Irish National Digital Experience (INDEx) Survey: Summary of Main Report

Report

Across all countries and contexts, higher education institutions are confronted with the question of how to adapt and shape higher education in an increasingly digital, networked world. At a time of unprecedented global challenge, the importance of confident, supported engagement with digital technology has become clear. The findings of the Irish National Digital Experience (INDEx) Survey, presented in this report, provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the digital engagement, experiences and expectations of students and staff who teach across our sector.

Learning about Impact and Looking to the Future: Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund Projects 2014-18

Report

The Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund projects 2014-18 represented an investment of circa €4.74m over five years in teaching and learning in Irish higher education. The evidence presented in this report indicates that this investment resulted in enhanced learning experiences, advances in underpinning systems and structures and a culture of enhancement which has developed significantly in the years since 2014. In addition, Ireland’s international reputation as a leader in the area of teaching and learning was reinforced.

Selecting Online Alternatives to Common Assessment Methods

Insight

While some assessment components do not need significant adjustment in the move to online (including at-distance) learning, others require some additional thought and may need to be replaced/significantly adjusted. In support of the move to online/remote assessment in March 2020, this resource provides some indication of the kind of modifications that could be made for these common assessments. It is not an exhaustive list, but we hope it may be helpful in considering some of the available options.

10 Points to Consider in Choosing Alternative Assessment Methods for the Online Environment

Insight

Students can learn through many different but equitable assessment methods. An alternative online assessment is not a lesser form of assessment, but a different assessment to achieve the same aim. Some of the ideas in this Insight are worth considering in the design of alternative assessment methods for the online environment to ensure the quality and equity of the assessment. Developed to support the Irish higher education community in the initial weeks of the move to online/remote teaching and learning in March 2020.

10 Ways to Ensure Online Assessment is Accessible and Inclusive

Insight

Many of those who teach in Irish higher education were faced with the challenge of creating online assessments for the first time in March 2020. These tips, developed in partnership with AHEAD, outline some of the ways you can ensure, as far as possible, that the online assessments you plan are accessible to and inclusive of all your students. Developed to support the Irish higher education community in the initial weeks of the move to online/remote teaching and learning in March 2020.

‘Making A Difference’ A Student View of Excellent Teaching

Report

The dataset presented in this report comprises the recorded perceptions of approximately 4,000 students in Irish higher education regarding the characteristics, behaviours and skills associated with exceptional teachers; it also provides evidence of the impact of exceptional teachers on their students. The report includes a dialogue between insights from the student data and insights from the teachers they view as exceptional.