Education Commons^™

The Nexus Explored: A Generalised Model Of Learning Styles, Damian Gordon, Gordon Bull

Conference papers

The controversy over learning style (the unique way of thinking and reasoning that characterizes an individual learner) as to whether or not it is a stable cognitive factor is one which has raged on for a number of years, and has been reinvigorated recently with the advent of easy-to-use courseware development tools and the consequent development of virtual learning environments. This paper surveys a number of different learning styles models and it concludes there is a large degree of commonality between the different theories, which allows us to distill key or core learning style characteristics which point the way to …

Creating Spaces For Voices: The Portfolio As A Framework To Support Inquiry Into Third Level Learning And Teaching, Roisin Donnelly, Marian Fitzmaurice

Conference papers

This paper will discuss qualitative research that was conducted in our professional practice in supporting academic staff in third level learning and teaching in a higher education institution in the Republic of Ireland. The goal was to understand more fully the process of compiling a teaching portfolio through supporting the academic staff in their development of an authentic voice. A further concern of the study was to examine the extent to which the portfolio process promoted the development of skills such as reflection and self-evaluation and provided a structure for documenting and reflecting on learning and teaching for academic staff …

Different Thinking Hats: The Continuously-Evolving Role Of The Instructor In E-Problem Based Learning (E-Pbl), Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

A hugely important area in any form of PBL delivery is the role of the instructor; in an e-learning environment, it is even more crucial. Hughes and Daykin (2002) have suggested that a move to online delivery needs a greater attention to design and development of facilitator skills than has been previously recognised. An e-learning module for lecturers, delivered using a problem-based learning approach, is the setting for continuing research into the many hats that an instructor has to don during the learning process. Coppola, Hiltz and Rotter (2001) identify a number of roles played by instructors in e-learning, but …

Learning Theories And Higher Education, Francis Ashworth, Gabriel Brennan, Kathy Egan, Ron Hamilton, Olalla Sáenz

Conference papers

This paper offers a number of materials and resources which may be used as teaching aids for introduction-level courses in learning theories, especially those in higher education. The materials were developed during our participation in a postgraduate diploma module on the psychology of learning and learning theories in 2004, as part of the diploma in third-level learning and teaching at the DIT Learning and Teaching Centre.

Using Information Technology To Enhance Control Engineering Education: Some Experiences, Aidan O'Dwyer

Conference papers

In the past decade, the use of computer based design and analysis tools, such as MATLAB/SIMULINK, has revolutionised practice in Control Engineering. Concepts that were previously only understandable after sustained mathematical analysis or experimental work may now be readily simulated on the computer. Over the past four years, the author has experimented with the use of MATLAB/SIMULINK, in the lecture and laboratory environment, with degree and taught masters students in control engineering at Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT). It has been found that the tool helps to increase student understanding of challenging topics, to act as motivation to further exploration …

The Implications Of The Curriculum Process On The Design Of A Modern Engineering Programme In The Dublin Institute Of Technology, Kevin Kelly

Conference papers

In the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) the curriculum usually starts with a programme document. The programme document will be a snapshot of faculty thinking at a point in time, usually at the validation stage of the programme. The programme document lays down clearly the aims, objectives, facilities, staff, syllabi, learning/teaching methods, assessment procedures, programme-management arrangements and all of the other characteristics of the programme. It provides a basis for critical scrutiny by all involved. Compilation of the document is an iterative process, and the final document is scrutinised by an expert panel as part of the validation process.

A …

Redefining Architectural Education At An Hbcu (Historically Black College/ University), Shannon Chance

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Creating Spaces For Voices: The Portfolio As A Framework To Support Enquiry Into Third Level Teaching And Learning, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This paper will discuss qualitative research that was conducted in our professional practice in supporting academic staff in third level learning and teaching. Our goal was to understand more fully the process of compiling a teaching portfolio through supporting the academic staff in their development of an authentic voice. The scholarship of teaching has been of growing interest to the institution from which this Postgraduate Certificate in Third Level Learning and Teaching Course is delivered. This reflects a worldwide focus. Badley's research on HEFCE (2002) "what is required is for all teaching to be animated by scholarship and for scholarship …

An Online Dilemma: The Pull Of Individuality Pitched Against Peer Collaboration In An Online Problem-Based Learning Group, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

In early 2001, a new Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching was launched for lecturers from a range of higher education institutions in the Republic of Ireland. This paper describes ongoing research undertaken for the re-design of one module out of the eight offered on the Postgraduate Diploma: the Online Learning (OL) Module delivered using the pedagogical strategy of Problem-based Learning (PBL). This Postgraduate Diploma is entirely voluntary and only lecturers who are keen to implement novel pedagogical approaches in their own subject disciplines apply for a place on the modules. The aim of the OL/PBL module is …

The Bologna Process And The Recognition Of Qualifications, Frank Mcmahon

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

Finding And Evaluating Curricular Resources On The Web For Teaching Junior Certificate Mathematics, Alice Mcdonnell, Ciaran Mcdonnell, Brendan Tangney

Conference papers

This study addresses the difficulties of locating quality curricular information on the WWW focussing on the Irish Junior Certificate Mathematics curriculum. In the development of efficient searching techniques, an examination of efficient search / metasearch engines, directories, education sites and the Invisible Web was undertaken. The techniques developed aim to provide an overall searching strategy for educators on the WWW. An initial selection of relevant material was located on the World Wide Web and selection criteria were applied, providing predictive ratings by one of the authors. A key element of this study is the development of an adaptive, ongoing peer …

Delving Deeper With Online Learning?, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This paper describes a study being undertaken to explore whether course material delivered using a combination of online and problem-based learning approaches will lead to a deeper understanding of the learning issues by the students. The process of delivering an Online Learning (OL) Module using a Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach in a Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching at a higher education institute in Ireland. The students who undertake this Module are a cohort of academic staff (Faculty Members) in Higher Education who are taking this module part-time. They are hitherto referred to as participants. This module is …

Teaching Postgraduate Research Methods Using A Novel Problem-Based Learning Approach, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This session describes both the reasons for and the process of designing and delivering a Research Methods Module using a Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach in a Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching at a higher education institute in Ireland. The students who undertake this part-time Module are cohorts of academic staff (Faculty Members) in Higher Education (HE). They are hitherto referred to as participants. This module is one of eight offered on the PG Diploma, all designed and delivered using Problem-based Learning. The entire PG Diploma is voluntary, and only Faculty who are keen to implement novel pedagogical …

Experiencing Technology: Integrating Learning Technology Within The Experiential Learning Cycle Of A Pg Certificate In Third Level Learning And Teaching., Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This paper will discuss how a PG Certificate Course in Third Level Learning and Teaching for lecturers in higher education has adopted a particular approach in teacher education. In light of the findings put forth by Collis (1999), the paper will explain the practical aspects of how Learning Technology (LT) is fully integrated into both core Learning and Teaching modules of a PG Certificate Course for academic staff. As an important aspect of the successful integration and use of learning technology is the way in which it effectively reflects and articulates a given learning model, this PG Certificate Course has …

Combining An Online And Problem-Based Approach: With Learning As The Common Denominator, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

This paper describes the design and delivery of a specialised Online Learning (OL) module in a Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching for academic staff at a higher education institute in Ireland. It is designed and delivered online with the WebCT Online Learning Environment using a Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach, with an emphasis on group learning in a real life multi-disciplinary learning environment for the module participants. The aim of the OL/PBL module is to enable the academic staff participants to become aware of the practicalities of developing, co-ordinating, supporting and evaluating an online course in their own …

Understanding Homelands Through A Comparison Of Cultures., Shannon Chance

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

The Virtual University: Lessons From A Virtual Cross-Cultural Learning Situation In International Management, Mikael Søndergaard, Jeanette Lemmergaard, Paul Donnelly, Marta B. Cálas

Conference papers

This paper addresses some issues regarding virtual learning and the future of traditional universities. Specifically, it considers these issues by reflecting on the following: First, it focuses on the repercussions of information technologies for teaching and learning in "cross-cultural" courses. It critically assesses, via three recent examples, how these approaches influence teaching and learning in the context of international management courses. Second, drawing from the above examples, the paper reflects more broadly on the implications of these technologies: (1) for new forms of knowing and knowledge production; and (2) for the future of institutional conditions of universities.

Tourism: A Soft Touch For Increased Taxation, Frank Mcmahon

Conference papers

This paper reviews the changes which are taking place internationally in the taxation of the tourism industry and the reasons why tourism is especially susceptible to increased taxation. It compares VAT rates in European countries and assesses the relationship between those rates and increases in international tourism receipts, concluding that there is not the direct, negative relationship which hotel associations frequently cited in their submissions to government. The canons of taxation, first devised by Adam Smith are applied to current tourism taxation: some distortions caused by taxation are identified. Finally, some topical taxation controversies are outlines, examples of positive taxation …