Munster Technological University Wins National Award for Digital Transformation in Teaching and Learning

Munster Technological University (MTU) has been awarded the inaugural SATLE National Forum T&L Impact Award for Excellence in the Digital Transformation category for its Reusable Learning Resources (RLR) project. The award, presented by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), recognises MTU’s innovative approach to open educational resources (OER) and its significant impact on teaching and learning.

The RLR project, a collaborative effort between MTU’s Technology Enhanced Learning and E-Learning Development Support Unit (EDSU) teams, provides reusable learning resources to enhance the educational experience for students. This initiative underscores MTU’s commitment to open education and its dedication to fostering a more accessible and collaborative learning environment.

The HEA announced the award as part of the SATLE (Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement Funding in Higher Education) Impact Awards, which celebrate excellence and impact in key areas of teaching and learning enhancement, including digital transformation, academic integrity, and education for sustainable development.

Professor Marie Clarke, Chair of the HEA Student Engagement, Teaching and Learning Committee, praised the awardees for demonstrating “remarkable educational innovation, leadership, and dedication in areas of central importance to teaching and learning in higher education.” Alison Cook-Sather, external reviewer for the awards, highlighted the “innovative nature of the projects and the clear commitment to involving students as co-creators in the teaching and learning development process.”

The SATLE initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing teaching and learning in Irish higher education, with significant funding allocations made since 2022. The SATLE Impact Awards aim to further this progress by recognising and celebrating the excellence and impact of SATLE projects at a national level.