Tag: #college

Hibernia College becomes first European university to join global alliance for digital innovation in teacher education

Hibernia College, Ireland’s largest provider of teachers, today announced it has joined the Alliance for Innovation in Teacher Education, becoming the first European institution to join the international partnership. As an Alliance member, Hibernia College will equip its 2,500 student teachers with the practical technology skills required for modern classrooms. The Alliance brings together the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), as well as other leading higher education organisations with the shared goal of transforming how universities prepare educators for digitally enhanced learning environments.

Hibernia College will integrate the ISTE Standards across its Professional Master’s of Education programme and develop professional credentials that allow teacher candidates to demonstrate proficiency in the effective use of technology for learning. The College’s 600 adjunct faculty – all practising teachers – will also benefit from access to new professional development opportunities through the Alliance.

ISTE+ASCD is run by Richard Culatta, a former advisor to President Barack Obama who served as Executive Director of the Office of Educational Technology for the US Department of Education. Mr Culatta also served as the Chief Innovation Officer for his home state of Rhode Island.

ISTE merged with ASCD in 2023 to form a nonprofit that creates standards for using technology in education. ISTE+ASCD is the leading provider of teacher training and thought leadership around the use of AI in education in the United States.

Dr. Mary Kelly, Academic Dean of Hibernia College, said: “Joining the ISTE+ASCD Alliance for Innovation in Teacher Education reflects Hibernia College’s ongoing commitment to excellence in teacher education. By embedding the ISTE Standards throughout our programmes, we will ensure future teachers are prepared to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences for all students.”

Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, said: “Knowing how to use technology to support student learning is an essential skill for any teacher to excel. We are thrilled that Hibernia College is committed to embedding tech skills into their programme so that all of their teacher candidates will be prepared to hit the ground running.”

By joining the Alliance, Hibernia College joins over 140 institutions worldwide committed to preparing teachers to thrive in digital learning environments, using technology to support ongoing professional development by implementing the ISTE Standards. This partnership will empower the College’s faculty to further develop their expertise in educational technology and foster collaboration with school leaders to define and advance shared digital teaching competencies.

Power Up Your College Year With Tech from eBay Ireland

As the back-to-school season rapidly approaches, college students across Ireland are gearing up for another academic year. eBay Ireland offers a smart solution for savvy students looking to upgrade their tech setup without breaking the bank, while also providing a simple way to earn extra cash. The secret? Selling old tech and buying refurbished.
eBay Ireland is the ultimate destination for students seeking high-quality, affordable, and sustainable tech. More than just a marketplace, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers, extending the lifespan of products and significantly reducing waste. From top-of-the-range laptops and versatile tablets to reliable smartphones and essential tech accessories, eBay Ireland offers a vast selection of both new and quality refurbished tech, all delivered directly to your door.
Study Smarter, Save More with eBay Refurbished
For students looking to make the most of their budget and make sustainable choices, shoppers can lean on eBay Refurbished as the perfect secret weapon to source the best pre-loved products.
Featuring thousands of amazing Irish sellers offering an incredible variety and value that’s hard to find elsewhere, students can discover deals like Refurbished Apple AirPod Pros for just €50.00 – over 50% less than the RRP (eBay seller: rymcna_47).
Turn Old Tech into New Opportunities
Beyond buying, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers to extend the lifespan of products and reduce waste through selling on the platform. This summer, eBay is empowering students to generate funds for their new academic year. Got tech you no longer need? Listing it on eBay is a simple way to declutter and put those funds towards your next essential upgrade, and with eBay’s innovative product development and investments in AI, selling on the platform has never been easier, making the back-to-college transition even smoother.

Engineers Ireland celebrate STEPS 25th anniversary with education report

From Awareness to Action: Engineers Ireland advocating for engineering outreach, an education position from the Engineers Ireland STEPS programme, will be presented at the Engineers Ireland STEPS 25th Anniversary Celebration on Monday 7 April with a panel event hosted by Mark Langtry, TV presenter and STEM Education Expert. The panel will feature Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, Úna Parsons, Retired Head of College, Atlantic Technological University, and Head of Faculty of Engineering and Design, and Dr Keith Sunderland, Engineers Ireland Registrar and STEPS Director. The paper will be available on Monday 7 April. 

The panel will discuss the findings and recommendations of the paper including the creation of a national Centre of Excellence for Engineering Outreach, embedding engineering more explicitly in school curricula, and pushing for real changes in STEM policy. It calls for targeted teacher training, a national awareness campaign, and a long-overdue recognition of apprenticeships as respected routes into the profession. 

The Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme is the only national STEM programme with a dedicated focus on engineering. Centred on children aged 5-16, the programme has introduced over 2 million children and young people to engineering as a meaningful and exciting career path. 

If you would like to speak with Dr Keith Sunderland, Engineers Ireland Registrar and STEPS Director about the programme, or the findings and recommendations of the education report

Suggested interview topics: 

  • Skills shortage: A shortage of engineering talent is threatening Ireland’s ability to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven, knowledge-based economy.
  • ‘College-only’ outlook: The lack of awareness, opportunities, and perception of engineering apprenticeships highlights gap in the engineering education and outreach system. 
  • Addressing gender inequity in STEM: 68% of girls-only schools offer STEM subjects other than science or maths, compared to 96% of boys’ schools (IWish, 2024) 

 

About STEPS
The Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme is designed to open up the exciting possibilities that engineering offers to school children who want to make a real difference in the world. STEPS aims to inspire future generations of STEM talent by providing meaningful, fun, and practical insights into the diverse world of engineering. http://www.engineersireland.ie/schools

About Engineers Ireland
With over 28,000 members, Engineers Ireland is the voice of the engineering profession in Ireland. Engineers Ireland was established in 1835, making it one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland. Members come from every discipline of engineering, and they range from engineering students to fellows of the profession. For more information, see www.engineersireland.ie

International Cybersecurity Expert to Explore the Disruptive Danger of Disinformation in the Age of AI at Public Lecture

Trinity College Dublin and the ADAPT Research Ireland Centre today announced an upcoming visit of internationally renowned expert in cybersecurity, Professor David J. Hickton of the University of Pennsylvania, in March. Professor Hickton will deliver a public lecture titled: “The Disruptive Danger of Disinformation in the Age of AI” on Wednesday 5th March at 5pm in the Swift Theatre in Trinity College Dublin’s Arts Building.  The event is free and open to the public.  Registration here: https://forms.gle/rSNvsQaJXaccQpd66

Professor Hickton, a former U.S. Attorney and Founding Director of the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security, will deliver this lecture as part of his March visit to Trinity College Dublin. During his time in Dublin, he will also engage with faculty, researchers, and students along with policymakers and other stakeholders through workshops, guest lectures, and roundtable discussions. During his visit, Professor Hickton will also assume the role of Adjunct Professor in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin.

This timely public lecture will examine the pervasive influence of disinformation in an era defined by rapid technological advances and the rise of generative AI. Professor Hickton will explore the historical roots of disinformation, its role in undermining trust in institutions and science, and the urgent need for global cooperation to address these challenges. The lecture will also discuss potential pathways to address this growing crisis, balancing free speech with the urgent need for regulation.

Professor Hickton’s visit builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last year between Trinity and the University of Pittsburgh, establishing a partnership to drive innovation in AI safety and governance. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to addressing the complex challenges of the digital age,” said Professor John Kelleher, Director of ADAPT. “We are honoured to welcome Professor Hickton to Dublin and look forward to the rich insights and contributions he will bring.”

To learn more about Professor David Hickton and his work, please visit: https://www.cyber.pitt.edu/people/david-j-hickton-jd

TEKenable Announces AI Research Partnership with Trinity College

Digital services company, TEKenable has announced a new AI research partnership with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) supported by Enterprise Ireland to advance responsible AI that benefits both people and business.

The AI research partnership creates the potential for researchers and technologists from TEKenable and TCD to more closely collaborate on AI research projects in areas of shared interest across a range of disciplines. The partnership will see TEKenable’s Jane Slevin, with a team of six researchers, explore how AI can be brought into and used by businesses utilising practical AI solutions. These AI solutions will significantly transform how businesses operate across their entire business including internal processes, financial management, customer interactions etc.

The team will work collaboratively with TEKenable, providing valuable recommendations and information for AI and data to drive digital transformation services.  TEKenable is a Microsoft Advanced Specialist and employs AI and data utilising cloud solutions to drive digital transformation to many sectors of the marketplace.

“We are excited to enter this partnership with Trinity and tap into the University’s renowned academic expertise”, explains Nick Connors, Group CEO at TEKenable.  “TEKenable’s extensive work in the AI space makes us a leading authority on the integration of AI with business processes to fast-track growth.  Partnering with TCD will allow us to further strengthen our knowledge and capabilities”.

“By partnering with TEKenable, we can apply academic insights to real-world challenges, creating a powerful synergy between theory and practice,” added Prof. Anthony Ventresque, Director of the Complex Software Lab in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin.  “We are thrilled to evaluate the measurable impacts of AI-driven tools within business.”

TEKenable was recently awarded by Microsoft ‘AI Partner of the Year’ and also was selected as one of four sustainability & digital transformation experts working in the Digital4Sustainability 2024-2026 consortium of EU organisations.  Digital4Sustainability is an EU co-funded EUR 4 million industry-driven project to boost Europe’s skills for the green and digital transition.

Will Irish sports tech give Georgia Tech the edge this weekend?

As tens of thousands of Americans fly into Dublin this week for the Georgia Tech V Florida State Aer Lingus College Football Classic, the game presents a dynamic opportunity to promote the strength of the Irish-US business relationship and particularly the success of Irish sports tech companies in the USA.

This week, Enterprise Ireland will host an inward US buyer delegation with representatives from Atlanta Hawks, Pittsburgh Steelers and other US sports tech investors. The delegation will meet with Irish sports tech companies and will focus on the IRFU and Enterprise Ireland’s technology innovation programme, which provides Irish sports tech companies an opportunity to test, trial, and potentially scale their products in a professional rugby environment. Visiting the Sport Ireland Campus, the delegation will also meet with Sport Ireland, who lead the development of sport in Ireland, and who are collaborating with Enterprise Ireland to drive the development of Irish sports technology.

From NFL Teams to NBA Players, Irish sports tech has gained a dominant “behind the scenes” position with elite sports in the USA and globally. Their innovative solutions have been sought out by major global sporting powerhouses from the NFL and NBA to PGA golfers, Olympians, F1 Drivers and English Premier League soccer teams.

Irish sports tech companies Orreco and Output Sports are also working with Georgia Tech University.

  • Output Sports, a leader in elite sports-science technology works with Georgia Tech athletes to optimise their athletes’ training sessions and to achieve specific fitness goals. Output Sports enables coaches, sports scientists, and rehab professionals to fully understand and optimise their athletes’ performance using a single wearable sensor system. The company’s technology is used by sports practitioners across 30+ countries, including in the USA and in multiple sports, with flagship clients in the NFL, NWSL, MLB, NHL, WNBA and NBA.
  • Sports data company Orreco have been working with Georgia Tech Women’s Swim team since 2022, using Orecco’s FitrWoman app and FitrCoach platform. The app and coach platform, part of Orreco’s Te@m platform are also used by USA Swimming, USA Volleyball and global soccer teams including The Lionesses, NSWL teams, Women’s Super League teams and multiple Olympic Medal winners. Orreco’s AI platform helps athletes optimise performance, accelerate recovery and extend playing careers.

Today, Irish sports streaming company, Wiistream announced a collaborative alliance with US Youth Soccer (USYS), the largest youth sports organisation in the United States. The collaboration will see Wiistream explore streaming and content solutions for USYS, to enhance the sports experience for young athletes across the USA. Wiistream are previous participants of the US Techstars accelerator programme and have the backing of Enterprise Ireland and US Venture Capital firm Elevate Ventures. Having started life streaming GAA matches for fans during Covid-19, the company, with its US headquarters in Indianapolis, has since secured significant international breakthrough deals, including contracts with The Big3 and the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

Welcoming Enterprise Ireland’s US sports delegation to Ireland, Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD said: “The Aer Lingus College Football Classic provides a valuable opportunity to not only enjoy a great game of American college football play out on Irish soil but also, to deepen the Irish-US business relationship. It is clear that the future of Irish sport is one where digital technology will be embedded across all sports organisations and that is why our National Sports Policy recognises the importance of encouraging innovation in sport. We want to see Ireland’s strong sport tech industry continue to grow and I welcome the work being undertaken by Enterprise Ireland to enhance the Irish-US business relationship in this respect.”

Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said: “We are proud to partner with the Aer Lingus College Football Game. It’s more than a game – it presents an important opportunity to promote the strength of the Irish-US business relationship and showcase Ireland’s dynamic business environment and innovators to the US visitors. The USA is the second largest export country for Enterprise Ireland clients, achieving exports of €5.9bn in 2023, up 5% on 2022. Across our 6 offices in the USA, we are focused on supporting Irish companies to achieve even greater scale in this market. On the sports tech front, this sector is achieving phenomenal global success, with major national and international sports leagues, athletes and brands turning to Ireland to drive performance.”

It was also announced today that the IRFU and Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Innovation Programme is set to continue for another season 2024/ 2025. The partnership will be showcased to the visiting US sports delegation, as part of events organised around the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in the Aviva. Through the programme, the IRFU has embraced Enterprise Ireland client technology to advance the game and the partnership has provided an invaluable opportunity for Irish sports tech companies, to test, validate and scale their innovations, working with teams across the organisation, including the national squad. To date five Enterprise Ireland sports tech companies have participated in the programme, including Output Sports, MoveAhead, RugbySmarts, Brace and Wiistream, resulting in commercial deals for three Enterprise Ireland clients, soon to be announced.

Dell Graduates Complete Female Leadership Development Programme at Cork College of FET

Cork College of FET today celebrated the fifth iteration of the Female Leadership Development Programme (FLDP) to nurture female leadership from entry level and beyond.

Fifteen Dell Technologies team members graduated from the programme this year. This brings to over 100 the number of Dell team members who have graduated from the programme since its creation in 2019.

The FLDP graduates achieved the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management. This internationally recognised qualification is part of the Cork College of FET Skills to Advance offering to companies. Skills to Advance is a SOLAS initiative which provides subsidised upskilling for companies and those in employment.

The FLDP was co-designed by the Skills to Advance Team in Cork College of FET and a cross functional team in Dell Technologies. It covers a range of topics including how to implement change in the workplace, managing remote workers and developing effective leadership styles. Through this custom-designed programme participants develop a deeper understanding of leadership job roles and responsibilities.

Colman O’Sullivan, Colman O’Flynn, Vice President of Strategic Transformation and Cork Site Lead at Dell Technologies Ireland, said: “For Dell Technologies, empowering women in leadership is more than a commitment—it’s a cornerstone of our vision for an inclusive workforce. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate the graduation of over 100 of our talented employees from the Female Leadership Development Programme rolled out by Cork College of FET over the past five years. Through the knowledge and skills gained in the programme, we can further strengthen the pipeline for women in leadership and ensure different perspectives are brought forward to drive innovation.”

For more information on Cork ETB’s FET offering, visit https://www.corketb.ie/fet.

Practical Gifts for College-Bound High School Graduates That They’ll Actually Use

Smart, Useful, and Appreciated Gifts Your Grad Will Love..

Throughout the years, I’ve been through my fair share of graduation seasons, seeing off my little ones as they step boldly into the next chapter of their lives. With graduation just around the corner, the pressure to find the perfect gift that won’t just gather dust in a closet is on. It’s a challenge, I know! You want something thoughtful, useful, and perhaps a bit fun, right? Well, you’re in luck because today I’m sharing my top picks for graduation gifts that are not only practical but are sure to be appreciated and used by your graduates.

Essential Tech Gadgets and Gear

In our digital age, tech gadgets top the list of must-have items for young adults. Whether they’re heading to college, starting a new job, or taking a gap year, here are a few gadgets that can help make their transition smoother:

  • Laptops and Tablets – Choosing the right laptop or tablet is crucial for any graduate. For college-bound students, look for models that offer a balance of power, durability, and battery life to handle coursework and multimedia needs. Popular choices include the MacBook Air for its long battery life and lightweight design, and the Microsoft Surface for those who prefer a touch interface with the versatility of a detachable keyboard.
  • Ebook Readers – For the voracious reader or the college student majoring in literature, an ebook reader like the Kindle Paperwhite can be a godsend. It reduces the need to carry heavy books and provides instant access to thousands of titles at their fingertips. E-readers are particularly useful for reading in various lighting conditions, thanks to their glare-free screens, and their battery life lasts weeks, which is perfect for the hectic schedules of busy graduates.
  • Smartphones – A reliable smartphone can serve as a lifeline for new graduates. It keeps them connected with friends and family, helps manage their schedule, and supports countless apps that can aid in daily tasks and productivity. The latest models from Apple, Samsung, and Google not only offer excellent camera quality for capturing memories but also come with powerful processors to handle everything from social media to sophisticated job-related applications.
  • Smart Watches – Beyond just telling time, smart watches like the Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch can track fitness, monitor health, and allow easy access to notifications without needing to pull out a smartphone. They are especially useful for graduates who have a busy schedule, providing reminders for appointments, emails, and calls right on their wrist.
  • Laptop Backpack – Equipped with their new tech, your grad is going to need something reliable to cart it around campus. Look for college backpacks made from high-quality materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. 
  • Cable Organizers – A perfect addition to a laptop backpack, cable organizers can help your grad keep their cords organized as they hop from class to class. 

Practical Household Items

If your grad is moving out for the first time, there are a few household items that can be incredibly useful:

  • Mini Coffee Maker – Coffee makers are perfect for fueling late-night study sessions or getting an early start before classes. Compact models from Keurig or Nespresso don’t take up much space and work wonders. Plus, it’s better than paying for a cup from a coffee shop.
  • Microwave or Toaster Oven – A compact microwave is another must-have for quick meals. This is particularly crucial for students in dorms where kitchen access can be limited. A microwave can help them heat up leftovers, make popcorn for movie nights, or prepare simple meals like microwaveable rice or pasta, ensuring they’re well-fed even on their busiest days. Just be sure that your grad is allowed one on campus, or that they will be able to return it if it’s not allowed. 
  • Quality Bedding Set – A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. Invest in a high-quality bedding set to give them the comfort of home, wherever they are.
  • Desk Lamp – A well-lit workspace is essential for productivity. A sleek, adjustable desk lamp not only helps prevent eye strain during late-night studying but can also add a touch of style to a work area. Look for models with built-in USB ports for charging smartphones or other devices, adding extra functionality.

Financial Gifts

Let’s talk about a practical and increasingly popular gift choice—financial gifts. These can help set your grad up for financial success:

  • Gift Cards – Versatile and practical, gift cards let grads buy what they need when they need it. You might get your grad a gift card to their campus bookstore, a local grocery store, or just a plain use-anywhere gift card.
  • Subscriptions and Memberships – Paying for subscriptions or memberships can be a thoughtful way to provide ongoing support throughout the year. Consider services that match the graduate’s interests or needs, such as Netflix or Spotify for entertainment or Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft Office for their educational needs. 
  • Savings Bonds or Stocks – Gifting savings bonds or stocks is a great way to introduce graduates to the world of investing. This can teach them about saving and investing for the future, and provide them with a financial asset that can appreciate over time. Savings bonds are a particularly safe investment, while stocks can allow them to start learning about the stock market and financial planning.
  • Cold Hard Cash – Let’s face it—college is expensive. While it isn’t always the most personalized gift, you can rest assured that a cash gift will definitely be used.  Your grad can use it towards books, tuition, or anything else they feel they need. You can never go wrong with cash.

 

Choosing the right gifts for our graduates means considering their future needs and personal tastes. Let’s celebrate this milestone by giving them something that not only marks the occasion but also supports and enhances their new adventures. Here’s to finding the perfect gift that your graduate will truly appreciate and use!

 

Happy gifting and congratulations to all the graduates and their proud families!

 

Rise in the number of families planning to save in response to cost-of-living pressures

As cost-of-living pressures continue, savings rates appear to be making a steady recovery this year after savings and spending habits were impacted by COVID-19 and a sustained period of inflation. 

According to Zurich’s annual Cost of Education survey, conducted by iReach this May and June, 56% of families in Ireland already have savings in place that have acted as a shield against the cost-of-living pressures. This figure is slightly up on 2022 (54%). 

The good news is that plans to save are on the increase, with the highest levels seen since 2019. Pre-COVID, around 40% of families had committed to putting money aside for a rainy day, which had decreased to 32% by 2022, before climbing to 51 % this year. 

Commenting on the findings, Jonathan Daly, Head of Life Retail Distribution and Propositions at Zurich Life Assurance plc said: “It is encouraging now to see the rise in the number of families planning to start saving to plan for the future. In terms of saving for your child’s education, planning ahead and opening a savings account when children are young will help you to manage education costs before they become a significant financial burden.”  

 

The Cost of Education survey provides insights into how much parents are spending, what factors are influencing how much they save and how they plan to save for the cost of their children’s second and third level education. 

The research has found that: 

  • 56% of parents said they have family savings in place that are used to reduce the financial strain of inflation, up 2% on 2022.
  • More than half (51%) of parents now say they are more likely to create a family savings fund to protect against the impact of potential future inflation rises, a big increase of 19% from last year.
  • The majority (68%) of students studying at third level education currently live at home, up 10% compared with 2022.
  • Parents of third level students paid on average €3,931 on third level fees in this year’s survey. 
  • The average annual cost of third level student accommodation was €10,077, while rented accommodation had an average annual cost of €5,179.
  • Parents estimated the total cost of secondary school education at €3,581.
  • 28% of parents have taken out a loan to help pay for their children’s secondary school costs.

 

Parents can use Zurich’s Cost of Secondary School and College Calculators to work out the estimated costs of sending their children to secondary school and college and to see how much they might need to save each month to meet these costs:

The calculators are also accessible via Digital Voice Assistants – see here for more: https://www.zurich.ie/blog/zurich-ireland-voice-services/