TEU Update 23 April 2026

DCU Challenge Accepted: Schedule Snapshot

The catalogue of contributors to DCU Challenge Accepted: A collaborative showcase of Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) continues to grow and you can now access a draft snapshot of the schedule for both days. So whether you want to learn from DCU colleagues who are already applying CBL, get an update about ECIU strategy on CBL, or learn about the practicalities of applying CBL with a particular eye to GenAI or Education for Sustainable Development, we’ve got something for you. Check out the two days of activities and register today for any sessions of interest. 

Upcoming Panel Discussion on Research Ethics in SoTL

DCU will be contributing to an international panel discussion on research ethics and the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) which will share insights from experts across Canada, Ireland and the UK. This webinar on Friday 15 May (3-4pm) features DCU’s Dr Catherine Dean, Research Ethics and Integrity Officer. Anyone interested is welcome to attend and/or send potential questions about research ethics in SoTL to clare.gormley@dcu.ie

Registration is essential for this event so be sure to register asap: Panel Discussion: Research and Ethics in SoTL

Ed Tech Registration

The deadline to register to attend EdTech 2026 is 15 May. 

This milestone 25th iteration of Ireland’s premier learning technology and digital education conference will take place in DCU St Patrick’s Campus on Wednesday 3 and 4 June 2026. Chaired by Dr Rob Lowney, TEU, and Kate Molloy, PhD Scholar in the Institute of Education, a jam-packed programme is currently taking shape. Many DCU colleagues from across faculties and professional services units will present on their technology-enhanced teaching and learning practices, emerging educational research, and host practical workshops. Additionally, a host of presenters from across Ireland, the UK, Europe and the United States will share their leading edge practices, and three eminent keynote speakers will provide insight and provoke discussions across the two days.

Don’t delay - register today!  Keep an eye on the conference website in the coming weeks as the draft programme is published, and contact info@ilta.ie if you have any queries.

Loop Grading Support

As you finalise grading, keep these tips in mind for grading on Loop: 

• Add Manual Grade Items: You can manually create grade items for offline tasks like presentations or in-class participation—just click "Add grade item" in Gradebook Setup.
• Use Categories to Stay Organized: You can group related assignments using Gradebook categories (e.g., "Quizzes," "Essays"). This keeps things tidy and makes weighting easier.
• Check your aggregation method: Under Gradebook Setup, you can set your item and category aggregation method (e.g. Weighted mean of grades, Simple weighted mean, Natural) to match how you want final grades calculated.
• A comprehensive suite of resources on grading and Loop Gradebook is available on the Loop Staff Support Page in the Assessment section.

SoTL Spotlight

In this section, we will regularly share conferences, call for papers and other items related to the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning across disciplines

In our SOTL spotlight this week, we are delighted to share two recent publications from the TEU focusing on research in the ABC Learning Design and CBL spaces respectively:

• Gormley, C., Lowney, R. and Stone, S. (2026) ‘Enhancing reflection and inclusivity in teaching practice at two Irish universities’, in Young, C., Perović, N., Havemann, L. and Shackleford-Cesare, K. (eds) ABC Learning Design: Active, blended, connected and beyond. London: UCL Press, pp. 53–67.

• Gormley, C., Girne, L., Crehan, M. and Campau, S. (2026) “Modelling Active Learning Through a Challenge-Based Hackathon” in Wilson, M.S. and Horrocks, J. (eds)  Making Active Learning Happen for All Practical Ideas for Developing and Sustaining Active Learning. Brighton: Open Press University of Sussex

Should the articles ignite your interest in either of these topics, please do contact us at teaching.enhancement@dcu.ie.

Where to Find Help and Support

Submit a request at DCU Help for Loop queries
 

More complex query or prefer to chat? Join a Loop drop in clinic
Find comprehensive resources on our Loop Staff Support Page - enrolment key is 'staff'
 

For advice on teaching practice, including on the use of technology, email teaching.enhancement@dcu.ie
Request a workshop or extended consultation

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