The Academic Practice Series - Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (TUS).

CPID, Technological University of the Shannon

The Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (CPID) within the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS) supports staff development and scholarship, Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS), and Educational research in learning, teaching, and assessment. Staff development and scholarship is underpinned by the following taught programmes offered by the centre: Master of Arts in Academic Practice, Postgraduate Diploma in Pedagogic and Academic Practice, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, and Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Higher Education. Each academic year, CPID is responsible for implementing the Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS) programme. The purpose of the program is to train second-year students to be PASS Leaders who, after completing their training, support first-year students in their learning. CPID is also in charge of managing multi-annual SATLE (Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement) funding. The funding is used to drive teaching and learning innovation and enhancement with a focus on three themes: Education for sustainable development, Digital transformation, and Academic integrity. The fund is used to support small-scale Learning Enhancement Projects (LEPs) and Communities of Practice (CoPs) in TUS related to these enhancement themes. This Podcast Series has been developed by CPID Staff involved in teaching on the taught programmes, supporting the PASS initiative, and engaging in educational research. This series has been funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the Higher Education Authority, and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development.  

Episodes

  1. Exploring Belonging in Higher Education

    FEB 11

    Exploring Belonging in Higher Education

    Dr. Jonathan Vincent is a distinguished lecturer in the Department of Educational Research at Lancaster University, and a central figure in the field of inclusive educational and employment research. His current positions at Lancaster University—lecturer in the Educational Research Department, Programme Director for the Education and Social Justice MA, and Director for Internationalisation. His work is primarily concerned with the nature and experience of life course transitions for neurodivergent and disabled learners, with a specific emphasis on their progression through various stages of education and their eventual entry into the workforce.1 A defining characteristic of his scholarly approach is a deep commitment to qualitative and inclusive methodologies, particularly the use of participatory research, which involves the communities he studies directly in the research process itself. Dr. Vincent's research extends beyond theoretical and academic inquiry to achieve demonstrable real-world impact. He leads and collaborates on a range of project which have resulted in the creation of practical resources, including online toolkits and courses designed to improve outcomes for neurodivergent individuals. His influence is also notable in the realm of public policy, where he has provided expert evidence to government bodies in multiple countries, including Malta, Indonesia, Australia, and, most recently, the House of Lords in the United Kingdom. Dr Catherine-Ann O' Connell, a Senior Lecturer with CPID, discusses with Jonathan the topic of Exploring Belonging in Higher Education. This podcast was recorded in September 2025 and was funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the Higher Education Authority, and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development Department within the Technological University of the Shannon.

    1h 1m
  2. Assessment and Academic Integrity in a time of Generative AI

    10/01/2025

    Assessment and Academic Integrity in a time of Generative AI

    Professor Phillip (Phill) Dawson is the Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning (CRADLE) at Deakin University, which is the world's leading higher education assessment research group in terms of publications and citations. Phill is most known for his research on feedback, cheating and artificial intelligence in assessment. His work is highly cited, and he ranks 6th internationally in the field of higher education research over the past five years (ScholarGPS). In his feedback research, Phill is currently leading an Australian Research Council project into supporting students to make the most of feedback through developing their feedback literacy. This longitudinal study uses behaviour change techniques from the health and social sciences to help students develop and use feedback capabilities not just at university, but also in their graduate working lives. In his cheating and artificial intelligence research, Phill is currently collaborating with Deakin colleagues on a major project into how to design assessment that is valid and appropriate for a time of artificial intelligence. This project builds on work funded by the Australian higher education regulator TEQSA, which he was one of the leads of. Phill is a regular contributor to public debate on higher education. His work has been featured on ABC TV, The Australian, The Age, Times Higher Education, the BBC, VICE, Vox, the Financial Times, the Geelong Advertiser, and discussed in the Australian parliament. In his spare time, Phill performs comedy, including in the academia-themed improv show The Peer Revue, which he also produces. Dr. Mike Russell, who is the Academic Integrity Lead on the CPID team within the Technological University of the Shannon, speaks with Phill on the topic of Assessment and Academic Integrity in a time of GenAI. This podcast was recorded in June 2025 and was funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the Higher Education Authority, and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development Department within the Technological University of the Shannon.

    47 min
  3. Exploring the Use of Immersive Technologies to Enhance the Student Experience

    12/04/2024

    Exploring the Use of Immersive Technologies to Enhance the Student Experience

    Dr. Geraldine McDermott is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher within the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development in TUS. She currently teaches on the MA in Academic Practice, focusing primarily on digital learning and teaching and educational research. She has a specific interest in digital education and supports academic and professional staff as they explore digital solutions to encourage active learning, student engagement and collaboration. She is actively involved in researching emerging technologies and their role in education, and her current research projects include a focus on Immersive Technologies (VR/AR), Artificial Intelligence, and Multimodality. She is a member of the European Regional University Network (RUN-EU) Steering Group for TUS and the Future Advanced Pedagogy and Skills Academy (FAPSA) of RUN-EU, which supports the pedagogical development of learning opportunities for students across the RUN-EU partners. In this episode Geraldine speaks with Dr. Mike Russell, a lecturer in both the CPID and Computer-Software departments at TUS, about her SATLE funded project, Exploring the Use of Immersive Technologies to Enhance the Student Experience. This pod cast was recorded in May 2024 and was funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the Higher Education Authority, and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development Department within the Technological University of the Shannon.

    52 min
  4. Sustainable Food Production in a Higher Education Learning Restaurant utilising Vertical Aeroponic Tower Gardens.

    12/04/2024

    Sustainable Food Production in a Higher Education Learning Restaurant utilising Vertical Aeroponic Tower Gardens.

    Seán Connell is a Senior Lecturer in Hotel and Catering TUS. His research interests focus on learning and teaching innovations for hospitality, tourism and leisure education. Sean speaks with Dr. Mike Russell, a lecturer with CPID, about the SATLE funded project that he undertook with other colleagues from TUS: Dr Noelle O’Connor, Dr Emma Reardon, Ms Nicola Ryan, Ms Nora Shine, and Mr John Lydon. The project - Sustainable food production in a higher education learning restaurant utilising vertical aeroponic Tower Gardens - examined the process of producing vegetables and herbs from germination through to harvest for use as an ingredient in herbal teas and restaurant dishes using aeroponics systems. The tower gardens use a soil free, nutrient enriched, oxygenated water system and low wattage water pump and LED lights to grow produce. Third year hotel management students, in their Environmental Management and Resource Efficiency module, examined the efficiency of using the tower gardens to produce herbs for herbal teas as opposed to buying in branded teas. This pod cast was recorded in May 2024 and was funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the Higher Education Authority, and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development Department within the Technological University of the Shannon.

    40 min
  5. Using Accessible VR for Interdisciplinary Teaching, Learning and Collaboration

    12/04/2024

    Using Accessible VR for Interdisciplinary Teaching, Learning and Collaboration

    Dr. Martina Cleary is a lecturer, artist, writer and researcher based in the Dept. of Fine Art & Education at TUS and (PI) of the ADEPT Research Group. Her areas of research focus include; Neurodiversity in Art & Education, New Media & Immersive Technologies, Socially Engaged Arts & Activism. She holds a PhD from the European Centre for Photographic Research e(CPR), an MEd from Aalto University of Art, Design & Architecture, Helsinki, and an MA from the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts Helsinki. Over the past two decades her work has been presented in over eleven countries, supported by the Arts Councils of Ireland, Finland and Canada, CREATE Ireland, The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning Ireland, The Finnish Institute London, The Finnish Cultural Foundation and various regional Arts Offices both nationally and internationally. She has served on the Board of Directors of PhotoIreland and been an invited artist, consultant or lecturer for GMIT, The EU Urban Development Project Helsinki, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, The School of Visual Arts Imatra, The Free Arts School of Helsinki, Cardiff School of Art & Design and Moore College of Art & Design Philadelphia. Martina discusses with Dr. Mike Russell, a lecturer in both the CPID and Computer-Software departments at TUS, her SATLE funded project - Using Accessible VR for Interdisciplinary Teaching, Learning and Collaboration. The aim of the project was to explore the use of accessible user-friendly VR to enable staff and learners from BA to PhD level, to creatively interact and engage within virtual reality. The Focus was on exploring the potential of VR for creative and interdisciplinary collaboration, content creation and the showcasing of projects through the use of virtual spaces, and live events. Examples of the output from the research can be found at https://adeptresearchgroup.com/projects and https://www.martinacleary.com/. This podcast was recorded in May 2024 and was funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the Higher Education Authority, and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development Department within the Technological University of the Shannon.

    53 min
  6. Exploring Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS): Weekly, Timetabled Sessions Run for First Year Students by More Experienced PASS Leaders.

    12/04/2024

    Exploring Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS): Weekly, Timetabled Sessions Run for First Year Students by More Experienced PASS Leaders.

    William Carey (SFHEA) is a Certified Trainer with the European Centre for SI-PASS at Lund University, Sweden. As a UK-based, European-focused, Educational and Academic Developer, Will is deeply interested in the partnership between learners/educators to inform/enhance learning and teaching practices. His involvement with SI-PASS began in 2000 and he acknowledge the impact this peer-learning model has had in shaping his professional practice in the classroom and beyond. As an International Certified Trainer for SI-PASS (Supplemental Instruction / Peer Assisted Study Sessions) at the European Centre for SI-PASS (Lund University, Sweden) he has worked with over 400 staff and more than 60 institutions across Europe to implement, train, and evaluate SI-PASS programmes. He fell in love with Ireland whilst working at Munster Technological University, where he contributed to the Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Student Experience agenda, including focussing on two institution-wide SATLE projects (co-creating Assessment and Feedback practices, and designing a development programme for early career academics) whilst also supporting colleagues across 30+ projects to introduce their own learning and teaching initiatives. His research interests include student-staff partnership; third space professionals; peer learning; and co-creation of assessment and feedback. He is on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Peer Learning and Chair of the European First Year Experience Network and Conference Series. Aoife Walsh, PASS Coordinator with CPID, discusses with Will the topic of Exploring Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS): weekly, timetabled sessions run for first year students by more experienced PASS Leaders. This podcast was recorded in June 2024 and was funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the Higher Education Authority, and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development Department within the Technological University of the Shannon.

    33 min
  7. Action Research for Educators – In Conversation with Jack Whitehead

    12/04/2024

    Action Research for Educators – In Conversation with Jack Whitehead

    Jack Whitehead is a Visiting Professor of Education with the University of Cumbria and was previously an Adjunct Professor at the Liverpool Hope University and a Lecturer in Education with University of Bath. Jack's professional career has embraced a discipline of educational research, which recognizes the contribution of enhancing professionalism in education by adding the educational knowledge generated by individual educators to the professional knowledge-base of education, through Action Research and the development of Living Educational Theories. Living educational theory is a paradigm for scientific research in the academic discipline of education in which a teacher theorises her/his own professional practice. Jack has conducted workshops on Action Research, Living Educational Theory Research, Coaching, Mentoring, and Professional Development throughout the world from the UK, to China, Africa, Australia, USA, and South America. Dr. Mike Russell, who teaches an Action Research for Educators module on the CPID programmes within the Technological University of the Shannon, speaks with Jack about how Action Research and Living Educational Theory can be employed by teaching staff within Higher Education to research and improve their own pedagogical practice. This podcast was recorded in February 2024 and was funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the Higher Education Authority, and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development Department within the Technological University of the Shannon.

    49 min

About

The Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (CPID) within the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS) supports staff development and scholarship, Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS), and Educational research in learning, teaching, and assessment. Staff development and scholarship is underpinned by the following taught programmes offered by the centre: Master of Arts in Academic Practice, Postgraduate Diploma in Pedagogic and Academic Practice, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, and Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Higher Education. Each academic year, CPID is responsible for implementing the Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS) programme. The purpose of the program is to train second-year students to be PASS Leaders who, after completing their training, support first-year students in their learning. CPID is also in charge of managing multi-annual SATLE (Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement) funding. The funding is used to drive teaching and learning innovation and enhancement with a focus on three themes: Education for sustainable development, Digital transformation, and Academic integrity. The fund is used to support small-scale Learning Enhancement Projects (LEPs) and Communities of Practice (CoPs) in TUS related to these enhancement themes. This Podcast Series has been developed by CPID Staff involved in teaching on the taught programmes, supporting the PASS initiative, and engaging in educational research. This series has been funded by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the Higher Education Authority, and the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development.