Who are you?
I’m an academic developer at TU Dublin in Ireland, contributing to our MSc Education and PG Certificate in University Learning and Teaching. I’m also currently involved in the CoCREATE Team Teaching Fellowship project to design a curriculum framework for the new university. My teaching and research are currently focused on curriculum design, digital education, and the development of academic practice in general.
What gives you hope these days?
There is so much terrible news at present, but I am also inspired by how people are uniting to focus on the common challenge of C-19 and the recognition that we are all equally vulnerable. From helping next door neighbours, to open source development and production of simple ventilators, and everything in between, it gives me hope. And of course the wave of sharing practices and resources by educators to help people to keep learning at this time.
Who are you learning from lately?
The #OER20 Committee with so much amazing expertise and experience, and at this present time, colleagues in SEDA and EDIN, and learning so much anew from all my colleagues in TU Dublin as we’ve moved online in under two weeks.
In your opinion, what should we all be caring about? Why?
Our planet. We cannot take care of each other if we have nowhere to live, so planet and people go hand in hand. The evidence of recent weeks suggests humans can very quickly take on an immensely complex task and change their behaviour to address a real and present threat to life. We have seen the power and potential of openness in this crisis. We need to apply all that thinking and action to the rescue of our environment when the immediate threat of C-19 recedes.
What do you hope to take away from OER20?
If last year is anything to go by, then I think I will leave being challenged – very positively – to rethink practice and, where I can, to enact meaningful changes to practice that reflect my values as an academic developer in the open. Have a good conference everyone!
Shared by: @clairemca