TEU Update May 15 2025
On Monday 19th May, DCU will host a mini-symposium focusing on two important aspects of ESD:
-
Dr Kieran Higgins from the University of Ulster and Dr Alison Calvert from Queen’s University, Belfast will lead a session on integrating ESD themes into modules using their CRAFTS methodology. This was developed for Advance HE and more details can be found here.
-
Lizzy Noone from Worldwise Global Schools (Irish Aid) will lead a workshop on simple yet powerful active learning methodologies involving a ball of string. This hands-on method turns abstract issues like inequality, climate change, and human rights into something participants can see and feel.
The event will take place in HG 10 (Alice Reeves Building) on the Glasnevin campus between 11am and 2pm. Lunch will be provided.
The event is open to all staff and PhD students and will also serve as a celebration for staff who have completed the NFTL Digital Badge ‘Introduction to Education for Sustainability.’
New to the concept of Challenge-Based Learning (CBL)? Come along to one of these online introductory sessions for those which will be repeated on three separate dates (Thurs May 15th, 2 pm; Friday May 23rd, 11 am; Monday May 26th, 11 am) in May. Please pick whichever date best suits your schedule. Note that this introductory session should also act as a useful precursor to potential one-to-one or group CBL design sessions so it’s a chance to get familiar with the fundamentals before diving in.
The next webinar in the MoodleMunch series takes place on Tuesday 27 May, 13:00. In this webinar, Dr Leah Ridgway from the School of Electronic Engineering will share their experiences of using the Loop Lesson tool to provide personalised learning for students, “choosing their own adventure!” through their learning (DigCompEdu competence 5.4 ‘Differentiation and personalisation’).
Our external speaker from the Law Society of Ierland will share an overview of their Moodle-based learning technology ecosystem and how it caters for the needs of professional legal education (DigCompEdu competence area 3 'Teaching and learning').
Register to attend this webinar on Zoom
Join us on Wednesday, May 28th at 2pm for another engaging and insightful Sipping Point conversation, this time centered on Transforming Higher Education: From Micro-curricula Design to Innovative Teaching Practices.
Dr. Yalemisew Abgaz from the School of Computing will share insights on the design and implementation of a large-scale, university-wide module utilising a micro-curricula model. Following that, Dr. Marianna Pagkratidou from the School of Psychology will discuss her innovative teaching strategies and assessments, which blend modern, evidence-based pedagogy with non-formal educational tools, technology, and creative approaches.
These sessions are open to all DCU staff and you can find out more about the speakers and their talks here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Does your teaching practice relate to LGBTQ+ themes or topics? If so, you may wish to respond to the recent call for presentations for the second annual ‘DCU Pride in Teaching & Research’ event.
The event will take place on Thursday 12 June as part of the schedule of events for Pride at DCU.
Full details are available in the call for papers or on the expressions of interest form. Queries can be directed to prideplus@dcu.ie.
(The event also seeks presentations from DCU researchers, so please feel free to share with research colleagues, PhD students, postdocs, etc.)
Are you thinking about enhancing the learning experience on your modules, updating your learning outcomes, or actioning your student feedback? Did something not go quite as planned this year? Is a new module or programme coming your way next year?
Join Dr Maeve O’Dwyer, Academic Developer, for a series of interactive workshops introducing key aspects of curriculum development and learning design to help support you with your reflection and planning- including an in-person curriculum refresh workshop.
The following dates and times are available:
- Introduction to Curriculum Design, online, 11.00-12.00, Wed May 21st or June 11th
- Curriculum Refresh Workshop, in person, 14.00-16.00, Thurs May 29th or June 19th
- Reviewing Learning Outcomes, online, 11.00-12.00, Wed June 4th or June 25th
Sign up here to book your preferred times and dates, or to request additional support.
This ECIU Lunch & Learn session will explore training and collaboration opportunities available to ECIU university staff.
From immersive CBL training sessions to real challenge experiences, monthly Community of Practice meetups, and flexible micromodules; there’s something for everyone looking to grow, connect, and innovate.
Date: Wednesday, May 21st Time: 11:00 – 12:00 (Dublin time) Join the session here
The higher education student population is increasing in diversity and there are demands for increased flexibility in when and how learning opportunities are provided. Digital devices and applications are ubiquitous. To respond to these changes in higher education and the increasingly digital environment, educators have to develop their digital skills and adapt to more innovative teaching approaches.
Educators and those who support education are invited to participate in a rollout of the Open Course "Getting Started With Personal & Professional Digital Capacity", jointly facilitated by ATU and DCU. Those who successfully complete the course will earn a digital badge issued by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning.
For more information on what’s involved, the indicative course schedule, and to register, visit this link.
If you require assistance or guidance with teaching and learning or Loop related matters, avail of the below methods.
Support for technical issues
For Loop technical queries, go to help.dcu.ie. You can also attend one of our regular online Loop drop in clinics, details in the TEU calendar. The drop in clinics are particularly useful for more complex queries. The Loop Staff Support Page also provides a comprehensive range of resources on Loop and Zoom. For new users, the enrolment key for this page is ‘staff’.
Advice on using technology for Teaching and Learning
If you are looking for advice on developing your teaching practice, including but not limited to the application of technology, please contact the TEU team teaching.enhancement@dcu.ie. We will endeavour to respond to you as soon as possible.
Consultancy request form
Interested in requesting a workshop or more extended consultation on a specific topic? Use this consultancy request form.
TEU mailing list
Going forward, the TEU newsletter and other updates will be issued to the academic staff mail group. Anyone else who wishes to receive our communications, please click “Join Group” to be added to our mailing list. This is particularly important if you wish to receive updates on Loop related communications; professional development opportunities such as Advance HE supported journey, etc.
