Education Commons^™

All Things Merge Into One, And A River Runs Through It: Exploring The Dimensions Of Blended Learning By Developing A Case Study Template For Blended Activities, Damian Gordon, Paul Doyle, Anna Becevel, Tina Baloh

Articles

The BLITT (Blended Learning International Train the Trainer) Project is focused on developing a training programme to equip teachers to become proficient in championing the use of Blended Learning in the classroom. The training programme will be developed in two phases, in the first phase involves the development of a series of case studies relevant to Blended Learning, followed by a second phase where the BLITT training programme will be designed and developed, using input from these cases. In developing the blended learning case studies, two key documents were identified as being essential, first, a case study tracking template to …

Applying Interpretation Principles To A Non-Western (Japanese) Training Context, Naoko Yamada, Jeffrey Skibins, Betty Weiler

International Journal of Tour Guiding Research

Interpretive guides play an indispensable role in achieving tourism and sustainability outcomes. Although interpretation theory and best practice principles are supported by literature, they have been primarily developed in Western countries. Little work has been done to evaluate the cross-cultural applicability of using Western-based interpretation in training non-Western interpretive guides. This study evaluates the use of Western-based interpretive competencies in a Japanese training context. The efficacy of the training was assessed using quantitative and qualitative pre- and post-training data from all 42 trainees. Training programs were successful in improving trainees’ perceptions of the importance of links between individual roles and …

College Cocktail Competitions (1980-2020) - Version 1, James Murphy

Other resources

2020 will commemorate a very important occasion, for it not only celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the first college cocktail competition in Ireland but also over 40 years of cocktail making activity in the Technological University of Dublin (TU Dublin) formerly known as [Dublin Institute of Technology-DIT & Vocational Education Committee-VEC]. This document highlights these College Cocktail Competitions, the recipes created, the overall winners, the many participants and the kind sponsors who helped to create 40 years of college cocktail competitions. The document helps to identify the many changes which occurred during this period of time in relation to this …

Cocktail Menus Ireland (1970s-2020) Version 1, James Murphy

Other resources

Cocktail Menus Ireland (1970s-2020) Version 1 highlights a small selection of cocktail menus from cocktail bars, public bars, hotel bars and Cocktail Clubs covering the period of 1970 up to 2020. These menus and their recipes help to identify the creativity, innovation and attention to detail in which the establishments highlighted here and their staff (cocktail bartenders, mixologists and management teams) poured into these menus. The menus also highlight the changing drinks fashions, how cocktail prices began to change, the variety of ingredients, the rise of the crafted approach towards ingredients sourcing and preparation. The impact of visual graphic illustrations, …

Universal Design In The Education System: Training Of Professionals As A Key To The Success Of A Tourism Without Exclusion, M. Dolores Muñoz De Dios, Yolanda M. De La Fuente Robles

Papers

Abstract. Abstract, The World Tourism Organization promotes Accessible Tourism with aiming at developing the tourist industry through accessibility, sustainability and technology from a social innovation perspective, thus making it crucial for education institutions to take interest in all relevant changes brought about by the changing needs of society. Tourism is a key driving force regarding socioeconomic progress, as well as an activity that has comprehensive impact in all service areas. Therefore, taking into consideration that universal accessibility and design for all individuals makes life more confortable, it is essential to provide certain guarantees so individuals can live with full rights …

Five Combined Strategies To Achieve Comprehensive, Effective And Innovative Training In Accessibility And Universal Design. Success Stories In Spain, Yolanda De La Fuente, Delfin Jiménez, Jesús Hernández-Galán

Papers

Today, achieving quality higher education in Universal Accessibility and Design is a difficult task. There is a lack of development in this regard within higher education study programmes, so training components must be added to traditional education in order to respond to the 21st century effectively. Therefore, we name hereunder five innovative strategies that can vastly ease the success of this task when combined: 1. Flexibility: Online training in a digital world. 2. Internationalization: Allowing teaching staff and students to experience a global classroom scenario without spatial and temporal boundaries. 3. Transversality: Including individuals with multiple skills in a complex …

Measuring The Effectiveness Of Software-Based Training To Improve The Spatial Visualization Skills Of Students In Stem Disciplines In Higher Education Institutions, Peter Cole

Dissertations

This research investigates how software can be used to teach spatial skills leading to greater success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) fields. Existing research indicates that spatial skills can be taught and that good spatial skills are common to people who succeed in STEM fields. In this work, a software-only testing system with a direct targeted, training intervention module was implemented to measure and teach spatial skills using mental rotations, which are believed to be one of the most significant indicators of success in STEM fields. Spatial skills were tested using a standardized and validated test that measures …

Virtual Virtue, Michael Bruder

Teaching and Learning in a Digital Context

No abstract provided.

A Survey Of Emotional Well-Being Among Irish Third Level Educators, Lorna Lawless, Colm Mcguinness, Aiden Carthy, Fiona Mcsweeney

Outcomes in Higher Education

This study aimed to gain baseline scores of perceived levels of work-related stress, self- efficacy, emotional intelligence and well-being for Irish third level educators. A questionnaire was designed to achieve this, including an open-ended question asking participants to note their attitudes and beliefs towards training in the area of social and emotional skills. The questionnaire received 494 responses, 185 (37%) university, 238 (48%) institute of technology, 59 (12%) college of education and 18 (3%) other. Statistical analysis using a one-way ANOVA found a significant difference, with higher levels of work-related stress being reported by university lecturers in comparison to institute …

The Effects Of Spatial Skills And Spatial Skills Training On Academic Performance In Stem Education, Gavin Duffy, Stephanie Farrell, Rachel Harding, Avril Behan, Aaron Mac Raighne, Robert Howard, Edmund Nevin, Brian Bowe

Conference papers

Spatial ability plays an important but often unacknowledged role in achieving success in science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) education. Many entering STEM disciplines have low spatial skills but these can be improved through a short training course. Accompanying improvements in academic grades and retention rates have been observed by others. This presents an opportunity to enhance the first year experience (FYE) for those with poor spatial skills. In this study the spatial skills of students entering several first year programmes in science and engineering were measured. Those identified as weak visualisers were offered a spatial skills course. Spatial skill …

Enhance The Connection Between Academic Studies And Internship, Frank Cullen

Other resources

This module provides a structure to develop an enhanced learner experience. The concept of internship is complex. It hinges on the relationships and connections between the Schools, student, industry and institutions. It relates to the quality of the engagement with academic, administrative and support staff as well as their interaction with and for students and potential employers. At the institutes core should be the quality, breadth and appropriateness of internship that the student and industry experience.

A Review Of Irish Projects On The Sustainability Of Recognition Of Prior Learning Initiatives, Katherine Collins

Conference Papers

One increasingly popular area of research in the workplace is the concept of the recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL can be defined as the recognition of learning that has taken place, but has not necessarily been assessed or measured and which may have been acquired through formal, non-formal and informal routes. In this paper I will attempt to use the European concept of Valorisation as a means to examine four RPL projects that were undertaken in Ireland in recent years between higher education institutes and workforce sectors. This analysis was done by way of desk research and interviews with …

Integrating Learning Technologies With Experiential Learning In A Postgraduate Teacher Education Course, Roisin Donnelly

Articles

This paper discusses how a Postgraduate Certificate Course in Third Level Learning and Teaching for academic staff in the Republic of Ireland has adopted a particular approach in teacher education. 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 course has its theoretical basis on the Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle (Kolb, 1983). The work illustrates that no one technology can support all types of third level learning and teaching; an effective approach is to combine a range of technologies. The self-study …

Final Report Unesco-Unevoc International Experts Seminar, Dublin, Aidan Kenny

Conference Papers

UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre and the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) UNEVOC National Centre Ireland jointly organised an International Expert’s Consultation seminar from 18 to 20 August, 2008 at DIT Aungier Street Campus, in Dublin, Ireland. Since DIT joined the UNEVOC Network in early 2007, Mr. Aidan Kenny, co-ordinator of the National UNEVOC Centre Ireland and Dr. L. Efison Munjanganja, Head, UNEVOC Networks had in conversations and in correspondence been keen about the idea of a consultative seminar on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and capacity building in the UNEVOC Network. Central to the idea was the stimulation of …

Changing Training Needs Arising From The Introduction Of Off-Site Construction Techniques, Louis Gunnigan, John Mcdonagh

Conference papers

The objective of this paper is to examine the changes in training needs arising from the increase of off-site construction in the Republic of Ireland. The methodology employed was a case study using a participant observation research technique. For a period of three weeks, the researcher observed the construction of residential housing, constructed using off-site techniques. From the practices observed and from interviews with the operatives on-site, an account of the differences in skills required between those employed in traditional construction and off-site construction was compiled. Each of the different trades involved in traditional construction was addressed and a comprehensive …

The Experience Of E-Learning: Progress Towards A New Learning Paradigm, Audrey Martin, Eugene Mcgovern, Kevin Mooney

Conference papers

This paper reviews the use of E-Learning in the spatial information science programmes of the Technological University of Dublin (DIT).

The spatial information science programmes are placed within the context of the use of E-Learning across the Institute and this paper draws on the experiences of the DIT Learning Technology Team (LTT). The LTT has just completed the initial brief given to it by the DIT strategic planning group charged with ensuring the implementation of E-Learning as a resource in support of the change from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred paradigm.

E-Learning was first introduced in the Department of Spatial …

What Is Required To Optimise Professional Development Opportunities For Academic Staff In A Specific College In The Further Education Sector?, Anne O'Donohue

Theses

The main aim of this research was to identify what was required to optimise professional development for the academic staff of Liberties College, a college in the further education sector. This research was a case study, focusing on the micro, one case on one site, with the emphasis on understanding the unity and the wholeness of this particular case. The theoretical perspective applied therefore, was constructionist and the research methods interpretive in design.

The research design was mainly qualitative though there was also a quantitative element in part of the questionnaire which was followed up by semi-structured interviews. The relevant …

Will Using A Constructivist Approach Improve Laboratory Work For Phase 6 Electrical Apprentices?, Francis Ashworth

Theses

This study used action research to implement a constructivist approach in the delivery of the electronics and measurements laboratory classes for a phase six group of electrical apprentices in the Electrical Services Engineering Department of the Technologicl University Dublin. The aim of the study was to investigate if the constructivist approach adopted, with a research group, could improve the effectiveness of the two labs. The research group consisted of sixteen, phase six, male electrical apprentices for both the electronics and measurements labs. The students ranged in ages between eighteen and twenty five years of age and were a randomly selected …

Critting The Crit In The Education Of Architects: From Bauhaus To Bolton Street, Patrick Flynn

Theses

This investigative study is concerned with examining the current methods of assessment of architecture students in the system known as the “crit” and the associated methods of giving students feedback on their designs in a public forum. The aim of the research is to identify the main weaknesses of the crit system and to explore alternatives which perhaps would have more sustainable and transparent methods of assessment and feedback. Personal motivation for the research sprang from concerns regarding both the effectiveness of the crit from the pedagogical perspective of student learning and from concerns about it as a transparent and …

Information-Literacy Programmes And Course Curricula: The Case For Integration, Anne Ambrose, Brian Gillespie

Level 3

"Our ability to think, and to select and use the information at our disposal will be the critical determinant of the future success of the Information Society in Ireland."

(Information Society Commission 2000: 118)

The quotation above acknowledges the critical importance of information skills, and suggests that the very success of the concept of an 'information society' relies upon an information-literate population. Surveys of employers show an increasing demand for 'graduates with an ability to analyse, evaluate and process information effectively' (Big Blue, 2002: 4). Such skills are directly related to the aims and processes of …

Learning Society And Low Unemployment: Education And Training In Low Unemployment Countries, Anto Kerins

Books / Book chapters

Ireland is a world leader in literature, music and well bred horses. She has also done well in economic growth, foreign trade and low inflation. However, in unemployment she is also, unfortunately, a world leader. This book approaches the jobs crisis in Ireland by reflecting on the experience of five relatively low unemployemnt nations: Austria, Japan, Norway and Sweden. This book offers a wide range of ideas and proposals on how to reduce our unemployment.

Bartenders And Cocktails Of Ireland 1989-1993: Extracts From ‘Bartenders Association Of Ireland: A History Extended Version ], James Murphy

Other resources

Bartenders Association of Ireland – A History book captured the many social and professional practice events, awards, new drinks and hotels services launched, significant bar and cocktail industry people and their contributions plus the many community activities which the bartenders and members of the Bartenders Association of Ireland (BAI) have successfully completed from the 1940s up to the late 1990s. The successful completion of these activities would not be been possible without the active and on-going support of the many Irish and international drinks and hospitality establishments (association supporters) and the association’s membership and active support of initially the UKBG …

Ukbg Bartenders Newsletters – Irish Branch Section, 1948-1970, James Murphy

Other resources

UKBG – Irish Branch Bartenders Newsletter captured the many social and professional practice events, awards, new drinks and hotels services launched, significant bar and cocktail industry people and their contributions plus the many community activities which the bartenders and members of the United Kingdom Bartenders Association (UKBG) – Irish Branch successfully completed up the period of 1948. These events include the earliest cocktail competitions held in Ireland, the famous bartenders and the equally famous locations where they worked. The successful completion of these activities would not be been possible without the active and on-going support of the many Irish and …