"In this session Annmarie MacFeely from Careers Services gave us an insight into the MyCareer platform. MyCareer is a state of the art, comprehensive suite of online Career Planning, Research and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Job Hunting tools which is now available to all MTU students. Annmarie showed us how MyCareer enables students to access a pocket-sized, mini–Career Advisor which they can access from their mobile phone, 24/7.
We saw how students have access to a range of student friendly tools which provide support in Career Planning, Self-Assessment, CV building and Scanning, Mock Interview Practice and feedback. In addition, students can browse an extensive library of up-to-date bite sized videos, articles and tips on anything and everything to do with Careers.
It’s a great resource for all MTU full time students that they can access whenever, wherever, however it suits them"
Managing Intellectual Property (IP) & the National IP Protocol
Intellectual Property, also known as IP, is any intangible asset consisting of knowledge and ideas. Like any form of physical property, IP is owned, and it can be bought and sold. It can also be rented out through a process of licensing that can result in significant commercial and financial benefits for individuals, research groups and the organisations employing them.
MTU and the research it generates is obliged to meet the requirements of the National IP Protocol (Ireland's framework for research commercialisation) as well as the MTU IP Policy. This talk summarised the key requirements of these policies as well as the importance of keeping a good lab notebook.
RPL, policy, practice, company, cohort and individual approaches, portfolios of learning and assessment
"This workshop aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the process of recognition of prior learning. Workshop participants were given an opportunity to share views and perspectives in a structured format. A broad outline of the benefits of RPL and the current national and European policy framework provided a backdrop for the consideration of the challenges posed in practice and CIT’s policy and practice in particular.
The main objectives of this workshop were that participants would be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of a recognition of prior learning process for individual learners, cohort groups, employers and higher education providers
Evaluate the challenges posed by RPL processes for higher education providers including assessment and how they relate to their professional context
Describe and locate CIT policy on RPL and identify the supports available for learners and HE staff"
"Is this your first year as a lecturer or have you been lecturing for several years already? Do you sometimes feel daunted or overwhelmed by the thought of the academic year ahead? Are there times you get that Groundhog Day feeling and wish you could do things differently? Are there aspects of your teaching and assessment practice that frustrate and annoy you?
The Teaching and Learning Unit (TLU), part of the Office of Registrar and VP for Academic Affairs, was formed to support the work of the Registrar in a wide range of quality enhancement initiatives associated with teaching and learning.
In this session, we aimed to:
Introduce you to the TLU Team – who we are and what we do?
Give an insight into the supports and services available from the TLU that can help you in your day-to day role from:
Professional Development Opportunities such as our MA in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education and the variety of workshops and seminars we offer throughout the year
Research and Funding Opportunities that you can access
Resources we have developed in conjunction with experts in the field of teaching and learning
Projects that we are pursuing
Gain an understanding from you of any other ways you would like our help"
CIT Nuts & Bolts Workshop - Marks & Standards Version 5.0 & Web for Faculty
"This workshop was aimed at all academic and administrative staff, both new and more experienced, as we prepare for the end of semester results processing.
The workshop provided participants with an overview of:
Marks & Standards Version 5.0 (1st September 2017)
Module results entry process in Web for Faculty
Guidelines for module results entry, the importance of using the right module result code and how situations such as the following should be handled:
Work placement
Absence
Deferrals
Exemptions
Withholds
Withdrawals
Extenuating Circumstances
Transfers between programmes
Students studying overseas on Erasmus
Procedure for Module Examination Boards (MEBs)
Guidelines for the operation of MEB Meetings
Procedure to be followed when inserting/updating/deleting module marks following Web for Faculty grade lockdown
Procedure to be followed when inserting/updating/deleting module marks following Progression & Award Boards (PABs) using a Module Grade Amendment (MGA) form
Tips & tricks for departments to ensure the smooth running of Summer & Autumn PABs."
This session focused on plagiarism and provided guidance and advice on:
Plagiarism
What it is?
How to detect it?
What to do next, i.e. CIT’s Policy on Plagiarism?
Strategies for preventing plagiarism.
Overview of Turnitin in Blackboard, i.e.:
How to interpret the originality report
Turnitin’s product development roadmap
How to educate students about plagiarism
CIT Governance Framework Workshop: Data Management & Protection in CIT
CIT Governance Framework Workshop: Data Management & Protection in CIT
Presented By:
Carmel Hayes, Freedom of Information Officer, CIT
Jonathan McCarthy, Head of IT, CIT
This workshop was targeted at all staff, both academic and administrative and aimed to ensure participants:
Understand what is meant by data protection
Understand the data protection rights of an individual
Understand responsibilities of an organisation in terms of data protection
Understand the penalties involved in noncompliance with Data Protection legislation
Understand current CIT policy, processes and procedures in relation to Data Protection & Management
Are more aware of the types of Data Protection (DP) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests CIT receives and issues that have been encountered
Are informed of the steps to be taken to ensure compliance with CIT’s policy, processes and procedures
The Importance of Mental Health Policies and Processes for students and staff in CIT
This seminar was aimed at all staff, both academic and administrative, and attempted to:
Outline the rationale for having a mental health policy
Outline the legal background for having a mental health policy
Provide an overview of CIT’s Mental Health Policy/other relevant policies
Provide advice on how to address issues that arise
Web for Faculty & Entering Marks : Getting ready to enter CA marks
In this session we will offer a hands-on tutorial on Web for Faculty and the process of entering marks using Web for Faculty. We will briefly look at each function, what the acronyms mean and outline how best to prepare for a Module Exam Board (MEB).
In semester 1 2018/19. a staff survey entitled “How do you use CIT’s Staff Gateway (intranet)?” was conducted. This survey revealed that many staff relied heavily on a number of key features of Gateway, in particular:
Access to key IT Systems
Access to our most prominent organisational documents (Policies, Forms and Procedures)
Access to a Staff Search
However, the survey also revealed that staff found it extremely difficult to keep up to date with the variety of activities going on across the various CIT campuses.
In response to this survey, Workvivo was launched in March 2019 as CIT’s relatively new Staff Portal - it provides all of the key features identified as useful by staff in the original survey plus:
It’s designed to bring what’s happening in CIT to life in a relevant, intuitive and highly engaging manner
It allows for the creation of an emotional connection between what CIT is trying to achieve and the great work ofCIT’s staff
This workshop will be divided into two parts:
Part 1: For Users - this part of the workshop showed how Workvivo can be used by the everyday user. It provided an overview of the functionality within Workvivo to enable attendees to:
Access to CIT IT Systems & Key Documents
Create posts/shouts outs/events/articles/notifications
Search within the application
Understand the reporting capabilities within the application
Understand how the application can improve internal communications
Part II: For Space Owners - this part of the workshop focussed on the use of Spaces within Workvivo – a Space is an interest group with members. It provided attendees with an overview of the functionality within Workvivo and enabled them to
Create a Space
Create posts/shouts outs/events/articles/notifications from within a Space
Understand the reporting capabilities for a Space within the application
Join a Space
Cyber Security Awareness - How to stay safe in CIT?
Cybersecurity, also referred to as computer security or IT security, involves the methods of protecting computer systems, data, and networks from access to and attacks by unauthorized users. These attacks typically have a malicious intent, and frequently involve accessing and possibly stealing data or personal information, extorting money, or disrupting business operations.
Cyber criminals often rely heavily on an organisation’s users making mistakes so regardless of the sophistication of the organisation’s technical cybersecurity setup, if individual users make mistakes it can undermine these technical defences.
This workshop aimed to raise the awareness as staff members around potential cybersecurity threats and what each staff member can do help - thereby keeping their own and CIT’s systems, data, and networks secure.
In the context of cyber security, attendees:
Gained insight into what is cybersecurity and the potential threats to CIT
Gained an understanding of how CIT protects itself against these threats
Learned some practical and easy ways that they can assist in the fight against cyber attack
View Resources
Thursday, 5th September 2019
09:30-
10:30
Workvivo - for Users & Space Owners
Presented By:
Claire Leonard, Project Manager, IT Services, CIT
Workshop Description
In semester 1 2018/19. a staff survey entitled “How do you use CIT’s Staff Gateway (intranet)?” was conducted. This survey revealed that many staff relied heavily on a number of key features of Gateway, in particular:
Access to key IT Systems
Access to our most prominent organisational documents (Policies, Forms and Procedures)
Access to a Staff Search
However, the survey also revealed that staff found it extremely difficult to keep up to date with the variety of activities going on across the various CIT campuses.
In response to this survey, Workvivo was launched in March 2019 as CIT’s relatively new Staff Portal - it provides all of the key features identified as useful by staff in the original survey plus:
It’s designed to bring what’s happening in CIT to life in a relevant, intuitive and highly engaging manner
It allows for the creation of an emotional connection between what CIT is trying to achieve and the great work ofCIT’s staff
This workshop will be divided into two parts:
Part 1: For Users - this part of the workshop showed how Workvivo can be used by the everyday user. It provided an overview of the functionality within Workvivo to enable attendees to:
Access to CIT IT Systems & Key Documents
Create posts/shouts outs/events/articles/notifications
Search within the application
Understand the reporting capabilities within the application
Understand how the application can improve internal communications
Part II: For Space Owners - this part of the workshop focussed on the use of Spaces within Workvivo – a Space is an interest group with members. It provided attendees with an overview of the functionality within Workvivo and enabled them to
Create a Space
Create posts/shouts outs/events/articles/notifications from within a Space
Understand the reporting capabilities for a Space within the application
Join a Space.
View Resources
11:00-
13:00
Recognising and Challenging our Unconscious Biases
Facilitated By:
On behalf of the Athena SWAN Office, CIT:
Maria Cullinane, Lecturer, Process, Energy & Transport Engineering, CIT
Mary Cooney, Lecturer, Applied Social Studies, CIT
Workshop Description
Unconscious bias refers to the stereotypes, both negative and positive, that exist in our subconscious and affect our behaviour. It can affect workplaces and organisations and can introduce unintentional discrimination which results in poor decision making. Unconscious Bias can be a huge setback in creating a truly diverse and inclusive workplace.
The main goal of this workshop was to raise awareness of this important issue amongst staff and give a flavour of further training that is planned for the coming year, in response to CIT’s commitment to Athena SWAN. It was hoped that by encouraging us all to recognise and challenge our own unconscious biases that we can effect positive change within CIT and create a truly diverse and inclusive workspace to the benefit of all.
Those attending this workshop:
Gained an understanding of what unconscious bias is
Were exposed to some of their own unconscious biases
Were provided with some simple tools/techniques to adjust these automatic patterns of thinking,
View Resources
14:00-
15:00
Referencing, Plagiarism and the use of Referencing Software – How CIT Library can assist you and your students
Presented By:
Michael Costello, Deputy Librarian, CIT
Colm O’Rourke, Senior Library Assistant, CIT
Workshop Description
In recent years, the issues of poor referencing skills and plagiarism have become a significant concern for higher education practitioners. In many instances’ students are often unaware of the problems associated with plagiarism since copying from various sources has unfortunately become the norm. This problem is further compounded by the fact that many students often struggle to understand the importance and basics of essential referencing techniques.
This workshop:
Highlighted how CIT Library staff can assist academic staff convey the importance of referencing to their students, helping them to avoid various forms of plagiarism.
Explained how online referencing software can be easily utilised to ensure effective and consistent referencing when completing notes, essays and assignments.
View Resources
15:15-
16:30
“A&E Clinic” - How to best work with Admissions & Exams
Facilitated By:
Lenka Forrest, Administrative Officer, Admissions & Examinations, CIT
Workshop Description
The Admissions & Examinations Offices are two of the key offices on campus that both staff and students interact with on a regular basis throughout the academic year. The Admissions Office is responsible for managing the Institute’s admission processes, which includes:
Registration of new, continuing, part-time, postgraduate and repeating students
Managing student contact information
Module Enrolments & Free Choice Electives for students
Deferrals of Modules/Semesters/Full Academic Years
Withdrawals from courses
Recognition of Prior Learning Applications by students
Provision of official CIT stamp/letters for various purposes
While, the Examinations Office is responsible for managing the Institute’s examination processes which includes:
Exam Paper Submission, Review & Distribution
Preparation & Communication of Examination Timetables
Invigilation of Examinations
Provision of exam supports for students registered with the Disability Support Service
Issuing of Examination Results
Viewing of Examination Scripts
Assessment Appeals and Correction of Errors/Omissions
Management of Academic Honesty, Plagiarism and Infringements
Management of Individual Extenuating Circumstances Relating to Examinations and Assessment
Conferrings
Issuing of Award Parchments & Transcripts of Results
At one of their busiest times of the year, the Admissions & Examinations have kindly offered to provide what it hopes is the first of a series of “A&E clinics” for staff.
This first clinic focussed on:
Awareness and Access to CIT’s Admissions/Examinations procedures and policies
Key personnel/dates that staff should be aware of for Admissions/Examinations purposes
Common Admissions/Examinations issues that occur and how best to manage same
Providing an update on MAXe -the CIT Exam Paper Management System, which covered:
Lessons learnt from year 1
Updates/enhancements to be rolled out this year
Future enhancements
MAXe – Get to Know Your New Exam Paper Management System
"MAXe is CIT’s new Exam Paper Management System which allows for:
- Creation and collaboration of exam papers by internal examiners
- Submission of exam papers by internal examiners
- Handling, transmission, tracking and storage of exam papers
- Dissemination of exam papers to external examiners
- Review of exam papers by external examiners
- Communication and comments between the internal and external examiners
- Digital sign-off of exam papers by internal examiners, prior to printing
- Printing of Exam Ready exam papers.
This workshop should be of interest to all academic staff, both new and more experienced, as it provided an overview of the functionality the new system and will help to alleviate any fears staff may have in relation to its use."
"CIT Student Services incorporates:
Admissions
Careers
Counselling
Examinations
Feedback from staff attending previous TLU workshops and seminars emphasised their need to have a better appreciation of CIT Student Services. Staff want to be better informed so that when encountering students in difficulty they know how to help or to whom to signpost students to.
This workshop should be of interest to all academic staff, in particular new and early career academic staff, as it provides an overview of CIT’s Students Services."
An Introduction to CIT Library’s New Subject Guides
This workshop should be of interest to all academic staff but in particular to those lecturing in Accountancy, Chemistry, Economics, Engineering, Maths & Stats, Mechanics, Physics or Programming.
In 2018 CIT Library created subject guides for each of these areas.
An introduction to CIT Library’s Online Resources: How they can assist you and your students
The aim of this workshop was to emphasise the importance of information literacy for students and to give staff the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the services offered by the library to both students and staff.
MAXe – Get to Know Your New Exam Paper Management System
MAXe is CIT’s new Exam Paper Management System which allows for:
- Creation and collaboration of exam papers by internal examiners
- Submission of exam papers by internal examiners
- Handling, transmission, tracking and storage of exam papers
- Dissemination of exam papers to external examiners
- Review of exam papers by external examiners
- Communication and comments between the internal and external examiners
- Digital sign-off of exam papers by internal examiners, prior to printing
- Printing of Exam Ready exam papers.
This workshop should be of interest to all academic staff, both new and more experienced, as it provided an overview of the functionality the new system and will help to alleviate any fears staff may have in relation to its use.
Supporting Disability Support Service (DSS) Students Together
This workshop should be of interest to all academic staff, in particular new and early career academic staff, as it provided an opportunity for CIT DSS to:
· Inform attendees of new developments and pilot projects in CIT DSS as well as the role of the DSS in CIT.
· Share information on the supports that the DSS offers and how these supports are put in place.
· Discuss the Needs Assessment document and support staff with understanding this document and what it means in the context of the classroom.
An introduction to CIT Library’s Online Resources: How they can assist you and your students
The aim of this workshop was to emphasise the importance of information literacy for students and to give staff the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the services offered by the library to both students and staff.
An Introduction to CIT Library’s New Subject Guides
This workshop should be of interest to all academic staff but in particular to those lecturing in Accountancy, Chemistry, Economics, Engineering, Maths & Stats, Mechanics, Physics or Programming.
In 2018 CIT Library created subject guides for each of these areas.
An Introduction to CIT Library’s New Subject Guides
"CIT Student Services incorporates:
Admissions
Careers
Counselling
Examinations
Feedback from staff attending previous TLU workshops and seminars emphasised their need to have a better appreciation of CIT Student Services. Staff want to be better informed so that when encountering students in difficulty they know how to help or to whom to signpost students to.
This workshop should be of interest to all academic staff, in particular new and early career academic staff, as it provides an overview of CIT’s Students Services."