Embracing alternative formats, assessment strategies and digital technologies to revitalise practical sessions in Science & Health

A report commissioned by the steering committee of the
“Technology Enhanced Assessment Methods (TEAM) in science & health practical settings”
project entitled:
Embracing alternative formats, assessment strategies and digital technologies to revitalise practical sessions in Science & Health
Author: Ronan T. Bree
Department of Applied Sciences, Dundalk Institute of Technology
Editors: Akinlolu Akande, Dina Brazil, David Doyle, Nuala Harding, Yvonne Kavanagh, Moira Maguire and Anne Mulvihill.

Digital Champions

At the core of the project, was the recruitment of staff as Digital Champions in each of the partner institutes. These staff have become champions for the improvement of digital literacy skills within their academic discipline, their department and ultimately across the Southern Cluster. The project documents the journey these champions took and provides a map for others who wish to follow in their footsteps.

ATLAS: Mapping Tool and Consultation Pack

ATLAS is a bespoke mapping tool and consultation pack developed to support educational developers in interpreting the PD framework within the context of existing accredited provision in their institution, with a view to examining and addressing specific staff professional development needs.

Social Policy Education: Enhancing Digital Skills (SPEEDS)

The SPEEDS project sought to expand social policy educators’ digital capacities and improve their confidence in integrating digital skills into curricula. Social policy educators were partnered with learning technologists within each of the partner institutions as they implemented the National Professional Development Framework, with a particular focus on enhancing digital skills. A spiky profile tool was developed to map the digital skills of participating educators, and group and individual training was provided as needed. Educators were transformed into ‘Digital Champions’ whose journeys were documented throughout the process. This provided a map for others who wish to follow in their footsteps.