Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) in 3rd level education continues to grow unabashed. As noted by Donnelly et al (2013), “teaching and learning will need to adapt. Technology will need to become an ever-bigger part of the learning process”. Statements such as these ring especially true in the landscape of Irish higher education, where it has been found that TEL is playing an ever-greater role in the practices of many Irish educators (NFETL, 2014b).
Despite such assured declarations, however, a wide range of challenges remain. Donnelly & O’Rourke (2007) identified that “In the Republic of Ireland, as elsewhere, the use of online technologies has become an increasingly important challenge in academic staff development”. Such statements are evidenced by findings from a recent survey conducted by the National Forum on the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education on the use of technology in higher education which identified a lack of TEL training, a lack of confidence in using TEL and degrees of unawareness regarding the potential of TEL as major barriers to the adoption and implementation of TEL by educators (NFETL, 2014a).
Additional reports cite the necessity of ensure that the technology of TEL does not undermine the pedagogy in use. The 2014 NFETL report (NFETL, 2014b) identified that “While there is an enthusiasm for technology enhanced teaching, there is an awareness that technology itself will not enhance the learning experience - only teachers and an informed pedagogy can achieve that.” This issue of pedagogy is also identified by O’Donnell and Sharp (2012): “In order for e-learning to be a success university management and staff must take ownership of e-learning and satisfy themselves that pedagogy can be maintained, even though the medium of delivery is changing”.
This paper considers the challenges facing Irish Higher Education in providing TEL training for staff. Following this, an analysis is offered of a potential solution in the form of an on-going project, funded by the National Forum, entitled “TEL Tools” - an online resource open to all Irish educators, which offers a library of short, granular media-rich learning objects which looks to equip educators and learning technologists with the tools and knowledge required to utilise digital tools and resources for TEL in an effective and practical manner. The paper will examine the rationale behind the development of such a resource, as well as how, when providing training on TEL for Irish educators, the pedagogical elements of training must be balanced with, and not overshadowed by, the technological.
Finally, a number of conclusions are offered regarding the provision of TEL training for educators, in addition to the many additional institutional, professional and pedagogical elements which must accompany or facilitate such training.
References:
Barber, M., Donnelly, K., Rizvi, S., & Summers, L. (2013). An avalanche is coming. Institute for Public Policy Research, London, UK.
Donnelly, R., & O'Rourke, K. C. (2007). What now? Evaluating eLearning CPD practice in Irish third‐level education. Journal of Further and Higher Education,31(1), 31-40.
NFETL (2014a). National Survey on the use of Technology to enhance Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. www.teachingandlearning.ie
NFETL (2014b). Report from Principles and First insights from Sectoral Consultations on Building Digital Capacity in Irish Higher Education. www.teachingandlearning.ie
O'Donnell, E., Sharp, M., Wade, V., & O'Donnell, L. (2012). Academics' Views on Personalised e-Learning in Higher Education.
Learning trends & technologies , Innovative Pedagogies for TEL
