Online Course: Recognition of Prior Learning (April 2025)
2025-04-02 08:00 - 2025-06-04 17:00 UTC
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 April 2025. 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, subject to availability of places. Additional facilitator training is included so that you can become a facilitator of this course and run it in your own institution. A further commitment of five learner hours will be required for the facilitator add-on, in addition to attendance at two extra webinars over 2 weeks.
Course Schedule

RPL Digital Badge

Week
Date
Time
Topic
Facilitator

Week 1
02.04.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
Setting the Scene
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 2
09.04.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
Enabling Success
Dr Ciara Staunton

EASTER BREAK

Week 3
30.04.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
Conceptual Frameworks
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 4
07.05.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
The Learner Voice
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 5
14.05.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
Practical Approaches
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 6
21.05.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
The Irish Context/Policies
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 7
28.05.2025
9.30am – 10.30am
Facilitator Badge
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 8
04.06.2025
9.30am – 10.30am
Facilitator Badge
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)

Facilitator’s Badge
Dr Ciara Staunton
Purpose: Develop capacity for delivery of Digital Badge by institution staff for institution staff

Registration

Registrations are now closed

For more information, email Dr Ciara Staunton at ciara.staunton@thea.ie (Facilitator), or Dr Clare Walsh at clare.walsh@thea.ie (RPL in HE Project). You can also visit www.priorlearning.ie for more details.

Online course: Digital Leadership in Higher Education (September 2025)
2025-09-29 08:00 - 2025-11-07 17:00
The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education are delighted to announce that the fully online Digital Leadership in Higher Education will run from September 29th, 2025. This course has been developed in partnership with the University of Galway and its partners in the CUTIE Erasmus+ project.
This free 6-week course is available to all staff currently working in tertiary education in the Republic of Ireland and to others who are interested in the EU and beyond, subject to availability of places.
The materials will also be released under an appropriate Creative Commons licence for sharing and re-use after the course is completed.
Course Schedule

Digital Leadership in Higher Education

Dates
Week
Activities (self-study)
Webinar/Live Meeting*

29/09/25
Week 1
Online Content & Tasks
03.10.25 (Friday) 13:00-14:00

06/10/2025
Week 2
Online Content & Tasks
10.10.25 (Friday) 13:00-14:00

13/10/2025
Week 3
Online Content & Tasks
17.10.25 (Friday) 13:00-14:00

20/10/2025
Week 4
Online Content & Tasks
24.10.25 (Friday) 13:00-14:00

27/10/2025
Week 5
Online Content & Tasks
31.10.25 (Friday) 13:00-14:00

03/11/2025
Week 6
Online Content & Tasks
07.11.25 (Friday) 13:00-14:00

*The Webinars/Live Meetings are optional but recommended (particularly if aiming for the digital badge), recordings or summaries will be made available to those unable to meet at the scheduled time, so please don’t be dissuaded by that!

Learning Outcomes

Be able to use the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu) individually and for teams.
Develop confidence and knowledge of the potential and actual use of technologies in supporting teaching, learning, and assessment, with the emphasis on pedagogical and curricular aspects.
Recognise the importance of developing critical digital literacy amongst staff and students as a means of empowerment in a time of rapid technological change (particularly with regards Gen AI).
Have skills, techniques, and practical tools to facilitate reflection on the current situation within their team and institutional context in terms of the digital capability of their unit or department.
Be able to develop action plans and strategies for enhancing the use of technologies to support teaching and learning in their programmes and for the professional development of teams.
Explore examples of practice from institutions, research, and other projects internationally.

Learning Activities

Activity
Indicative time (per week)

Reading and reflecting on online lesson content
120 min

Completing the tasks/questionnaires/reflections
60 min

Webinar/Live meeting/online discussion
60 min

Total
240 min

Note that these are ‘indicative’ and depend on how on how much further reading or exploring you do. The time needed may vary per topic.

Content

Topic
Indicative content

Mapping your context
An overall introduction and sets the scene, introducing DigCompEdu

Digital resources in your programme(s)
Covering all aspects of text, multimedia, interactive, and open licensing

Using technology to support teaching and learning
Consideration of the integration of pedagogy and technologies

Technology and assessment
Developing assessment strategy and dealing with issues of validity and integrity

Using technology strategy for learner confidence
Empowering learners and developing their digital skills and competencies

Digital Leadership & Collegiality
Highlighting the importance of developing a team and suggestions of possible practical actions. Discussion on AI impact and challenges.

Note that, whilst DigCompEdu predates the release of Gen AI tools, such as ChatGPT, we will consider these in a number of the sections, with a final section of topic 6 devoted entirely to considering the bigger picture, context, and strategic challenges.
Registration
For more information, please contact Dr. Iain MacLaren at iain.maclaren@universityofgalway.ie (Course Facilitator).
Registration is closed

Online Course: Recognition of Prior Learning (October 2025)
2025-10-01 08:00 - 2025-11-26 17:00
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 1st October 2025. 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, subject to availability of places. Additional facilitator training is included so that you can become a facilitator of this course and run it in your own institution. A further commitment of five learner hours will be required for the facilitator add-on, in addition to attendance at two extra webinars over 2 weeks.

Course Schedule

RPL Digital Badge

Week
Date
Time
Topic
Facilitator

Week 1
01.10.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
Setting the Scene
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 2
09.10.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
Enabling Success
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 3
15.10.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
Conceptual Frameworks
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 4
22.10.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
The Learner Voice
Dr Ciara Staunton

Halloween Break

Week 5
05.11.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
Practical Approaches
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 6
12.11.2025
9.30am – 11.00am
The Irish Context/Policies
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 7 (Facilitator Badge)
19.11.2025
9.30am – 10.30am
Facilitator Badge
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 8 (Facilitator Badge)
26.11.2025
9.30am – 10.30am
Facilitator Badge
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)

Facilitator’s Badge
Dr Ciara Staunton
Purpose: Develop capacity for delivery of Digital Badge by institution staff for institution staff

Registration
Registrations are closed.

For more information, email facilitators Dr. Clare Walsh (clare.walsh@tua.ie) or Dr Ciara Staunton (Ciara.staunton@tua.ie), or visit www.priorlearning.ie.

Online course: Universal Design Beyond the Classroom (October 2025)
2025-10-06 08:00 - 2025-12-14 17:00
This course is for colleagues who interact either directly or indirectly with learners beyond the reaches of the classroom setting who wish to utilise the Universal Design for Learning framework to provide an inclusive educational experience. It will provide practical knowledge and tips to empower student support and engagement staff working beyond the classroom in further and higher education and training. This Badge is sibling to the Digital Badge for Universal Design in Teaching & Learning. Not sure which Badge is for you? Complete this quick quiz Which Badge Should I Take? to help your decision.
This 10-week course consists of:

5 self-directed online modules
4 peer group sessions: these meetings allow participants to engage with each other, learn about different contexts, and share ideas.
3 recorded webinars
1 redesign activity: using the Universal Design framework and a +1 approach, participants will redesign an aspect of their work and report on findings from their implementation.

A flexible programme to fit around busy schedules, this course provides an opportunity for sustained reflection, helps make sense of inclusion, enhances participants’ skill sets and is a valuable piece of continuous professional development. This badge will serve to inspire you to universally design your practices, regardless of your role, so that all students and staff can engage with your work.
Course Schedule
The links to join the online webinars and the slides for each can be found on the online course platform.

Week
Date
Time
Topic
Facilitator

Week 1
(w/c 06/10/2025)
06/10/25
13:00 – 14:00
Webinar – Orientation
AHEAD & UCD

Week 1
Anytime
N/A
Module 1 eLearning
N/A

Week 1
TBC
TBC
Welcome Session
Peer Group Facilitator

Week 2
(w/c 13/10/2025)
Anytime
N/A
Module 2 eLearning
N/A

Week 2
TBC
TBC
1st Peer Group Meeting
Peer Group Facilitator

Week 3
(w/c 20/10/2025)
Anytime
N/A
Module 3 eLearning
N/A

Week 3
23/10/25
13:00 – 14:00
Webinar – Introducing the Redesign Activity
AHEAD & UCD

Week 4
(w/c 27/10/2025)
Anytime
N/A
Module 4 eLearning
N/A

Week 4
TBC
TBC
2nd Peer Group Meeting
Peer Group

Week 5
(w/c 03/11/2025)
Anytime
N/A
Module 5 eLearning
N/A

Week 5
TBC
TBC
3rd Peer Group Meeting
Peer Group

Week 6
(w/c 10/11/2025)
Continuing
N/A
Redesign Activity Work Ongoing
N/A

Week 6 onwards
TBC
TBC
Weekly drop-ins with Peer Group Facilitator – confirm time with them
Peer Group Facilitator

Week 7
(w/c 17/11/2025)
Continuing
N/A
Redesign Activity Work Ongoing
N/A

Week 8
(w/c 24/11/2025)
Continuing
N/A
Redesign Activity Work Ongoing
N/A

Week 9
(w/c 01/12/2025)
Continuing
N/A
Redesign Activity Work Ongoing
N/A

Week 10
(w/c 08/12/2025)
08/12/25
13:00 – 14:00
Webinar 3 – Redesign Submission Questions and Facilitator Badge Information
AHEAD & UCD

Week 10
TBC
TBC
Final Peer Group Meeting
Peer Group Facilitator

Submission Date
12/12/25
23:59
Submission of Redesign activity and Peer Verification Form
N/A

w/c = week commencing
TBC = to be confirmed
N/A = Not applicable
Please note that all three online webinars will be recorded and made available for viewing afterwards.
Learning Outcomes

Explain the current context in relation to Universal Design in tertiary education, reflecting on the diversity of your own student/learner populations;
Explain and demonstrate understanding of the key areas of accessibility legislation which must be adhered to in an educational setting;
Evaluate the diverse needs of learners, identifying how learners’ circumstances can impact their experience;
Reflect on how you can remove barriers to access through Universal Design of student/learner supports and services;
Apply the principles of Universal Design to your own practice.

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 Universal Design
Multiple Means of Engagement
Multiple Means of Representation
Multiple Means of Action & Expression
Mapping the Learner Journey
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 2025)
2025-10-06 08:00 - 2025-12-14 17:00
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
The links to join the online webinars and the slides for each can be found on the online course platform.

Week
Date
Time
Topic
Facilitator

Week 1
(w/c 06/10/2025)
06/10/25
13:00 – 14:00
Webinar – Orientation
AHEAD & UCD

Week 1
Anytime
N/A
Module 1 eLearning
N/A

Week 1
TBC
TBC
Welcome Session
Peer Group Facilitator

Week 2
(w/c 13/10/2025)
Anytime
N/A
Module 2 eLearning
N/A

Week 2
TBC
TBC
1st Peer Group Meeting
Peer Group Facilitator

Week 3
(w/c 20/10/2025)
Anytime
N/A
Module 3 eLearning
N/A

Week 3
23/10/25
13:00 – 14:00
Webinar – Introducing the Redesign Activity
AHEAD & UCD

Week 4
(w/c 27/10/2025)
Anytime
N/A
Module 4 eLearning
N/A

Week 4
TBC
TBC
2nd Peer Group Meeting
Peer Group

Week 5
(w/c 03/11/2025)
Anytime
N/A
Module 5 eLearning
N/A

Week 5
TBC
TBC
3rd Peer Group Meeting
Peer Group

Week 6
(w/c 10/11/2025)
Continuing
N/A
Redesign Activity Work Ongoing
N/A

Week 6 onwards
TBC
TBC
Weekly drop-ins with Peer Group Facilitator – confirm time with them
Peer Group Facilitator

Week 7
(w/c 17/11/2025)
Continuing
N/A
Redesign Activity Work Ongoing
N/A

Week 8
(w/c 24/11/2025)
Continuing
N/A
Redesign Activity Work Ongoing
N/A

Week 9
(w/c 01/12/2025)
Continuing
N/A
Redesign Activity Work Ongoing
N/A

Week 10
(w/c 08/12/2025)
08/12/25
13:00 – 14:00
Webinar 3 – Redesign Submission Questions and Facilitator Badge Information
AHEAD & UCD

Week 10
TBC
TBC
Final Peer Group Meeting
Peer Group Facilitator

Submission Date
12/12/25
23:59
Submission of Redesign activity and Peer Verification Form
N/A

w/c = week commencing
TBC = to be confirmed
N/A = Not applicable
Please note that all three online webinars will be recorded and made available for viewing afterwards.
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: Embedding the SDGs across the Curriculum (October 2025)
2025-10-09 08:00 - 2025-12-11 17:00
The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education are delighted to announce that the fully online Open Course Embedding the SDGs across the Curriculum – Open Courses will run from October 2025.
This free 6 week course is available to all staff currently working in tertiary education in the Republic of Ireland, subject to availability of places. Additional facilitator training is included so that you can become a facilitator of this course and run it in your own institution. A further commitment of five learner hours will be required for the facilitator add-on, in addition to attendance at two extra webinars over 2 weeks.
Course Schedule

Embedding the SDGs across the Curriculum

Dates
Theme
Description
Facilitator

09/10/25
Introduction
Thursday 13.00-13.30
Facilitated by Dr. Mark Kelly (HEA/ATU) and Dr. John Scahill (ATU) with support from Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) and David Chernick (ATU).

16/10/2025
Workshop 1 SDGs at an Institutional Scale
Thursday 13.00-14.00
Facilitated by Dr. Mark Kelly (HEA/ATU) and Dr. John Scahill (ATU) with support from Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) and David Chernick (ATU).

Guest Speaker: Professor Tasman Crowe (UCD)

23/10/2025
Workshop 2 SDGs Curriculum Mapping
Thursday 13.00-14.00
Facilitated by Dr. Mark Kelly (HEA/ATU) and Dr. John Scahill (ATU) with support from Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) and David Chernick (ATU).

Guest Speaker: Dr. Cormac McMahon (TU Dublin)

06/11/2025
Workshop 3 Embedding the SDGs across the Curriculum
Thursday 13.00-14.00
Facilitated by Dr. Alma Clavin (University of Galway) and Dr. Elizabeth Hurley (University of Galway) with support from Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) and David Chernick (ATU).

13/11/2025
Workshop 4 Embedding the SDGs across the Curriculum
Thursday 13.00-14.00
Facilitated by Dr. Alma Clavin (University of Galway) and Dr. Elizabeth Hurley (University of Galway) with support from Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) and David Chernick (ATU).

20/11/2025
Workshop 5 Best Practice Examples
Thursday 13.00-14.00
Facilitated by Dr. Mark Kelly (HEA/ATU) with support from Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) and David Chernick (ATU).

Guest Speaker: Dr. John Scahill (ATU)

27/11/2025
Workshop 6 Collaboration for Good
Thursday 13.00-14.00
Facilitated by Dr. Mark Kelly (HEA/ATU) and Dr. John Scahill (ATU) with support from Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) and David Chernick (ATU).

Guest Speaker: Dr. John Barimo (UCC)

03/12/2025
Facilitator’s Badge Part 1 Facilitator Guidance
Thursday 13.00-14.00
Facilitated by Dr. Mark Kelly (HEA/ATU) and Dr. John Scahill (ATU) with support from Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) and David Chernick (ATU).

10/12/2025
Facilitator’s Badge Part 2 Facilitator Presentations
Thursday 12.00-14.00
Facilitated by Dr. Mark Kelly (HEA/ATU) and Dr. John Scahill (ATU) with support from Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU) and David Chernick (ATU).

Learning Objectives

Raise awareness and understanding of the SDGs within an educational context with a view to catalysing action on embedding them more holistically across the curriculum
Create a community of practice amongst higher and further education staff through the digital and facilitator badges, that will lead the curriculum transformation required to equip students with the necessary competences to become change agents for a sustainable future
What are the SDGs and what role does HE and FE play in meeting the listed targets?
How can HE and FE embed the SDGs more holistically across the curriculum?
Programme and module design that embrace the SDGs citing international best practice examples.
Best practice examples of teaching, learning and assessment.

The main learning outcomes include:

Demonstrate an ability to critically explore the SDGs and how they may apply across all disciplines.
Critically evaluate and analyse SDG teaching, learning and assessment approaches within the context of different disciplines.
Explore opportunities to utilize inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to embedding the SDGs across the curriculum.

Learning Activities
The learning activities will be a mixture of online weekly workshops, peer triads, and independent learning.

Activity
Hours per week
Six Weeks

Weekly Pre-Workshop Activities
3 hours
18 hours

Weekly Online Workshop 1 hour
1 hour
6 hours

Reflection
1 hour
1 hour

Total

25 hours

Content

Indicative content
Facilitator/Guest speaker

SDGs in Higher Education
Dr. Mark Kelly

Mapping the SDGs across the Curriculum
Dr. Mark Kelly

Integrating the SDGs into the Curriculum
Dr. Mark Kelly

Embedding the SDGs across the Curriculum
Dr. Mark Kelly

Exploring Critiques of the SDGs
Dr. Mark Kelly

Registration

Registrations are now closed.
For more information, please contact Dr Mark Kelly Mark.Kelly@atu.ie (Course Facilitator).

Online course: Education for Sustainability (February 2026)
2026-02-12 13:00 - 2026-05-07 14:00
The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education are delighted to announce that the fully online Open Course Education for Sustainability will run from February 2026. This course will be delivered in partnership with Atlantic Technological University, Technological University Dublin and South East Technological University.
This free 6 week course is available to all staff currently working in tertiary education in the Republic of Ireland, subject to availability of places. Additional facilitator training is included so that you can become a facilitator of this course and run it in your own institution. A further commitment of five learner hours will be required for the facilitator add-on, in addition to attendance at two extra webinars over 2 weeks.
Course Schedule

Education for Sustainability

Dates
Theme
Facilitator

12th February, from 1.00-1.30pm
Introduction to Open Course
Dr. Mark Kelly (ATU)/Dr. Brian Gormley (TU Dublin)

19th February, from 1.00-2.00pm
Overview of ESD
Dr. Mark Kelly (ATU)

26th March, from 1.00-2.00pm
ESD and the SDGs
Dr. Olivia Freeman (TU Dublin) and Dr. John Scahill (ATU)

5th March, from 1.00-2.00pm
Embodying Sustainability Values
Dr. Lucia Walsh (TU Dublin)

12th March, from 1.00-2.00pm
Embracing Complexity in Sustainability
Dr. Ken Boyle (TU Dublin)

19th March, from 1.00-2.00pm:
Envisioning Sustainable Futures
Dr. Brian Gormley (TU Dublin)

23rd March , from 1.00-2.00pm:
Acting for Sustainability
Dr. Mark Kelly (ATU)/Dr. Nataliya Romanyatova (SETU)

23rd April, from 1.00-2.00pm
Becoming a Facilitator
Dr. Mark Kelly (HEA/ATU) and Dr. Brian Gormley (TU Dublin)

7th May, from 1.00-2.00pm
Facilitator Presentations
All facilitators

Learning Outcomes

Reflect on the role of education for sustainability in the context of global, national, and local drivers.
Engage with education for sustainability concepts, contexts, principles, and practices.
Examine the EU Sustainability Competency Framework through the lens of embodying sustainability values, embracing complexity in sustainability, envisioning sustainable futures, and acting for sustainability.
Explore how to redesign elements of your teaching and learning practice by embedding education for sustainability principles.

Learning Activities

The course includes asynchronous work, weekly live sessions, and peer group learning.
Individual pre-work typically comprises short videos, reading and quizzes to be completed ahead of the weekly live webinars.
Interactive 1-hour live webinars focus on specific topics and include case studies, guest speakers and group discussion.
Peer Triads allow you to learn from, and work with, your peers.

Registration
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
For more information, email facilitator Dr. Mark Kelly (Mark.Kelly@atu.ie).

Online Course: Recognition of Prior Learning (March 2026)
2026-03-25 08:00 - 2026-05-20 17:00
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 25th March 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. Additional facilitator training is included so that you can become a facilitator of this course and run it in your own institution. A further commitment of five learner hours will be required for the facilitator add-on, in addition to attendance at two extra webinars over 2 weeks.
Course Schedule

RPL Digital Badge

Week
Date
Time
Facilitator

Week 1
25.03.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 2
01.04.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

EASTER BREAK

Week 3
15.04.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 4
22.04.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 5
29.04.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 6
06.05.2026
9.30am – 11.00am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 7 (Facilitator Badge)
13.05.2026
9.30am – 10.30am
Dr Ciara Staunton

Week 8 (Facilitator Badge)
20.05.2026
9.30am – 10.30am
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)

Facilitator’s Badge
Dr Ciara Staunton
Purpose: Develop capacity for delivery of Digital Badge by institution staff for institution staff

Registration
Registrations are closed.
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 details.

Open Course: Embedding Global Citizenship Education (GCE) into Higher Education (April 2026)
2026-04-14 08:00 - 2026-05-21 17:00
The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education are delighted to announce that the fully online Open Course Embedding Global Citizenship Education (GCE) into Higher Education will run from April 2026.
This free 7 week course is available to all staff currently working in tertiary education in the Republic of Ireland, subject to availability of places.
Course Schedule

Embedding Global Citizenship Education (GCE) into Higher Education

Dates
Topic
Facilitator

Tues 14th April, 1-1.30pm
Course Orientation: Aims, expectations and how we will learn together
Caitriona Rogerson and Charlotte Bishop (STAND)

Thurs 16th April, 1-2pm
What is Global Citizenship Education? Foundations and Context
Dr Brighid Golden (Mary Immaculate College)

Thurs 23rd April, 1-2pm
Key Concepts and Debates in Global Citizenship Education
Dr Eilish Dillon (Maynooth University)

Thurs 30th April, 1-2pm
Teaching Global Citizenship: Creative and Participatory Methodologies
Dr Eilish Dillon (Maynooth University) and Charlotte Bishop (STAND)

Thurs 7th May, 1-2pm
Integrating a Global Justice Lens across disciplines & curricula
Dr Gertrude Cotter (UCC) and Dr David Nyaluke (UCC)

Thurs 14th May, 1-2pm
Global Citizenship Beyond the Lecture Hall: Co-curricular and Community Learning Opportunities
Charlotte Bishop (STAND) and Caitriona Rogerson (STAND)

Thurs 21st May, 1-2pm
From Ideas to Practice: Next Steps
Dr Brighid Golden (Mary Immaculate College)

Learning Outcomes

Identify the key principles, pedagogies, and frameworks of Global Citizenship Education (GCE)
Distinguish how GCE relates to and differs from complementary fields such as Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), development education, human rights education, anti-racism education, social justice education and intercultural education
Locate and reflect on examples of good practice in embedding GCE within higher education, both in Ireland and internationally
Explore opportunities for integrating GCE values, perspectives, and methodologies into your own professional or institutional contexts
Develop and present an actionable activity, plan, resource, or pedagogical approach that demonstrates how GCE can be embedded or strengthened within your own context.

Learning Activities

Activity
Per week
Seven Weeks

7 online sessions
1 hour
7 hours

6 Peer triads (peer to peer call)
1 hour
6 hours

Independent learning
1 hour
7 hours

Assignments towards achievement of badge (5 weeks)
1 hour
5 hours

TOTAL

25 hours

Breakdown of Learning Activities

The course includes weekly live online sessions (1 hour per week); individual learning (1 hour per week) and peer group learning (1 hour per week).
Interactive 1-hour live webinars focus on specific topics and include case studies, guest speakers and group discussion.
Individual learning typically comprises of readings, short videos, and activities to be completed following the weekly live sessions.
Peer Triads allow you to learn from, and work with, your peers on the course. You will be assigned to a triad with other course participants and you will meet weekly for 1 hour to discuss course materials and share learnings
You will be asked to submit short weekly assignments in order to be awarded the Digital Badge
Total learning hours: 25 hours

Registration
Registrations are closed.
For more information, email Caitriona Rogerson (caitriona@stand.ie).

Online course: Leading from within: capacity-building for ESD leadership (April 2026)
2026-04-29 08:00 - 2026-06-03 17:00
The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education are delighted to announce that the fully online Open Course Leading from within: capacity building for ESD leadership will run from April 2026.
This free 7 week course is available to all staff currently working in tertiary education in the Republic of Ireland, subject to availability of places.
Course Schedule

Leading from within: capacity building for ESD leadership

Dates
Theme
Facilitator

29th April, 1-2pm
Online Introductory Session (30-45 mins) for participants to introduce them to the Open Course, the platform, peer triads.
Úna McInerney & Jennifer Farrell (UL)

6th May, 1-2pm
ESD Leadership in Higher Education: Broadening our understanding of leadership and the role of creative arts and humanities.
Úna McInerney (UL) & Mark Kelly (ATU)

13th May, 1-2pm
The Inner Development Guide (IDGs).
TUD

20th May, 1-2pm
Sustainability Mindset.
Deirdre Garvey (ATU)

27th May, 1-2pm
Regenerative Leadership
Lucia Walsh (TUD)

3rd June, 1-2pm
The Role of the Creative Arts and Humanities
Rónán O’Muirthile (IADT) & Hazel Farrell (SETU)

10th June, 1-2pm
Linking to Practice and Call to Action.
Eileen Hoffler, UL

Learning Outcomes
By programme end, participants will be able to:

Identify personal values, actions and leadership styles as they relate to the development of a sustainability mindset.
Examine institutional and societal challenges and opportunities using a cross-disciplinary lens to foster strategic insight.
Integrate insights with creative approaches to address real campus or community challenges.
Apply learning to action in ESD leadership and advocacy.

Learning Activities

Activity
Per week
Six Weeks

Live Webinar
1
7 hours

Triad meeting
1
6 hours

Independent learning
2
12 hours

Total

25 hours

Registration
Registrations are closed. For any additional information, please contact Una McInerney at Una.McInerney@ul.ie or Dr Mark Kelly at mark.kelly@atu.ie

Online course: Universal Design for Learning (October 2026)
2026-10-05 13:00 - 2026-12-14 11:30
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

Online course: Universal Design Beyond the Classroom (October 2026)
2026-10-06 08:00 - 2026-12-14 17:00
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
