COPIT: A LEARNING AND TEACHING COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE Seamus Ryan, Assumpta Byrne, Barry O’Loughlin, Sinead Devery, Sean Connell, Eimear Kelly

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module you will be able to: Demonstrate a detailed knowledge Of CoPIT and its activities to date. Display an in-depth understanding of the future plans and critique same. Reflect on the potential for applying this concept to your institution. COPIT: A LEARNING AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

“A community of practice refers to the process of social learning that occurs and shared socio- cultural practices that emerge and evolve when people who have common goals interact as they strive towards those goals.” COPIT: A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE FOR INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

History: Three drivers COPIT: A LEARNING AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE Learning and Teaching Unit - foster research mindset Ed-Tech 2008 High level of Interest Non- Techies with domain-specific research experience Techies lacking research experience

We set twin objectives of: Deploying classroom technology in pedagogically appropriate situations. Fostering a research mindset within the institute towards instructional technology. COPIT: A LEARNING AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

Five lecturers from across the schools and the Systems Librarian. Each member selected a research project. Budget for equipment much of which was shared across projects. Funding provided by NDLR through L & T unit. Weekly meeting provided a forum for exploration of technical and pedagogical issues. Six papers accepted For Ed-Tech 2009 COPIT: A LEARNING AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

The Impact of Interactive Whiteboard Technology on Teaching and Learning in Biotechnology:- Sinead Devery An Investigation into the Use of Short Screen Recordings in a Practical Computer Module:- Barry O’Loughlin Using a New Dog to Teach Old Tricks. Can an interactive whiteboard enhance the teaching and learning of German? Eimear Kelly Enhancing the Learning Experience of the Electronic Spreadsheet using Collaborative Software and Interactive Whiteboard Technology:- Sean Connell Getting Past the Google Search Box. Employing screencasts in library information training:- Assumpta Byrne COPIT: A LEARNING AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

Success Indicators: A body of expertise in the appropriate use of the technology. This will help with deployment across the institute. A research mindset has developed within the community of practice. The technology used and the learning objects created in the research remains in place. COPIT: A LEARNING AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

The Future: Twin track approach; Research Deployment Training cohort provide test bed for research. Grow the core group. Continued Management support. Continued Support from Learning & Teaching Unit and NDLR. COPIT: A LEARNING AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

Replicating the Model? Keep it small Six to eight members Small scale research Create a small group with minimum of fuss Try to mix genders and disciplines. Management involvement Careful now... It’s not for everyone COPIT: A LEARNING AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

Thanks to:- My colleagues in CoPIT Nuala in Learning and Teaching Unit Heads of Department AIT NDLR