Facilitating Online Continuing Professional Development Opportunities in Technology-Enhanced Learning: the TELTA approach

Abstract

Information and communication technologies are fundamentally changing the way we live our lives. However, despite these huge societal changes, it is widely recognised that the potential of ICTs for enhancing teaching and learning has not yet been capitalised on in higher education, with traditional pedagogical methods still predominating. However it is crucial that educators are receptive to the potential of ICTs and that they have a sound understanding of this potential and how to capitalise on it. TELTA (Technology-Enhanced Learning, Teaching and Assessment) is a fully online eight-week course offered by the Dublin Institute of Technology which aims to address these issues by giving participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in existing and emerging learning technologies. This paper provides a case study of the TELTA approach, exploring key areas including target audience, module goals, underpinning pedagogical framework, assessment methodologies, technologies utilised and future plans for further developing the initiative.