GRETB Further Education and Training Department wishes all its learners the very best during these challenging times. In order to ensure continuity of learning, the staff are engaged in supporting learners in whatever way works for each individual, whether that is using TEAMS, webinars, eCollege, email, phone calls, or GRETB's YouTube channel.
It is important for all learners to feel supported, particularly when preparing for examinations and assessments, and this can be stressful when factors such as what we are experiencing now enters the equation. GRETB's tutors, teachers, and instructors are on hand to answer any questions in relation to a learner’s programme and the team welcome those questions.
Over the last number of years the GRETB FET department has proactively engaged with the National Digital Skills Strategy and have been involved in developing the SOLAS Technology Enhanced Learning Framework. This framework has allowed it to build capacity among its staff by engaging in QQI Level 6, 7, and 8 TEL qualifications. This in turn supports GRETB in delivering programmes outside of the classroom setting.
Some updates from the TEL team
The purpose of technology enhanced learning (TEL ) in GRETB is to use technology to facilitate and support innovative teaching and learning practice to ensure an effective, enjoyable, and high quality learning experience for all further education and training learners.
A TEL newsletter is being produced weekly to advise of TEL professional development opportunities for staff. This newsletter will contain professional development opportunities for staff across the ETB.
A total of 192 courses currently being undertaken on eCollege by FET staff to upskill in areas such as IT, Gaeilge, introduction to Moodle (an online virtual learning environment ), and digital marketing.
GRETB Further Education Moodle has a number of courses for staff who wish to upskill including ECDL, managing conflict, and communicating your message effectively.
GRETB TEL department will be delivering live online training in Thinglink and Kahoot next week.
The GRETB Further Education Moodle site is in place for learners across a range of GRETB FET centres. This site supports current learners to continue their courses online. Examples include horticulture, IT, digital media, and healthcare.
GRETB has established a TEL PD support structure for any staff or learner having difficulty accessing courses.
eCollege is now available free to everyone through www.FETCH.ie
GRETB is currently developing a digital hub at its FET department in Mervue Business Park. This digital hub will offer opportunities to learners to develop skills such as podcasting, creating webinars, green screen training, virtual reality learning, and an open learning space for learners to engage in online programmes in a supported centre.
This is a snapshot of what is happening in the FET department to support learners, and the team encourage all learners and the wider community to link in if they require support in these difficult times. By engaging in learning and upskilling through programmes such as those provided by eCollege, people will be in a better place when Covid-19 is a thing of the past.
Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha is director of Further Education and Training at GRETB.
