MTU’s Department of Technology Enhanced Learning Wins Prestigious ALT Team of the Year Award

Press Release 12th of September

Munster Technological University’s (MTU) Department of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) has been named the recipient of the prestigious Association for Learning Technology (ALT) Team of the Year Award for 2024.

The award, presented at the ALT Annual Conference in Manchester on Wednesday September 4th, celebrates outstanding strategic enhancements in the design, development, and delivery of online and blended learning. The award also recognises the TEL team’s innovative impact on the student learning experience and their commitment to the sustainable development of academic practice within a rapidly evolving digital environment.

Strategic Impact on Digital Learning
The TEL team at MTU has led out on key digital transformation and digital learning initiatives in the University. Their Reusable Learning Resources (RLR) project has enriched MTU’s programmes through the development of media-rich Open Educational Resources (OERs), furthering the University’s commitment to Open Education Practices (OEP). In addition, the department this year hosted the international ALT OER24 conference in Cork, providing an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration across the global digital learning community.
TEL’s focus on equity and accessibility has also seen significant advancements this year. The integration of advanced accessibility tools into MTU’s digital infrastructure ensures a more inclusive learning environment, supported by dedicated staff training and resources. Initiatives like "TEL me More," which offers personalised digital mentoring to share, continue to inspire innovation and foster digital transformation throughout the University.

A Milestone Achievement
Dr Gearóid Ó Súilleabháin, Head of the TEL Department, has expressed pride in the team’s work: "This award is a testament to the creativity, passion, and dedication of the entire TEL team at MTU. Our commitment to providing evidence-based services, enhancing accessibility, and creating new learning opportunities is at the heart of everything we do. We are honoured to receive this recognition from ALT, and we look forward to continuing our work to enhance the digital learning experience for all students."

Shane Cronin, Senior Learning Technologist in the department, joined Dr Ó Súilleabháin in accepting the award. He shared that: "It’s a real honour to receive this award and it really recognises our team’s dedication and inspires us to keep innovating in the field of digital learning."

The award was presented by ALT President David White, who has praised MTU’s TEL team, stating: "The judging panel was highly impressed by the breadth and depth of digital learning activity being facilitated by the Department of Technology Enhanced Learning in MTU, as well as the department’s strategic impact and far-reaching influence within and beyond the University."

For more information about the ALT Award and a video submission from MTU’s TEL team, please visit: ALT Award Winners 2024 | Association for Learning Technology

For media queries, contact mtu-pr@wtp.ie or call Marcus Heagney on 0830189241

ENDS

About MTU

Munster Technological University is the southwest’s newest technological university consisting of six campuses across Cork and Kerry. The University has a student body of 18,000. It is a leader in higher education both regionally and internationally through the provision of a wide range of programmes ranging from apprenticeships and undergraduate degrees to Master’s and PhDs.

ALT and the Award
The Association for Learning Technology (ALT) is the leading professional body for Learning Technology in the UK. The ALT Team of the Year Award, now in its 17th year, is one of the most prestigious honours in the field and recognises outstanding achievement in the advancement of digital learning and teaching practices.
MTU’s TEL team joins an elite group of award winners who have demonstrated excellence in developing innovative and sustainable digital learning environments.