The Christmas Showcase

On December 12th, 2018 I attended the Christmas Teaching and Learning Showcase at GMIT.
I found the showcase extremely beneficial as I’m currently studying for the Certificate in Teaching and Learning.
Presenters from the different GMIT campuses (Galway, Letterfrack, and Mayo) as well as DCU Dublin featured on the day.

The keynote speaker of the day, Dr Lisa Donaldson delivered an inspiring presentation on the use of e-portfolios highlighting their importance in the digital age. She discussed the different benefits of e-portfolios from both the lecturers and student’s perspective. Lisa emphasised the significance of e-portfolios as a tool to enhance learning, as a record of progress and achievement, as a tool for assessments, as self-marketing tool regarding prospective employers and also as a tool to be reflective on ones learning and progress.​

For me the highlight on the day what’s the presentation by Dr Cormac Quigley
with his innovative use of the Lightboard, a piece of hardware allowing him to deliver lecture material online either prior to (flipped classroom) or after class (supplementary). The most fascinating aspect was the use of the Lightboard as a white board, while facing the online audience, with no need to edit after recording the session, a fact highlighted by Cormac as one of the major benefits to reduce time creating this type of virtual material.
​
​
Dr Heather Lally presented her own e-portfolio which was also very beneficial to all attendees studying for the Certificate in Teaching and Learning, as it provided a great example and inspiration for our own e-portfolios. Heather showcased a great variety of preparation, delivery and assessment strategies as well as her Teaching Philosophy. The portfolio made excellent use of visual elements such as pictures of fieldwork and student assignments as well as videos of recorded lectures and student work, reflecting her expertise in the area of Natural Science.

​The showcase was a great opportunity for attendees to engage with the presenters and their teaching and learning expertise and experience. The event provided great insight, inspiration and guidance for my journey on the path of becoming a better lecturer, helping me to offer my students an increasingly improved learning experience.