Tag: #students

MTU and CompuCal Announce Partnership to Equip Thousands of STEM Students across Southwest Region with Cutting-Edge Industrial Digitisation Skills

Cork-based software company, CompuCal Calibration Solutions, has partnered with Munster Technological University (MTU) to deliver a forward-thinking program that will benefit Science, engineering and manufacturing students across the Southwest region. This collaboration aims to prepare students by enhancing their digital skills to enable digitisation of paper-based current and future processes within instrumentation, processing and manufacturing sectors by offering a real-world digital technology experience and solution, helping them tackle the evolving challenges.

As part of this partnership, CompuCal’s innovative calibration management software has been integrated into MTU’s Department of Physical Sciences full time and industry focused part time Instrumentation and Calibration programme offerings, supporting modules on process control and instrumentation, calibration and asset management. These programmes will certify students in digital calibration, instrument maintenance, commissioning, and validation, positioning them to thrive in the data-driven, process-controlled industrial environments of tomorrow.

MTU delivers approximately 1,500 STEM students annually, comprising approximately 10% of the national STEM cohort in Science & Engineering disciplines. This collaboration will provide these students with practical, hands-on experience using CompuCal’s latest technology, simulating real-life operational challenges that engineers and technicians encounter in the manufacturing industry.

This type of collaboration enables indigenous industry, which includes both SMEs and MNCs, to become globally competitive by partnership with companies such as CompuCal who have developed innovative solutions to meet the challenges of digitisation in modern industry.

Donal Sullivan, CEO of CompuCal Calibration Solutions, welcomed the partnership, “In the highly regulated world of Biopharma, MedTech, and FMCG, calibration maintenance of assets is critical to keeping operations running smoothly. We are delighted to contribute to equipping Ireland’s future engineers and technicians with the skills needed to meet the challenges of advanced manufacturing. MTU’s leadership in adapting its curriculum to meet industry needs is crucial in shaping a workforce ready to face the rapidly evolving global manufacturing environment.”

Through this collaboration, MTU students will gain vital insights into asset measurement—ranging from temperature monitoring to pressure vessels—and will understand the essential role that calibration plays in ensuring production output, compliance with international standards, audit readiness, cost efficiencies, and business intelligence reporting.

MTU’s Donagh O’Mahony, Head of Department, Physical Sciences also highlighted the significance of the announcement, “This partnership reaffirms MTU’s commitment to engaging with industry and enterprise. We are leveraging the exceptional expertise and innovation of an industry partner to support the development of future generations of talented MTU students. CompuCal has worked with us to review and update some of our core instrumentation and calibration modules, ensuring that they align with the latest in industrial best practice. The resulting changes best demonstrate the role of calibration in a live global manufacturing environment. This is directly relevant to our students and we are excited by the value that is being added to our course work and their learning experience.”

The collaboration, which includes the recent incorporation of CompuCal GO, a mobile app designed for on-site technicians, ensures that MTU students are exposed to the latest technology in the field. This state-of-the-art tool provides a fully digital, paperless solution for calibration and maintenance tasks, integrating real-time data uploads directly to the CompuCal cloud platform.

Northcoders launches new part-time JavaScript bootcamp with financing option to drive tech career accessibility

In another groundbreaking move to make tech education more accessible, Northcoders – the leading tech training provider – has launched a new part-time, 20-week JavaScript bootcamp that can be paid for in interest free monthly payments.  The course has been specifically designed for individuals balancing work or personal commitments who aspire to enter the tech industry without quitting their jobs.

Priced affordably – €500 deposit and then €179.16 for 24 months – the remote course will start on Monday 24th February 2025. Students will follow an industry-leading curriculum and with a flexible schedule allowing them to learn from anywhere, studying around their work, family, and personal lives. Tuition can be spread across 24 months in interest-free instalments, making it one of the most affordable paths into tech.

Based on Northcoders’ award-winning program, the bootcamp covers everything from JavaScript fundamentals to advanced front and back-end development, preparing graduates for immediate employment in tech.

In weeks one and two, the curriculum will focus on Core Skills. Topics will include Distributed Version Control, Visualising Function Executions and Debugging. For the next seven weeks, JavaScript Fundamentals will take centre stage; followed by Back End (weeks 11 to 15) and then Front End (weeks 16 to 20).

Each block will include one to one mentoring sessions, live lectures, live seminars, self-study periods and study groups. Careers support is also given to part-time students, including career support documents that Northcoders supplies to its full-time students, as well as access to its jobs board which includes roles at hiring partners right across the UK.

David Bartlett – Tech Lead at Northcoders – said: “We are really excited to be launching this new part-time bootcamp and payment plan. We believe it is a big step forward in opening up tech careers to even more people. We understand funding is an issue for many, so our aim is to break down those barriers and equip aspiring developers with the skills needed to launch successful coding careers.

Google Unveils New AI Education Programmes for Irish Students

Google Ireland is today announcing the launch of two new AI education programmes to improve AI literacy across Ireland, via Kinia and ADAPT. These initiatives will equip students and teachers with the essential skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven future.

Experience AI has been co-developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind to provide teachers with free classroom resources and professional development, enabling them to teach students about AI technologies and how they are changing the world. In Ireland, Raspberry Pi Foundation is working with Kinia, funded by a €360,000 grant from Google.org, to ensure that young people can actively participate in shaping their own futures. Kinia will provide bi-lingual (Irish and English) interactive and engaging AI content to 800 educators and meet the skills needs of over 14,000 young people in Ireland.

AI Literacy in the Classroom, led by ADAPT, is a training initiative designed to help secondary school teachers boost their AI literacy and empower students to use AI critically. The programme will comprise workshops and online resources, co-created with teachers to ensure it aligns with their needs. Developed in alignment with current AI education policies and training provisions from the Department of Education, the programme aims to equip teachers with the essential AI knowledge and practical insights to navigate AI in the classroom and guide students to use AI-powered tools safely and ethically. With support from Google, the initiative is designed to ensure AI is taught responsibly.

Speaking at the launch, Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland, said:

“AI has the power to reshape our approach to society’s biggest issues, promising extraordinary breakthroughs that can improve billions of lives. That’s why we want to equip Ireland’s young people and educators with the skills needed to understand and navigate this transformative technology. Our support for Kinia and ADAPT underlines our commitment to making AI literacy accessible across Ireland, ensuring that students are prepared to shape an AI-enabled future that benefits all of society.”

Obum Ekeke OBE, Head of Education Partnerships at Google DeepMind, said:

“We are incredibly excited to see the launch of Experience AI in Ireland. AI is rapidly shaping our world, and we believe every young Irish student deserves the opportunity to understand and engage with this transformative technology. By making AI education more inclusive, we can help young people make more informed decisions about using AI applications in their daily lives, and encourage safe and responsible use of the technology.”

Marianne Checkley, CEO of Kinia, said:

“We are very proud and delighted to introduce Experience AI to schools and youth services in Ireland. As a programme co-created by educators and industry, Experience AI offers a unique chance for young people in Ireland to access immersive content that brings together real world relevance and the future view of artificial intelligence. Underpinned by our mission at Kinia this funding support also addresses a critical societal need, to make sure that all young people will be in a position to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of the future.”

Professor John Kelleher, Director of Adapt, said: 

“We have seen first hand how excited teachers are to bring AI into their classrooms but also how daunting it can be without the right support in place. That’s why we’re launching the ‘AI Literacy in the Classroom’ programme. It is all about helping teachers gain the AI knowledge and skills they need in a practical, hands-on way. We want to make sure they can use AI tools confidently and critically, so both teachers and students can thrive in this AI-driven world. This initiative reflects ADAPT’s commitment to real-world education and ensuring we’re equipping the next-generation to embrace the future as responsible digital citizens.”

Philip Colligan, Chief Executive, Raspberry Pi Foundation said:

“We are delighted to welcome Kinia to our Experience AI global network of partners. Working together with Kinia, we look forward to equipping teachers with the skills needed to teach AI confidently, ensuring it’s both engaging and relevant for their students. Through the partnership, we aim to ensure that over 14,000 young people in Ireland develop a foundational understanding of AI technologies and the role that they can play in their lives.”

For more information and to sign up for the Experience AI, teachers can visit experience-ai.org/. For more information and to sign up for the AI Literacy in the Classroom Programme, teachers can visit www.adaptcentre.ie/ai-literacy-in-the-classroom

Tech Review – ELECROW CrowView Note, Empower Your Devices as Laptops

The ELECROW CrowView Note is a 14-inch monitor with a built-in keyboard, touchpad, speakers, and microphone. Its all-in-one design simplifies setup, making it ideal for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, office use, studios, and on-the-go.

Our use case is only USB-C and screen mirroring which we feel is best for our region and indeed it does what it says on the tin, I have to note you need a decently branded USC-C cable for this to work as several would not and you know how cables are these days you get what you pay for.

This simple plugs into your smartphone and the option to screen mirror your phone will pop up on screen and away you go, some apps will not work in landscape mode so be sure to check your entire needs first but for the most it works fine but not Instagram on candybar phones.

There is a simple settings page you can adjust to your own needs and then you can just work away as it was a laptop and a cost effective one, in short this brings your device to the bigger canvas making work easy on the go and of course making it easier on the larger screen and the you can do it in reverse if you wish which makes it great for multitasking.

There is a decent picture here too and decent speakers so for media consumption you are good to go with little set up required and at an affordable price.

 

 

CrowView Note

• Lightweight and portable: Maximum thickness of just 0.78”

• Secure mobile office solution: Safeguard your data effortlessly

Mobile Office Challenges

• Editing on small screens is inconvenient and limiting

• Risk of information breaches with external computers

CrowView Note

• Simplified Integration: Integrated input/output for mini PCs, tablet PCs, and SBCs

• Effortless Connectivity: Connect and use multiple devices with ease

Complex Connectivity

• Cumbersome setups: hassles when connecting multiple external devices

• Inefficiency: Potential for operational inefficiencies and setup delays

Kickstarter Page

Unboxing and Look at the CrowView Note

MTU Drives Innovation with Cybersecurity and Sustainability-Themed Hackathon

Munster Technological University (MTU) and Cyber Ireland, in collaboration with the INGENIUM University alliance, is set to host an exhilarating Cybersecurity and Sustainability-themed Hackathon on the 12th and 13th of February at the Bishopstown Campus. In this dynamic event, 50 students from the INGENIUM University alliance, spanning 10 universities, including MTU, and multiple disciplines, will converge to tackle key challenges in cybersecurity and sustainability.

The hackathon focuses on addressing industry challenges in cybersecurity and sustainability, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of real problems and develop potential solutions. The hackathon aims to foster collaboration and innovation among multidisciplinary international student teams and provide a practical application of academic knowledge. Participants will navigate the process of defining problems, developing solutions, fostering their entrepreneurial spirit, and presenting their work through impactful pitches. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best overall concept and the best pitch.

Teams will comprise five individuals, strategically selected to ensure a balanced academic background, with no team being exclusively composed of cybersecurity students. The teams will be formed from across INGENIUM, which is an alliance of ten universities from ten European countries, comprising 172,000 students and 15,000 staff. MTU proudly holds the position of a founding member of the INGENIUM Alliance and leads the Entrepreneurship workstream.

This event underscores MTU’s commitment to promoting regional, national and international partnerships and equipping students with the skills necessary to pursue and achieve their ambitions. With the collaboration and support of MTU’s External Affairs Office, Cyber Ireland and the MTU Innovation and Enterprise Office, this event promises to be an outstanding display of academic excellence and fun.

Dr. Sean McSweeney, MTU INGENIUM Coordinator said: “MTU is a very proud partner in the INGENIUM Alliance as we expand our global outlook and develop a better future for our students together.”

Eoin Byrne, Cyber Ireland Cluster Manager said: “The Hackathon aligns closely with Cyber Ireland’s goal of Developing the Workforce. We must make cybersecurity accessible with clear pathways and progression, while inspiring the next generation to consider a career in cybersecurity. It’s great to have the support from our industry partners who are key to the success of the event.”

Sponsors of the event have stated:

Rob Cameron, Cybereason: “Cybereason are delighted to sponsor this hackathon at MTU. As a company who believes in the growth of cybersecurity talent, witnessing the next generation of professionals emerge first hand is truly inspiring. A practical event like this gives a great platform to showcase their talent and skill sets and we are privileged to be a part of their journeys”.

Brian Ahern, Senior Manager, ISRM Training & Awareness, McKesson: “McKesson are delighted to sponsor the Cybersecurity Hackathon event in MTU which educates students on how to protect their future employers against evolving cybersecurity concerns.”

Louise MacIndoe, Security Program Director, Logitech: “Logitech is proud to support the Cyber Ireland and MTU Student Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024, providing an opportunity for young innovators to collaborate and create solutions for real-world problems. We are committed to nurturing the future generation of business & technology leaders, and events like this provide an excellent platform for doing so.”

Luke McDonnell, Head of PR, Huawei Technologies: “Developing the next generation of cyber-talent is important because Ireland has a great opportunity to become a cybersecurity leader in Europe. Hackathons challenge students to put their college learning into practice in a practical way and while technical skills and know-how are important, so too are the soft-skills that students will develop throughout the challenge, these skills cannot be understood and are essential for today’s modern graduate. Huawei is proud to support the Cyber Ireland and MTU Student Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 and looks forward to seeing the students in action.”

Top 10 Must-Have Android Apps for Students: Enhancing Learning and Productivity

In today’s ever-evolving world, technology has become a crucial ally in pursuing educational goals. From note-taking to time management and study aids, the Android app ecosystem has opened up a world of possibilities for students. With a smartphone, you can transform your Android device into a powerful learning tool. This article will explore the top ten must-have Android apps for students, helping you enhance your learning experience and boost productivity.  more efficient and enjoyable. Keep on reading to find out why they should come in handy.Whether you are working towards a degree or simply looking to improve your current study habits, these apps can help you stay organized and on track. This article will explore the top ten must-have Android apps for students, helping you enhance your learning experience and boost productivity. Whether in high school, college, or pursuing advanced degrees, these apps are designed to make your educational journey more

1. My Study Life

First on the is My Study Life, which functions as your dedicated academic assistant. It ensures that your schedule is well-organized and assignments are manageable. This app lets you coordinate your classes, assignments, exams, and revision materials in one centralized location. 

You can even set reminders for impending deadlines, access daily and weekly schedules, and seamlessly synchronize your data across various devices. With My Study Life at your disposal, you can say goodbye to the turmoil of balancing different course requirements and say hello to a more structured and stress-free academic journey. There may be times when assignments appear overwhelming, but this app makes it easier to handle them, even when you need to buy definition essay for a particularly challenging task.

2. Evernote

Second is Evernote, which, as many, is the ultimate digital notebook for students. It lets you jot down notes, create to-do lists, and organize everything in one place. Whether it’s class notes, research findings, or project ideas, you can access them from your Android device anytime, anywhere. 

The app also enables you to attach files, record voice notes, and clip web articles for future reference. With the help of this app, you can say goodbye to misplaced paper notes and welcome the convenience of having all your information neatly organized on your smartphone.

3. Google Drive

Google Drive is another game-changer for students. It offers 15 GB of free storage, allowing you to store and access documents, presentations, and spreadsheets on the go. What makes it even better is the seamless collaboration features. You can work on group projects in real time, share files with classmates, and edit documents offline. With these features, you’re always on top of your coursework, whether you have an internet connection or not.

4. Forest 

We all know that procrastination may be the biggest enemy to many students. Forest will help you get over this hurdle. It encourages users to focus by encouraging them to plant virtual trees. You can set a timer to how long you wish to be free of distractions. A virtual tree is then planted as the clock counts down. You can see your virtual tree withering if you stop using the app and go to social media. The simple but effective method will boost your productivity by avoiding the temptation of distractions.

5. Quizlet

Studying can be a daunting task, but Quizlet makes it more manageable. With this app, you can create flashcards and study sets to master subjects and improve memory retention. What’s even more valuable is the vast library of user-generated study materials covering a wide range of topics. Whether you need to memorize vocabulary, historical dates, or scientific formulas, Quizlet covers you. Moreover, you can use quizzes and games to make studying engaging and fun.

6. Duolingo

Duolingo is an excellent app for students who want to learn a new language or enhance their language skills. With its gamified approach to language learning, Duolingo makes studying a foreign language enjoyable and accessible. The app covers a variety of languages, and its bite-sized lessons fit perfectly into your busy schedule. Learning a foreign language can open new doors to exciting opportunities, and Duolingo simplifies the process.

7. Trello 

Trello is the go-to app for students who need to keep track of multiple tasks and projects. Its intuitive card-based system allows you to create boards for different courses or assignments. You can add to-do lists, due dates, and details for each task, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Trello also supports collaboration, making it an ideal choice for group projects where everyone can see and contribute to the project’s progress.

8. Khan Academy 

Khan Academy is another treasure trove of free educational content. It covers various subjects, from mathematics and science to history and the arts. With its Android app, you can access thousands of video lessons and practice exercises that can help you better understand complex topics and prepare for exams. Whether you need additional explanations or want to learn something entirely new, Khan Academy is your virtual tutor at your fingertips.

9. Wolfram Alpha 

Wolfram Alpha can do more than just search. It’s an advanced computational engine capable of solving complex problems in mathematics, providing detailed scientific information and offering insights into many different subjects. Wolfram Alpha provides step-by -step instructions and answers for those who need assistance with math, physics or economics. The tool is invaluable for students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects.

10. Slack 

Slack is a must-have Android app that turbocharges learning and productivity. It’s not just another messaging app; it’s a powerhouse for streamlined communication. You can create channels for each subject or project, making it super easy to organize group discussions. Share files, exchange ideas, and keep everything in one place. 

With its sleek interface and seamless integration of other apps, Slack becomes your study group’s virtual hangout. It’s the go-to platform for quick feedback, ongoing discussions, and collective brainstorming sessions. Whether collaborating on group projects or seeking instant support from classmates, Slack ensures you’re always in sync and connected, enhancing your overall learning experience and productivity.

Conclusion

The Android app ecosystem offers various tools to make your student life more efficient and enjoyable. From organizing your schedule and managing tasks to enhancing your learning and collaboration, these top ten Android apps are here to support you throughout your educational journey. So, why not give them a try and experience the convenience of having your digital toolkit to boost your learning and productivity? With these apps in your pocket, you can tackle education challenges and reach your academic goals.

Microsoft marks end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month with event for over 400 secondary school students

To mark the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, over 400 secondary school students from post primary schools across the country gathered in Microsoft Ireland’s campus in Leopardstown, Dublin for the CyberSchools Quest event. The gathering was the final in a series of events held during October and focused on equipping the students with cyber security skills and knowledge and opening their minds to the career opportunities within this growing sector.

With the changing nature of cyber-attacks, there is a growing demand for cyber security skills and need to foster the next generation of cybersecurity leaders in Ireland. A recent report by Cyber Ireland reveals that over 8 in 10 businesses (83%) expect to grow their cybersecurity team over the next twelve months and predicts the cyber security sector could add an additional 10,000 jobs to the Irish economy by 2030.

Recognising the opportunity to equip students with these skills, Microsoft Ireland collaborated with the Technological University (TU) Dublin and ZeroDays to deliver the CyberSchools Quest programme. It culminated in what was the largest ‘capture the flag’ cybersecurity event held for post-primary schools in Ireland to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month which takes place across the month of October each year.

The CyberSchools Quest programme helps to address the cyber skills gap by focusing on developing cyber capabilities across a range of key domains such as confidentiality (keeping data secure); phishing, identifying common social engineering strategies; and reconnaissance, using open source-intelligence to find information online. The initiative also helps to foster computational thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills.

CyberSchools Quest centered around a week-long series of cyber learning sessions and hands-on challenges designed to introduce post-primary school students to the world of cyber security. Leveraging content developed by ZeroDays in collaboration with TU Dublin, CyberSchools Quest was then delivered in the immersive learning environment within Microsoft Dream Space.

Schools visited Microsoft Dream Space to take part in the week-long series with the final event bringing all students together at Microsoft Ireland’s campus in Leopardstown, Dublin. Here students competed across a number of cybersecurity ‘capture the flag’ challenges. On completion students could apply for a digital badge accredited by TU Dublin, while the winning team, CBS Mullingar from County Westmeath, were crowned CyberSchools Quest champions and can go on to undertake an opportunity to represent Ireland at the European Cybersecurity Challenge finals in 2024.

James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Vice-President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: “We were delighted to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month by welcoming over 400 secondary school students from across Ireland to the inaugural CyberSchools Quest event at our campus in Dublin. A central part of our mission is to skill up Ireland with the in-demand skills for our digital economy. By way of this initiative, we were able to focus on developing cyber security skills in our young people, opening their minds to not only the changing nature of cyber threats but the job opportunities within the sector.

“By joining forces with TU Dublin and ZeroDays we are helping to ensure that the next generation are provided with fun and engaging ways to develop these capabilities.  The enthusiasm demonstrated by the students at CyberSchools Quest underpins the importance of events such as this and of industry partnering with the education sector to unlock the opportunities of our digital world.   I’d like to thank all the students who participated and importantly their schools and teachers for taking the time to bring them to the events.”

The CyberSchools Quest initiative builds on a collaboration between Microsoft Ireland and TU Dublin focused on supporting the development of Cloud, Cyber and Datacenter skills through existing and new potential courses delivered at TU Dublin. Working together Microsoft and TU Dublin have committed to supporting initiatives that provide greater access into these skilling programs while also remaining focused on the promotion of STEM based programs connecting with existing initiatives such as Microsoft Dream Space.

Speaking about the partnership Dr Anthony Keane, the Head of School of Informatics and Cybersecurity said: “TU Dublin and Microsoft Ireland have forged a strong partnership over recent years as together we aim empower learners and teachers with the skills, they’ll need for a world increasing shaped by technology. The new CyberSchools Quest event builds on those strong ties by equipping secondary school students with in-demand cyber security skills and other problem-solving and computational skills so they are prepared for the digital future that lies ahead.

“Channeling the curiosity and creativity of our young people into digital technology and cyber security at CyberSchools Quest is an important step in addressing digital skills gaps and building a foundational awareness of best practice cyber security. We’re proud to join Microsoft and ZeroDays in bridging the skills gap and supporting the next generation of young people achieve more through technology.”

Ciaran Curran, teacher at Largy College, Clones, Monaghan said: “We were delighted to be at Microsoft Ireland’s campus with our students and have the opportunity to join others from across Ireland for CyberSchools Quest. Through this experience the students have been able to learn new cyber skills and put them to the test. It has not only helped to spark an interest in STEM among the students, it has also opened their eyes to the career opportunities that exist in the cybersecurity sector and helped them to believe that perhaps one day they could become the cybersecurity leaders of the future.”

To learn more about CyberSchools Quest and Microsoft Dream Space, please visit: dreamspace.ie

University students across Ireland invited to enter sustainability competition

Circle-P, an ambitious student project dedicated to utilising biorefineries for the recovery and recycling of phosphorus from industrial wastewaters, secured victory as the Irish winner of the 2023 Bio-Based Innovation Student Challenge – Europe (BISC-E).

The competition unfolded at Tangent, Trinity University’s Ideas Space in Dublin, where two formidable teams battled it out to represent Ireland in the European arena.

A panel of judges, composed of industry and academic experts from BiOrbic, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Circular Bioeconomy Research Group at Munster Technological University (MTU), evaluated the technological and economic feasibility of the competing projects.

Up against Circle-P was Bioluminescent Plants, which focused on gene manipulation in plants to create sustainable bio-lighting sources. Both sets of students explored the potential of natural ‘bio-based’ materials to address known future challenges.

The 2023 Irish champions, Shon George Shiju, Eanna Dowling, and Brian Mattimoe from MTU, earned the opportunity to represent Ireland against twelve European teams. While the overall winners of the BISC-E 2023 competition were BioAroma, a French team lauded for their innovative approach to sustainably producing 2-PE through novel fermentation processes, Circle-P’s outstanding contribution garnered well-deserved recognition.

The BISC-E, hosted by the Bio-based Industries Consortium, invites interdisciplinary teams of university students across Europe to design imaginative solutions that contribute to a sustainable and circular economy. These innovations address technological, environmental, or societal challenges in Europe’s journey towards sustainability, emphasising a ‘bio-based’ approach, using materials derived wholly or partly from renewable biological sources.

The Irish leg of the competition is now open for the 2023/24 edition, commencing on October 1. This competition welcomes all university students in Ireland, including those in their first year of Ph.D. studies.

Zoe Rush, Education and Outreach Manager of IKC3 at MTU, said, “The BISC-E competition offers students a valuable chance to apply their expertise and skills towards tackling the pressing sustainability challenges of our time.

 “The bioeconomy is rapidly developing in Ireland, as society shifts towards nature-based products and services. We are committed to nurturing interdisciplinary teams, fostering entrepreneurial skills in design and innovation for the bioeconomy, and providing guidance on impact analysis and effective communication.”

An online Introduction to the BISC-E session is scheduled during Bioeconomy Ireland Week, from 1-2pm on October 19th, designed for Irish university professors and students keen to explore this exciting opportunity. For further details about the competition and registration for this event, please visit the Irish Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate & Community Action (IKC3) website, which hosts the information about the Irish BISC-E.

Ireland’s Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate & Community Action (IKC3) proudly serves as the national coordinator for the Irish BISC-E, with support from BiOrbic, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DFAM), and the CircBio Research Group. IKC3, a research project led by Munster Technological University (MTU) in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD), addresses skill gaps within industry and civic society to facilitate a transition to low carbon futures.

9 Things About E-Portfolios That Students Should Know About in 2023

Technology has played a significant role in the development and popularity of ePortfolio (electronic portfolios). E-Portfolios can be accessed anytime, anywhere, as long as there’s an internet connection. This accessibility allows individuals to share their portfolios with a global audience, including potential employers, educators, and peers.

Types of E-Portfolios

There are several types of e-portfolios that students can consider creating, each with its own purpose and focus.

Assessment E-Portfolio

This ePortfolio is often required by educational institutions as part of a formal assessment process. Students compile their best work and achievements to demonstrate mastery of specific learning outcomes or competencies. Assessment ePortfolio are typically more structured and focused on meeting specific academic or program requirements.

Developmental E-Portfolio

Its primary purpose is for reflection and growth. Students utilize these portfolios to document their learning journey, track their advancements, and reflect on their experiences. These records typically maintain a more relaxed style and can encompass various elements such as diary entries, self-assessments, and reflections on academic coursework.

Showcase E-Portfolio

This ePortfolio aims to showcase a student’s accomplishments and abilities to prospective employers, internship providers, or graduate schools. They emphasize strengths, accomplishments, and relevant experiences. It can also include well-curated work samples, such as projects, papers, presentations, and other artifacts that showcase abilities. 

Course-Based E-Portfolios

Certain instructors necessitate the creation of ePortfolio as a component of particular courses. They document and showcase the tasks completed during the course, encompassing assignments, projects, and reflections. These course-related ePortfolios encourage learners to connect their learning across various assignments and demonstrate their progress throughout the course.

Here are ten things about ePortfolios that students should know about in 2023.

Displays Educational Progression

E-Portfolios serve as an interactive display illustrating educational journeys. They can encompass a variety of materials, including essays, projects, artwork, videos, and other forms of content. 

They also offer a tangible record of growth, helping learners reflect on their progress. Additionally, they help students present their abilities to potential employers or academic institutions and elevate their online visibility.

Customize Options

EPortfolios makes it easier to customize content according to individual objectives. There is also the freedom to select the format, arrangement, and structure most accurately showcases accomplishments and endeavors. This personalization helps creates a unique online identity that aligns with a student’s aspirations.

It Needs Ample Time 

Creating and curating an ePortfolio can be time-intensive, especially if students must regularly update and maintain it. Balancing this effort with other academic commitments can be challenging. If you have several pending assignments and need more free time to create an ePortfolio, outsource the work to a writer at an essay writing service. The experts in a reputable writing service will ensure you submit quality papers on time. 

Not Limited to a Single Use

Digital portfolios are not limited to a single academic course or project. Students can continue to add to their portfolios throughout their educational journey and beyond. This long-term approach provides students with a comprehensive overview of their skills and accomplishments over time.

Demands a Certain Degree of Digital Competence

Creating an ePortfolio requires knowing your way around digital tools. Being careful about how you come across online and protecting your privacy is important. As a result, you should use a safe platform, control who can see your stuff, and make sure what you share looks good.

Digital proficiency is imperative as it equips individuals with the capabilities and understanding needed to adeptly navigate and excel in the digital realm. In the contemporary tech-oriented society, digital literacy surpasses basic computer competencies. It encompasses an array of proficiencies that empower individuals to interact critically with digital data and make well-informed judgments. 

Learning to create and maintain ePortfolio is a way to develop digital literacy and proficiency, a valuable skill in today’s technology-driven world.

Use the Right Website Builder

When deciding on the ePortfolio type, you should consider your goals, target audience, and purpose. Additionally, the platform used to create and host your ePortfolio should align with the chosen type and have the necessary features to showcase your work effectively. A good portfolio should be discoverable online. So, look for a builder that provides options for optimizing your portfolio for search engines.

The editing process should also be easy because the content and presentation may need to be adjusted accordingly. So, choose a platform that can grow with you and accommodate additional content as your portfolio expands.

You can read reviews before choosing a specific site to create your ePortfolio. This concept also works when choosing a writing service; students should read a reputable handmadewriting review to make an informed decision.

The About Me Section Is a Must-Have

This section briefly introduces the student, including background, interests, and career aspirations. It sets the tone for the rest of the document and helps viewers understand the context. To make this section longer, provide an overview of the content, especially if you don’t have extensive work experience. This could include a summary of the sections or categories you’ve included in the document and why you’ve chosen to highlight those areas.

Can Be Appropriate For Job and College Applications

E-portfolios can serve as a powerful supplement to job applications and college admissions. They provide evidence of skills, accomplishments, and experiences that can set students apart from their peers. However, it’s best to check the application guidelines of each college to see if they accept ePortfolios as supplementary materials. If they do, make sure to follow their instructions regarding format and submission.

Can Raise Privacy Concerns

Displaying personal achievements and experiences online can raise privacy concerns. Thus carefully consider what content to include, who can access it, and how to protect your private data. Students can protect their privacy by opting for a reputable and secure platform to host an ePortfolio. Look for websites that offer strong data encryption, regular security updates, and allow you to control who can view your content. Then set your site to private or limit access to specific individuals, such as potential employers or college admissions officers.