DigiFLEd Study Visit to National University of Ireland, Maynooth

The first study visit of the DigiFLEd project was at National University of Ireland, Maynooth. Participants from partner universities spent a week studying and sharing experiences. The programme included an introduction to the Moodle platform, classes on the basics of gamification, as well as various events and meetings.

European colleagues Orla Hanratty, Kethleen Levacher, George Palomino, Jonathan Walsh, and Alison Farrell prepared a rich programme of lectures that became a real source of inspiration and new ideas. The DigiFLEd participants

✔learnt about newest digital tools for creating online courses;

✔discussed the basics of effective online learning;

✔familiarised with DigCompEdu Framework;

✔looked at different types of online and blended learning;

✔considered learning theory to create effective online courses;

✔discussed the importance of teacher presence in the online space;

✔found useful tips for planning online courses;

✔learnt ways to integrate written assignments into online courses;

✔identified the key elements of effective online learning.

The lectures became a forum for experience exchange, lively discussions and debates. The representatives of partner universities shared their thoughts, represented various teaching practices, obtained many useful insights from their Irish colleagues and discussed how best to pass on this knowledge to students.

The five-day study visit was full of not only various academic events but also cultural activities. The participants discovered the culture of Ireland, attended a campus tour, met in the social space of the business school, visited the Russell Library, viewed the historical collections of St. Patrick’s College, and enjoyed a visit to the small town of Howth including a boat trip. It was unforgettable!

The first study visit of this DigiFLEd project was a unique opportunity to communicate with European colleagues, to learn and share experience. We look forward to future cooperation with our partners to achieve the goals of the project!

With grateful thanks to Emmanuel Kypraios, Lisa O’Regan, Tetyana Borova of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth!

Department of English Language for Non-Philological Specialities