Major new international guide to Digital Learning launched at Munster Technological University
Today saw the launch of a major new book, How to Use Digital Learning with Confidence and Creativity: A Practical Introduction. The book, published by Edward Elgar Publishing, was edited by MTU staff members Dr Gearóid Ó Súilleabháin, Dr Donna Lanclos and Dr Tom Farrelly and features contributions from renowned experts in the field of digital learning, from Ireland, UK, Europe, Egypt, USA, Canada and Australia.
The book was launched at a special hybrid event at MTU’s Bishopstown Campus and was attended in-person and online by an international audience of contributors, colleagues and well-wishers. The event was opened by well-known Canadian educational scholar Dave Cormier who is known for coining the term "MOOC" (Massive Open Online Course) and for his new book, Learning in a Time of Abundance.
How to Use Digital Learning with Confidence and Creativity is intended to help readers develop and deepen their understanding of how to support, research and engage with learning and learners in the digital age.
Early reviews of the book have been highly positive. Professor Martin Weller, UK Open University, has called it “An invaluable contribution for anyone interested in the intersection of education and technology." Professor Helen O’Sullivan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Chester, has said, ". . .This book will become a valuable reference resource in the increasingly complicated and contentious world of digital learning as well as providing inspiration and advice for making practical changes for the benefit of learners."
Tom O’Mara, Head of Digital Education, University College Cork, Ireland describes the book as “bring[ing] together a broad range of perspectives on a rapidly evolving field and mixes the theoretical with the technical in a practical and accessible format for anyone interested in how to best apply technology to education.”
Chief editor for the book, Dr Gearóid Ó Súilleabháin, MTU, says, “Our initial observation as editors was that teaching and other staff in education are now expected to know not just about core digital learning software but also about a range of other ethical, pedagogical, ideological, and strategic issues arising at the intersection of digital technology and teaching and learning practice. We set out to provide a book that would help readers navigate this increasingly-complex range of issues”.
Fellow book editor Dr Tom Farrelly, says, “This book offers an introductory exploration of learning design, taking a pragmatic approach to integrating educational technology into your practice.”
Find out more on Edward Elgar Publishing’s website.
For more information, please contact mtu-pr@wtp.ie or call Marcus Heagney on 0830189241.
Notes to the Editor:
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.
