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Articles 1 - 28 of 28
Full-Text Articles in Education
A New Integrated Style To Teaching Engineering Mathematics At Third Level Engineering Courses, Mohamad Saleh, Colm Mcguinness
A New Integrated Style To Teaching Engineering Mathematics At Third Level Engineering Courses, Mohamad Saleh, Colm Mcguinness
The ITB Journal
Mathematics is the main pillar in the engineering foundation courses and the engineering profession where mathematical manipulation, modelling and simulation are used widely. However, experience in engineering courses has shown that students encounter some difficulties in mathematics, with a certain degree of disinterest and apathy. This is reflected in the mathematical continuous assessments, final exams, laboratory reports for other engineering subjects and in answering engineering numerical question-based mathematical formula. This paper investigates a new development and the implication of two models of a CBL integrated with course lecture material. This is part of an overall integrated approach, achieved through an …
Consistency Of Academic Performance In Higher Education: A Study Of An Irish Business Degree Programme, Julie Byrne, Conor Heagney
Consistency Of Academic Performance In Higher Education: A Study Of An Irish Business Degree Programme, Julie Byrne, Conor Heagney
The ITB Journal
This study examines the level of consistency of the academic performance of business students, both as a whole and within two fields of study- accounting and human resource management (HRM). The examination results of 177 students are ranked at different stages and compared with the rank of final year exam results. By utilising Spearman's (1 904) coefficient of rank order correlations rather than absolute marks, this paper hopes to facilitate the process of comparison. The research found that the level of consistency increases substantially once students enter the degree irrespective of their field of study.
An Adaptive Elearning Framework- Design Issues And Considerations, Maria Brennan
An Adaptive Elearning Framework- Design Issues And Considerations, Maria Brennan
The ITB Journal
This paper discusses the issues and motivations surrounding the design and development of an adaptive e-Learning facility. The problem facing developers is the deliverance of high quality educational opportunities via the web that are equivalent or even better than face-to-face classes. Because of rapid developments in the information and communications technologies with regard to on-line distance education it is possible to improve the quality of the system deliverance This is where the concept of using individual learning styles is adhered to. If a system is designed where the individual learning style of the student is discovered, the system can then …
Editorial, Brian Nolan
A Model For Improving Student Completion Rates In The Tud Based On Competency Based Learning Modules That Improve Acres And Taasolc, Gerard Stockil
A Model For Improving Student Completion Rates In The Tud Based On Competency Based Learning Modules That Improve Acres And Taasolc, Gerard Stockil
The ITB Journal
Acronyms can be useful sometimes. Let’s mint a new one, TAASOLC, see Fig 1. Next describe what TAASOLC means and tell a thread of a story. Continue by describe a solution with a list of quantifiable action items, based on community engagement models, for solving an education problem and a community development problem. The problem is increasing the number of students successfully completing a third level institute and (this conjunction is essential) at the same time gradually improving standards. The best way of getting the community engaged with a college, and a new 21st century Irish university, is to increase …
Students And Work Experience Programmes, Marion Brown
Students And Work Experience Programmes, Marion Brown
The ITB Journal
Students are often reluctant to become involved in work experience programmes, preferring instead to devote their time to further study or, to work in (often) non- related paid employment. Many students may think that having a degree is a tremendous asset and, is the only requirement needed to successfully secure employment in their chosen field. This article will discuss the advantages of work experience and provide a concrete example of one programme attended by third year students as part of the Special Populations module of Sports Management and Coaching Course. ITB, in a unique partnership with Fingal County Council Sports …
Civic Engagement: Strategic And Implementation Perspectives Within A Higher Education Institution, Des Moore
Civic Engagement: Strategic And Implementation Perspectives Within A Higher Education Institution, Des Moore
The ITB Journal
This paper will give a brief overview of what Civic Engagement means in Higher Education in general with a particular focus on Knowledge Exchange, Service Learning, Community Based Research and Volunteering. Following this, emergent thinking on Civic Engagement in Ireland is presented. Given both the theoretical context and the strategic importance of ensuring Civic Engagement opportunities are offered in a Higher Education Institution some possible organisation arrangements regarding the structured development and implementation of Civic Engagement at strategic and implementation levels are proposed.
Community Education And The Labour Activation Challenge, Liam Mcglynn
Community Education And The Labour Activation Challenge, Liam Mcglynn
The ITB Journal
In the aftermath of the global economic crisis of 2008 and the subsequent recession in Ireland and indeed across Europe, public discourse in politics, society, academia and media has focused on explaining the crisis as well as looking for solutions to the crisis. In the context of the Irish recession now in its fifth year, with unemployment at 13.6% or 435,357 (Central Statistics Office, 2013) there is understandable urgency across all sectors to find ways out of the crisis. It is against this backdrop of Ireland’s fall from the dizzying heights of the celtic tiger years to the depths of …
Equality Of Access To Higher Education: Discussion Of Emerging Issues Regarding The Performance Of Migrants At The Institute Of Technology Blanchardstown, Brid Ni Chonaill, Ruth Harris
Equality Of Access To Higher Education: Discussion Of Emerging Issues Regarding The Performance Of Migrants At The Institute Of Technology Blanchardstown, Brid Ni Chonaill, Ruth Harris
The ITB Journal
This paper presents the findings of a small scale study of the impact of English language competency on the performance of migrants in higher education in Ireland. It is based on a case study of a group of first year Social Studies students at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB). First, relevant terminology will be outlined before focusing on the promotion of equality in higher education by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) – the framework within which the data will subsequently be critiqued. Next, the presence of migrants in the Institutes of Technology (IOTs) will be discussed, before presenting the …
Virtual Interaction: A Real Alternative, Emmett Tuite, Lavinia Mclean
Virtual Interaction: A Real Alternative, Emmett Tuite, Lavinia Mclean
The ITB Journal
Social care students on block placement have reported a feeling of disconnection from both the broader student group and the natural supports available in the college environment. Students experience a variety of challenges and opportunities on placement, and when combined with practical and geographical limitations on support this can provide a key obstacle for successful progression through placement. Appropriate navigation of practice placement challenges offer the opportunity for key personal and professional development. This article is intended to outline the implementation and use of a specific moderated online interactive support space designed for social care students on final practice placements. …
Discussion, Cooperation, Collaboration: The Impact Of Task Structure On Student Interaction In A Web-Based Translation Exercise Module, Mary Ann Kenny
Discussion, Cooperation, Collaboration: The Impact Of Task Structure On Student Interaction In A Web-Based Translation Exercise Module, Mary Ann Kenny
The ITB Journal
A major challenge facing the online translation instructor is to design learning opportunities that encourage communication and the sharing of ideas between students. This article asks how such group interaction may be facilitated and evaluates, in particular the impact of task structure on student interaction in an online translation exercise module. Drawing on an empirical study carried out at Dublin City University during the academic year 2003/14, the article compares levels of intermessage referencing, the number and size of message clusters, and extent and type of cognitive presence evident in messages posted by students given three different types of task …
Interprofessional Education Challenges In Contemporary Social Care Placement Education, Aoife Prendergast
Interprofessional Education Challenges In Contemporary Social Care Placement Education, Aoife Prendergast
The ITB Journal
It is vital in contemporary practice that interprofessional education is effective and it requires engagement from students from a variety of different professions using interactive learning methodologies to develop social care professional student’s knowledge, skills and attitudes, behaviours and perceptions. Interprofessional education is a complex adult learning (andragogy) approach that is most effective when integrated throughout a programme of study moving from the basic to the most complex learning activities that bridge the gap from post-secondary to practice education settings. Educational accreditation standards being developed to stimulate the advancement of interprofessional education will have an impact on policies in both …
Access To Academic English: The Development Of A Meta- Linguistic Curriculum, Dawn Duffin
Access To Academic English: The Development Of A Meta- Linguistic Curriculum, Dawn Duffin
The ITB Journal
One of the greatest barriers to the deaf student's continuing and further education is the accessing of course texts and research papers. A native ISL user will not necessarily have acquired fluency in accessing written information in English during the course of his or her previous educational experience. At university the deaf student cannot hope that more than a percentage of course materials will be translated into ISL onto video tape and so often loses insight into the chosen course normally gained through the range of reading of text required by third level study if her or she lacks skill …
A Collaborative Model Of Service Delivery For Individuals With Specific Learning Difficulties, Suzanne Mccarthy
A Collaborative Model Of Service Delivery For Individuals With Specific Learning Difficulties, Suzanne Mccarthy
The ITB Journal
This paper will discuss a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to service delivery for young people and adults with specific learning difficulties. Influenced by research findings and a gap in service provision, the BUA service has been set up to provide screening, assessment, training and support to young people and adults with specific learning difficulties. The paper will consider the etiology of specific learning difficulties and current practices with particular reference to service provision and best practice models in the delivery of services. The paper will also discuss the BUA Centre’s innovative approach with the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown and the Dyscovery …
Mathematical Competencies Of Third Level Students: A Review, Colm Mcguinness
Mathematical Competencies Of Third Level Students: A Review, Colm Mcguinness
The ITB Journal
Many lecturers of mathematics and related disciplines in Ireland and internationally believe there has been a gradual decline in mathematical competencies of students presenting for first year at third level educational establishments. Some of the evidence to support this view is reviewed, along with the types of solutions being applied in Ireland and the UK. Attention is drawn to the explicit and implicit decline in standards potentially associated with some of the solutions, particularly for short courses involving mathematics.
Participation In Third Level Education: Issues For Non-Native Speakers Of English, Ruth Harris
Participation In Third Level Education: Issues For Non-Native Speakers Of English, Ruth Harris
The ITB Journal
In 2008, as part of a SIF (Strategic Innovation Funding) project on Widening Participation in Third Level Education, under the DRHEA (Dublin Regional Higher Education Alliance), the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown received funding to investigate issues relating to English language literacy levels and access to and achievement at third level education. The overall aim of the project was to evaluate the issues, develop effective interventions and provide guidelines for best practice with a view to increasing the participation of diverse groups in third level education. Non-native speakers of English were identified as a primary group whose participation and success …
Personality Variable Of Self-Esteem And Efl Reading Comprehension, Zari Saeedi
Personality Variable Of Self-Esteem And Efl Reading Comprehension, Zari Saeedi
The ITB Journal
The contribution of psychology to the process of learning, in general, and language learning, in particular, is so pervasive that there is hardly an aspect of language learning/teaching which could not be related to psychology. Among the psychological variables involved in language pedagogy, personality factors can have great significance. The aim of the present study is to determine if there is any association between the crucial personality factor of selfesteem (self-concept) (along with the sex variable) and the reading comprehension achievement of English major university students. The instruments used were Beck Self- Concept Scale (1967), the TOEFL (Test of English …
Required Features Of A Virtual Classroom Tool For Use In Higher Education, Arnold Hensman
Required Features Of A Virtual Classroom Tool For Use In Higher Education, Arnold Hensman
The ITB Journal
The integration of virtual-classroom systems into the arsenal of e-learning tools represents a major evolution in the landscape of modern distance education. For many courses, standard virtual learning environments (VLEs) provide only a foundation upon which to base a distance learning programme. However, synchronous live online-teaching software such as Microsoft Office Communicator and Adobe Connect allow educators to simulate a real-time classroom environment over the internet like never before. Since these tools are being used more and more within higher education, questions must be asked about how effective they ultimately can be in meeting student learning requirements. More importantly, what …
Exploring The Differences In Emotional Competency Across Subject Domains For Irish First Year Undergraduate Students, Aiden Carthy, Celesta Mccann, Sinead Mcgilloway
Exploring The Differences In Emotional Competency Across Subject Domains For Irish First Year Undergraduate Students, Aiden Carthy, Celesta Mccann, Sinead Mcgilloway
The ITB Journal
This study generated composite emotional competency profiles for Irish first year undergraduate students in four separate subject areas and tested for statistical significance between student groups. A total sample of 307 participants took part in this research as follows; n = 119 social care, n = 108 business, n = 42 computing, n = 38 engineering. Results revealed significant differences between Social Care and all other student groups for the interpersonal skills composite scale and for two of the three sub-scales from which it is computed, empathy and social responsibility. With respect to the third sub-scale from which the interpersonal …
Creating Access To Education With Progression Pathways Via Blended Learning Of Deaf Studies At Third Level In Ireland: Open Innovation With Digital Assets, Brian Nolan, Lorraine Leeson
Creating Access To Education With Progression Pathways Via Blended Learning Of Deaf Studies At Third Level In Ireland: Open Innovation With Digital Assets, Brian Nolan, Lorraine Leeson
The ITB Journal
Irish Sign Language (ISL) is an indigenous language of Ireland and is recognized by the EU as a natural language. It is a language separate from the other languages used in Ireland, including Irish, English and, in Northern Ireland, British Sign Language. Some 6,500 Deaf people use ISL on the island of Ireland. Deaf people are the most under-represented of all disadvantaged groups at third level, posing two challenges: (1) getting Deaf people into third level and (2) presenting education in an accessible form. Two higher education institutions, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, Dublin (ITB) …
Current Perspectives On The Role Of Gender In Second Language Acquisition (Sla) Research, Karen Feery
Current Perspectives On The Role Of Gender In Second Language Acquisition (Sla) Research, Karen Feery
The ITB Journal
This paper outlines current perspectives on the role of gender in second language acquisition (SLA) research. Neither a singular field of research relating specifically to gender and SLA nor a theory of gender and SLA exist as yet. However, the distinct and well-established fields of language and gender studies and the field of SLA strongly underpin this topic area and a gradual emergence of research relating specifically to the role of gender in SLA is evident.
Investigating The Feasibility Of Creating A Piece Of Software For Practical Electrical Classes That Engages Learners Of Different Learning Styles, Shaun Ferns
The ITB Journal
This paper looks at feasibility of creating a piece of software for practical electrical classes that engages learners of different learning styles. Traditional practical electrical classes are usually delivered using text based resources, but due in part to the advances in technology it is possible to provide information in a variety of formats. The starting point of this research was to evaluate the preferred learning style of the typical apprentice learner by using a learning style questionnaire based on the Vark model. The Vark model represents four learning styles Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing and Kinaesthetic. The results from the questionnaire then …
The Importance Of Play, Mario R.J. Corbin
The Importance Of Play, Mario R.J. Corbin
The ITB Journal
“Play makes an important contribution to the social development of an infant. It allows the individual to gain personal knowledge of other group members; permits certain social skills to be practiced, such as fighting, without risk of injury; and helps the individual to establish long term friendships.” Vince Smith (2003: 86)
Digital Libraries And Their Use In E-Learning, Caoimhín O’Nualláin
Digital Libraries And Their Use In E-Learning, Caoimhín O’Nualláin
The ITB Journal
How e-learning providers do business and produce content has changed dramatically over the past few years. Technology advancement and increased use of broadband coupled with the need to develop content optimised for size, richness and personalization have been key drivers. Due to the high costs associated with producing content, much progress has been made adapt old material to courses that may apply a different style guide. The fact that there are millions of duplicating courses covering the same material across the world, which cannot be re-used or shared, is an issue we discuss in this paper in the context of …
Factors Relating To The Design Of Effective Third Level Learning Environment, Amanda Clancy
Factors Relating To The Design Of Effective Third Level Learning Environment, Amanda Clancy
The ITB Journal
The number of students attending University in Ireland is at an all time high. Therefore it is essential to ensure that learning environments are well established and that they help deliver the most important aspects necessary to the students. This paper looks at what the most important factors are when it comes to learning and teaching environments, and what learning environment best delivers these factors. Three learning environments are discussed, Traditional Learning, Blended Learning and Distance Learning. The type of factors that are examined range from aspects to do with the material and resources available to the students to areas …
From Passivity To Interactivity: How The Traditional Lecture Has Evolved As A Method Of Instruction, Patricia Doherty
From Passivity To Interactivity: How The Traditional Lecture Has Evolved As A Method Of Instruction, Patricia Doherty
The ITB Journal
D’Inverno (2003:19) notes that “Most of the lectures which students attend require little engagement and they may well have developed a passive mentality in which some largely expect to switch off”. This paper reviews current thinking in this issue and present recent feedback from students in order to establish what can be done to improve the lecture as a method of instruction. We present a discussion that will help encourage a deeper sense of learning, make the lecture into something that students do not want to miss through promoting inclusiveness in learning, by making lectures more interactive and developing student …
Working Towards An Inclusive Model Of Practice: E4 Project Training In An Institute Of Technology, Dawn Duffin
Working Towards An Inclusive Model Of Practice: E4 Project Training In An Institute Of Technology, Dawn Duffin
The ITB Journal
The paper hypothesises that third level tutors are not required to and do not generally possess teaching or disability awareness qualifications and that the institute of technology involved would benefit from a collective approach towards more inclusive practice. The collected data confirms the hypothesis whilst also highlighting recommendations to be incorporated into future planning. The aim of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of a Continuing Professional Development Module on inclusive teaching and learning in a third level institute of technology; it is then intended to derive appropriate lessons for future development of such training. The E4 Project builds …
Is The Collage Arund The Korner Just De Sam? A Study Of General Literacy And Information Literacy In The Year One Horticulture Cohort At The Institute Of Technology, Blanchardstown, Kevin Martin
The ITB Journal
This paper examines the issues of general and Information Literacy among first year students at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland in the School of Engineering and Computing. It specifically looks at the first year Diploma in Horticulture intake and briefly compares these to other cohorts in the school. It seeks to tentatively establish the percentages of students who are presenting with literacy difficulties. It suggests interventions that may help to remediate the problems for some students and help them fulfil their potential.