South East Technological University (SETU) hosted its inaugural Teaching and Learning Conference with Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), and Portlaoise College, at its campus in Carlow. The theme of the conference was Exploring Pedagogical Possibilities, where colleagues from across the secondary, further and higher education sectors had the opportunity to share practice and have collaborative discussions on how to enhance overall learner experience.
A series of talks and workshops on a range of topics took place throughout the conference including ones entitled: ‘An activity-based approach to blended learning’; ‘The benefits of AI to assistive technology and its impact on learning’; and ‘Team-based Learning’. Attendees also had an update on the unified tertiary project between SETU and LOETB. The event was funded by the National Forum through its Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) Funding in initiative.
A plenary panel discussion, led by David Denieffe, Vice President for Academic Affairs at SETU in Carlow, brought together the learning from the event, which culminated in the official launch of the ‘SETU, Portlaoise Institute and Portlaoise College Community of Practice’, a practitioner-based network focusing on sustainably supporting colleagues on all aspects of teaching and learning in the coming years.
Speaking about the network, Dr Gina Noonan, Teaching and Learning Integration Lead at SETU said, ‘The conference created an opportunity for educators from across second-level, further education, and higher education, to come together and learn from each other on how best to enhance the overall educational experience for all learners. In that sense, it was a great example of collaborative and supported learning’.
Keith McClearn, Principal at Portlaoise Institute, said, “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to participate in this exceptional event hosted by SETU. Staff from Portlaoise Institute certainly found immense value in the workshops led by Dr Gina Noonan and her SETU colleagues. They not only facilitated the exchange of knowledge, but also the cultivation of a collaborative spirit between further and higher level educators.”
Speaking about the event, Noel Daly, Principal of Portlaoise College, commented, “The event underscored the importance of evolving teaching methods in the dynamic landscape of education. I would like to thank the staff at SETU in Carlow for orchestrating an event that not only enriches pedagogical practices, but also facilitates meaningful connections between Portlaoise College and SETU.”
