EDEN 2023 Annual Conference in Dublin 18th June

Posted by Learnovate

On 18^th & 19^th June Learnovate researchers Janet Benson & Ilse White, as well as Snr. Business Development Manager Linda Waters attended the EDEN (European Distance and E-learning Network Conference) held this year in St. Patrick’s Campus, DCU.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Yes we can!” – Digital Education for Better Futures – and comprised of a wide range of topics from Transformative Education & Future Pedagogies to Research Designs for Uncertain Times.

With a large number of parallel sessions, it was difficult to attend everything! However, some of the more interesting sessions included rethinking learning technology and learning transfer as preparedness for future learning challenges, delivered by Dr. Gearóid O Suilleabháin of Munster Technological University, where he discussed how learning vendors often focus on the ‘transfer power’ of certain digital products such as ‘brain training’ that was popular not too long ago.

There were a number of sessions on inclusion and accessibility, one such was delivered by Dr. James Bruton of DCU and how they have involved their students and listened to their feedback on what accessibility and inclusion mean to them while Professor Blánaid White (also DCU) spoke about embracing ambiguity to prepare students to thrive.

Janet Benson of Learnovate delivered a session with Irene O’Dowd of Hibernia College on their ongoing collaborative project looking at how a mobile app can help to create virtual learning spaces and Communities of Practice (CoPs) for students and tutors. This research project began in 2021 with the introduction of the Cohort app, with surveys and focus groups ongoing with Hibernia College students and tutors.

The days ended with the popular and fun Gasta sessions, chaired by the ever-engaging Tom Farrelly (Gasta Master) with plenty of audience participation!

Learnovate are already looking forward to attending, and presenting, at next year’s EDEN Conference.

Become a Member

Become part of a global community of leaders in the future of learning and the future of work. Join Learnovate today! Contact membership@learnovatecentre.org to find out more.