Ireland’s Higher Education Authority (HEA) has been working with the sector to move from immediate responses to generative AI towards a more shared understanding of its implications for teaching and learning. This includes how students learn, how educators teach and how institutions approach assessment, integrity and inclusion. The HEA has brought together student representatives, staff, institutional leaders and wider stakeholders to consider how GenAI is influencing teaching, learning and assessment and what kinds of support, guidance and shared understanding are needed.
Speaker
Colin Lowry is Senior Manager for Teaching and Learning, Enhancement and Digital Innovation at Ireland’s Higher Education Authority. His work spans digital transformation, artificial intelligence, open education, professional development and education for sustainable development. He contributes to national teaching and learning initiatives, including Ireland’s National Resource Hub for Open Educational Resources, OpenCourses.ie and related professional development and recognition programmes. Colin has been closely involved in the Ireland’s national response on generative AI in higher education, supporting sectoral consultation, evidence-informed guidance and national dialogue on its implications for teaching, learning and assessment. His previous work includes research on technology acceptance and advisory roles in digital strategy, service design, change management and technology adoption.
This resource showcases initiatives from both academic and professional support areas across DCU, which have been funded under SATLE – the Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement Funding in Higher Education. Examples are provided under the themes of Education for Sustainable Development, Digital transformation & Academic Integrity
The report – Generative AI in Higher Education Teaching and Learning: Sectoral Perspectives – was commissioned as part of the Higher Education Authority’s evidence-led approach to policy development.
The report captures the views of staff, students, and leaders across the Irish higher education system on the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
It brings together insights from ten thematic focus groups and a leadership summit, involving over 80 participants from across Ireland’s higher education institutions, alongside student representatives and sectoral stakeholders.
