - 16:00
Learning Objectives

Share faculty learnings from the design and delivery of a COIL project
Evaluate the development of global citizenship from the student’s perspective
Illustrate how UDL was embedded into the shared approach

Click here to register
