From May 27 to 31, the first educational visit of the DigiFLEd project (work package 2) took place to the project's European partners, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. The GIIM team was represented by the project manager Assoc. Shkuropat M.Yu. and Art. teacher Korolev O.Yu. The program of the visit was prepared by the host and took into account both the educational component and the cultural one, because for most of the participants it was the first visit to Ireland.
Day 1.
The guests were welcomed by the project manager from the University of Maynooth, Emmanuel Kypreos, the Dean of Academics, Susie Gottlober, and the Professor, Director of the Business School, Josepha Kohlan. After the introductory part, the guests were given an exciting tour of the university campus. The campus is divided into the southern (ancient part with the architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries) and the northern - modern, high-tech architecture. The guests noted the incredible beauty of nature, the campus landscape and the variability of weather conditions in Ireland.
The second half of the day was devoted to exercises for familiarization and collaboration in teams, and ended with a reception and informal communication in the social space of the business school.
Days 2-3.
Trainers of the Educational Technologies Training Center conducted a series of trainings on the organization of online learning and the most effective use of the resources of the MOODLE learning environment.
The content of the training consisted partly of theoretical material and a practical part. The participants were briefly introduced to the theory, in particular, modern pedagogical approaches to online learning (combined, flipped classroom, rotated classroom, high-flex), learning theories - behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism. The training participants were introduced to the European framework of digital competences, which are needed by a modern teacher/lecturer for the effective organization of the educational process in a digital environment. During the practical part of the trainings, tasks were performed to complete courses on Moodle with elements of gamification. The acquired skills will be needed for the development of courses Digital Games and Gamification in Foreign Language Teaching (MA) and Digital tools for e-course construction.
Days 4-5.
On days 4 and 5 of the study visit, participants were introduced to the principles of using Open Educational Resources (OER) with Helen Farrell from Maynooth University Library. The discussion covered the advantages and disadvantages of OER, as well as the ethics of sharing these resources. Aileen Ní Conchuir, Irish language teacher from Maynooth University's Center for Irish Language Research, Teaching and Testing, shared her experience of using digital tools to support the learning of adult learners. Her practical advice will be especially valuable for developers of an open course of Ukrainian language and culture. Dr Aoife Ni Gloin's presentation on Using Social Media to Support Gen Z Grammar Learning was both inspiring and engaging, highlighting an innovative approach to using social media as a language learning tool.
The 5-day training ended with a meaningful discussion on the digital transformation of higher education.
The story of the study visit would be incomplete without a tour of the unique 18th-century Russell Library in the premises of St. Patrick's College, on the campus of the university. This amazing library houses a closed book collection that includes limited access illustrated editions, autographed book copies, large format volumes and facsimiles dating back to 1851. Fragile and scarce materials are stored very carefully.
A group of Ukrainian scientists left Ireland with a sense of deep gratitude to the Business School of the University of Maynooth for conducting this informative study visit.
