Leading Change Together: Building the Future of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Conference Agenda
The agenda outlines the day’s sessions, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and a poster showcase focused on innovation and collaboration in higher education.
Master of Ceremonies: Dr Ross Woods
10.00 – 10.15
Welcome & Opening
Professor Marie Clarke, Chair of the Higher Education Authority Student Engagement and Teaching & Learning (SETL) Committee
10.15 – 10.30
Executive Briefing
Dr Ross Woods, Senior Manager for Teaching and Learning, Student Success, Health and Wellbeing at the Higher Education Authority;
Mr Colin Lowry, Senior Manager for Teaching and Learning, Enhancement and Digital Innovation, Higher Education Authority.
10.30 – 11.15
Keynote Address I
AI as a catalyst: Transforming the student experience
Professor Denise Whitelock, Artificial Intelligence Lead at the Institute of Educational Technology (IET), The Open University
11.15 – 12.00
Panel Discussion
From Challenges to Opportunities: The Future of Teaching and Learning
Chaired by Nessa McEniff, Centre Director, Learnovate
Panel Members
Professor Denise Whitelock, Artificial Intelligence Lead at the Institute of Educational Technology (IET), The Open University;
Liz Jolly, University Librarian at University College Cork;
Professor Leo Casey, Education Consultant and former Director of Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning at National College of Ireland;
Emma Muldoon Ryan, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ).
12.00 – 12.45
Keynote Address II
Rewarding teaching in academic careers: mapping the global movement for change
Dr Ruth Graham, Higher Education Consultant fostering change in higher education and improving teaching and learning worldwide.
13.45 – 14.30
Parallel Session I (A)
Room A: Professional Recognition of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Chaired by Dr Nuala Harding, Head of Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (CPID), Technological University of the Shannon
Contributors
Dr Sharon McGreevy, T&L Policy Advisory for Professional Development, Recognition, and the Impact of Teaching and Learning, Higher Education Authority;
Dr Catherine O’Mahony, Director of the Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL), University College Cork;
Dr Fiona O’Riordan, Dean of Teaching and Learning, CCT College.
13.45 – 14.30
Parallel Session I (B)
Room B: Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Teaching and Learning
Chaired by Professor Pramod Pathak, inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Digital & Data, Technological University Dublin
Contributors
Dr James O’Sullivan, T&L Policy Advisory for Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning, Higher Education Authority;
Dr Hazel Farrell, Academic Lead for GenAI and Programme Leader BA (Hons) Music, South East Technological University;
Dr Susan Leavy, Assistant Professor, School of Information and Communication Studies, University College Dublin, and member of Government of Ireland’s AI Advisory Council.
14.30 – 15.15
Parallel Session II (A)
Room A: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Chaired by Dr David Ryan, Associate Vice President Sustainability, South East Technological University
Contributors
Dr Mark Kelly, T&L Policy Advisor for Education for Sustainable Development, Higher Education Authority;
Dr Maria Kirrane, Head of Sustainability and Climate Action Office, University College Cork;
Dr Amanda Platt, Senior Lecturer in Higher Education Practice, Ulster University.
14.30 – 15.15
Parallel Session II (B)
Room B: Student Success and Engagement
Chaired by Professor Orla Sheils, Vice-Provost/Chief Academic Officer and Deputy President, Trinity College Dublin
Contributors
Dr Carina Ginty, Atlantic Technological University; and Dr Moira Maguire, Dundalk Institute of Technology;
Professor Jim O’Mahony, Munster Technological University;
Dr Renée Koch, Teaching and Learning Development Office, National College of Art and Design.
15.45 – 16.15
Closing Reflections
Building Next Steps Together
Chaired by Mr Tim Conlon, Head of Policy and Strategic Planning, Teaching & Learning, and System Development & Performance Management, Higher Education Authority
Rapporteurs
Dr Nuala Harding, Head of Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (CPID), Technological University of the Shannon;
Professor Pramod Pathak, inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Digital & Data, Technological University Dublin
Dr David Ryan, Associate Vice President Sustainability, South East Technological University;
Professor Orla Sheils, Vice-Provost/Chief Academic Officer and Deputy President, Trinity College Dublin.
16.15 – 16.30
Conference Close
Mr Tim Conlon, Head of Policy and Strategic Planning, Teaching & Learning, and System Development & Performance Management, Higher Education Authority