Open Courses

Workshop: Exploring the AI Fluency Framework
2026-08-27 | University College Cork, Ireland
Join Professor Joseph Feller for this interactive workshop, jointly hosted by the Higher Education Authority and University College Cork, exploring the AI Fluency Framework (AIFF) and its application to higher education teaching and learning.
The workshop will introduce the core concepts of the AI Fluency Framework and consider how it can support curriculum development, pedagogy, instructional design, independent inquiry, assessment and wider teaching and learning practice. Participants will engage in practical exercises and guided discussions, with opportunities to connect the framework to their own institutional and professional contexts.
More information and registation:
https://hub.teachingandlearning.ie/exploring-the-ai-fluency-framework/

Online Course: Recognition of Prior Learning (September 2026)
2026-09-23 08:00 - 2026-11-04 17:00 (Europe/Dublin)
The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education are delighted to announce that the fully online Open Course, Recognition of Prior Learning, will run from 23rd September 2026. This course has been developed in partnership with the Recognition of Prior Learning in Higher Education Project, a HCI Pillar 3 initiative, see www.priorlearning.ie for more details.
This free 6-week course is available to all staff currently working in tertiary education in the Republic of Ireland or for individuals with an interest in recognition of prior learning.
Course Schedule

RPL Digital Badge

Week
Date
Time
Facilitator

Week 1
23.09.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 2
30.09.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 3
07.10.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 4
14.10.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 5
21.10.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 6
04.11.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Learning Outcomes

Explain the concept of RPL and reflect on its application within their own setting;
Reflect on the potential impact of RPL for an institution, its staff and students;
Identify existing policies and consider their alignment with practice;
Analyse the relationship between programme and module learning outcomes and the RPL candidate.

Learning Activities

Activity
Per week
Six Weeks

Live Webinar
90 min
9 hours

Triad meeting
60 min
6 hours

Independent learning
100 min
10 hours

Total
250 min
25 hours

Content

Indicative content
Facilitator/Guest speaker

RPL – Setting the Scene
RPL – Enabling Success
RPL – Conceptual Frameworks
RPL – The Learner Voice
RPL – Practical Approaches
RPL – The Irish Context/Policies
Dr Ciara Staunton; guest speakers (TBC)

Registration
For more information, email facilitators Dr. Clare Walsh (clare.walsh@tua.ie) or Dr Ciara Staunton (Ciara.staunton@tua.ie) See www.priorlearning.ie for more information.
Registration closes Friday 18th September. All applicants are guaranteed a place. Please note course enrolment information will be distributed on Monday, 21st and the course will also become accessible on that date.

RPL - September 2026

Name*

First Name

Last Name

Email Address*

Institution*Atlantic Technological UniversityDublin Business SchoolDublin City UniversityDun Laoghaire Institute of Art and DesignDundalk Institute of TechnologyGriffith CollegeHibernia CollegeMarino Institute of EducationMary Immaculate CollegeMaynooth UniversityMunster Technological UniversityNational College of Art & DesignNational College of IrelandUniversity of GalwayRoyal College of Surgeons in IrelandRoyal Irish AcademySt Angela’s CollegeTU DublinTrinity College DublinUniversity College CorkUniversity College DublinUniversity of LimerickSouth East Technological UniversityTechnological University of the Shannon: Midlands MidwestOtherOther Institution*Position*Brief description on what you hope to take away from the badge.*(300 characters max)Do you require accommodations for a disability or difference?

Yes
Accessibility Requirements*e.g. captions for webinarsConsent* I agree to the privacy policy.
Register

Online course: Learner Voice (September 2026)
2026-09-28 08:00 - 2026-11-16 17:00 (Europe/Dublin)
The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education are delighted to announce that the fully online Open Course Learner Voice will run from 28th September 2026 to 16th November 2026. This course has been developed in partnership with AONTAS, The National Adult Learning Organisation – see www.aontas.com for more details.
Course Schedule

Learner Voice Digital Badge

Week
Date
Topic

Week 1
28.09.2026
Understanding Learner Voice in FET

Week 2
05.10.2026
Capturing Learner Voice

Week 3
12.10.2026
Space

Week 4
19.10.2026
Voice

Week 5
26.10.2026
Reading Week

Week 6
02.11.2026
Audience

Week 7
09.11.2026
Influence

Week 8
16.11.2026
Learner Voice Digital Badge Workbook: Design Activity

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the main ideas and principles behind Learner Voice and why it is important.
Explain the role of Learner Voice in Further Education and Training (FET) and how it helps improve the learning experience.
Describe the Lundy Model of Participation and use its four parts: Space – providing safe opportunities for learners to share their views. Voice – supporting learners to express their opinions. Audience – ensuring someone listens to learners’ views. Influence – making sure learners’ views are considered and can lead to change.
Develop practical ways to make Learner Voice a regular and lasting part of everyday practice.
Use different methods to gather learners’ feedback, understand their experiences, and turn what they say into meaningful improvements.
Review Learner Voice activities

Registration
Registration closes Friday 18th September 2026.
For more information, please email Ruby Cooney (Education Projects Officer) at rcooney@aontas.com.

Learner Voice - Registrations September 2026

Name*

First Name

Last Name

Email Address*

ETB, Organisation or Institution*Atlantic Technological UniversityDublin Business SchoolDublin City UniversityDun Laoghaire Institute of Art and DesignDundalk Institute of TechnologyGriffith CollegeHibernia CollegeMarino Institute of EducationMary Immaculate CollegeMaynooth UniversityMunster Technological UniversityNational College of Art & DesignNational College of IrelandUniversity of GalwayRoyal College of Surgeons in IrelandRoyal Irish AcademySt Angela’s CollegeTU DublinTrinity College DublinUniversity College CorkUniversity College DublinUniversity of LimerickSouth East Technological UniversityTechnological University of the Shannon: Midlands MidwestOtherOther institutionPosition*Brief description of what you hope to take away from the badge.*(200 characters max)How did you hear about the Learner Voice Digital Badge?*(200 characters max)Do you require accommodations for a disability or difference?

Yes
Accessibility Requirements*e.g. captions for webinarsConsent* I agree to the privacy policy.
Register

Online course: Universal Design Beyond the Classroom (October 2026)
2026-10-05 08:00 - 2026-12-14 17:00 UTC
Implementation of universal design principles in Teaching & Learning promotes inclusivity and equity while also ‘futureproofing’ your teaching.
As our classrooms and lecture theatres become increasingly diverse, our practices must also adapt to reflect the changing landscape of higher education. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework based on research in the learning sciences, including cognitive neuroscience, which guides the development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences and cater for the wide range of diversity in our lecture rooms. This CPD course will give you an introduction to the concept of Universal Design for Learning and invite you to review and update your own Teaching and Learning practice.
This Badge is sibling to the Universal Design in Teaching and Learning. Not sure which Badge is for you? Complete this quick quiz to help your decision.
Course Schedule
Below is the schedule for the 2026 national iteration of the digital badge courses in Universal Design for Teaching & Learning and Universal Design for Learning Beyond the Classroom.
Your Peer Group Facilitator will be in touch once the course has started to introduce you to your Peer Group, where you can then agree on times to meet them.

Week #
Activity
Date
Time

1
(beginning 5th Oct)
Webinar 1 – Introduction and Orientation
Monday 5th October 2026*
1pm – 2pm

1
Peer Group Introductory Meeting
Anytime during week 1
Confirm with your peer group facilitator

1
Self-paced eLearning Module 1
Anytime during week 1
N/A

2
(beginning 12th Oct)
Self-paced eLearning Module 2
Anytime during week 2
N/A

3
(beginning 19th Oct)
Webinar 2 – Introducing the Redesign Activity
Thursday 22nd October 2026*
1pm – 2pm

3
Peer Group Meeting 2
Anytime during week 3
Confirm with your peer group

3
Self-paced eLearning Module 3
Anytime during week 3
N/A

4
(beginning 25th Oct)
Self-paced eLearning Module 4
Anytime during week 5
N/A

4
Peer Group Meeting 3
Anytime during week 4
Confirm with your peer group

5
(beginning 2nd Nov)
Self-paced eLearning Module 5
Anytime during week 3
N/A

6
(beginning 9th Nov)
Weekly drop-ins begin
–
Confirm with your peer group

7
(beginning 16th Nov)
Work on redesign
–
Confirm with your peer group

8
(beginning 23rd Nov)
Work on redesign
–
Confirm with your peer group

9
(beginning 30th Nov)
Work on redesign
–
Confirm with your peer group

10
(beginning 7th Dec)
Final Peer Group Meeting
Anytime during week 10 before the submission date
Confirm with your peer group

10
Webinar 3 – Submission & Verification / Future Facilitator Activity
Monday 7th December 2026*
1pm – 2pm

10
Submission Deadline
Monday 14th December
11:59pm

*Please note that webinars will be recorded and made available on the course platform.
Learning Outcomes

Reflect on the Diversity of Students in your Institution;
Gain a good understanding of the Universal Design for Learning framework and how it can support diverse learners;
Deepen your understanding of UDL through peer engagement;
Redesign some elements of your teaching and learning practice based on your knowledge of UDL principles;
Consider how you will change your practice more broadly in line with a UDL approach.

Learning Activities

Activity
Per week
Ten Weeks

Live Webinar
60 min
3 hours

Peer Group meeting
30-60 min
1.5-3 hours

Independent learning
N/A
7 hours

Redesign Activity
N/A
12 hours

Total
N/A
25 hours

Content

Indicative content
Facilitator/Guest speaker

Introduction to UDL
Multiple Means of Engagement
Multiple Means of Representation
Multiple Means of Action & Expression
Reflecting on Your Practice
AHEAD & UCD

Facilitator’s Badge
Dr Lisa Padden, UCD
Purpose: Develop capacity for delivery of Digital Badge by institution staff for institution staff

Registration
For more information, please contact UDBeyond@ahead.ie, or our eLearning and Digital Media Officer Danielle O’Rourke – danielle.orourke@ahead.ie
Click here to register

Online course: Universal Design for Learning (October 2026)
2026-10-05 13:00 - 2026-12-14 11:30 UTC
Implementation of universal design principles in Teaching & Learning promotes inclusivity and equity while also ‘futureproofing’ your teaching.
As our classrooms and lecture theatres become increasingly diverse, our practices must also adapt to reflect the changing landscape of higher education. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework based on research in the learning sciences, including cognitive neuroscience, which guides the development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences and cater for the wide range of diversity in our lecture rooms. This CPD course will give you an introduction to the concept of Universal Design for Learning and invite you to review and update your own Teaching and Learning practice.
This Badge is sibling to the Digital Badge for Universal Design Beyond the Classroom. Not sure which Badge is for you? Complete this quick quiz to help your decision.
Course Schedule
Below is the schedule for the 2026 national iteration of the digital badge courses in Universal Design for Teaching & Learning and Universal Design for Learning Beyond the Classroom.
Your Peer Group Facilitator will be in touch once the course has started to introduce you to your Peer Group, where you can then agree on times to meet them.

Week #
Activity
Date
Time

1
(beginning 5th Oct)
Webinar 1 – Introduction and Orientation
Monday 5th October 2026*
1pm – 2pm

1
Peer Group Introductory Meeting
Anytime during week 1
Confirm with your peer group facilitator

1
Self-paced eLearning Module 1
Anytime during week 1
N/A

2
(beginning 12th Oct)
Self-paced eLearning Module 2
Anytime during week 2
N/A

3
(beginning 19th Oct)
Webinar 2 – Introducing the Redesign Activity
Thursday 22nd October 2026*
1pm – 2pm

3
Peer Group Meeting 2
Anytime during week 3
Confirm with your peer group

3
Self-paced eLearning Module 3
Anytime during week 3
N/A

4
(beginning 25th Oct)
Self-paced eLearning Module 4
Anytime during week 5
N/A

4
Peer Group Meeting 3
Anytime during week 4
Confirm with your peer group

5
(beginning 2nd Nov)
Self-paced eLearning Module 5
Anytime during week 3
N/A

6
(beginning 9th Nov)
Weekly drop-ins begin
–
Confirm with your peer group

7
(beginning 16th Nov)
Work on redesign
–
Confirm with your peer group

8
(beginning 23rd Nov)
Work on redesign
–
Confirm with your peer group

9
(beginning 30th Nov)
Work on redesign
–
Confirm with your peer group

10
(beginning 7th Dec)
Final Peer Group Meeting
Anytime during week 10 before the submission date
Confirm with your peer group

10
Webinar 3 – Submission & Verification / Future Facilitator Activity
Monday 7th December 2026*
1pm – 2pm

10
Submission Deadline
Monday 14th December
11:59pm

*Please note that webinars will be recorded and made available on the course platform.
Learning Outcomes

Reflect on the Diversity of Students in your Institution;
Gain a good understanding of the Universal Design for Learning framework and how it can support diverse learners;
Deepen your understanding of UDL through peer engagement;
Redesign some elements of your teaching and learning practice based on your knowledge of UDL principles;
Consider how you will change your practice more broadly in line with a UDL approach.

Learning Activities

Activity
Per week
Ten Weeks

Live Webinar
60 min
3 hours

Peer Group meeting
30-60 min
1.5-3 hours

Independent learning
N/A
7 hours

Redesign Activity
N/A
12 hours

Total
N/A
25 hours

Content

Indicative content
Facilitator/Guest speaker

Introduction to UDL
Multiple Means of Engagement
Multiple Means of Representation
Multiple Means of Action & Expression
Reflecting on Your Practice
AHEAD & UCD

Facilitator’s Badge
Dr Lisa Padden, UCD
Purpose: Develop capacity for delivery of Digital Badge by institution staff for institution staff

Registration
For more information, please contact UDBeyond@ahead.ie, or our eLearning and Digital Media Officer Danielle O’Rourke – danielle.orourke@ahead.ie
Click here to register
