Skip to main content

DkIT Showcases Best Practice in Technology Enhanced Assessment Methods in Science and Health

18 November 2018

A new report entitled ‘Embracing alternative formats, assessment strategies and digital technologies to revitalise practical sessions in Science & Health’ has been launched at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). The report was led by the School of Health & Science, in collaboration with the Institute’s Centre of Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) and shares best practice in technology supported assessment in Science & Health disciplines.



The report is a direct output by the TEAM (Technology Enhanced Assessment Methods in Science and Health) project www.teamshp.ie, which was established in 2015 and was led by DkIT, along with partners from IT Sligo, Athlone IT and IT Carlow. TEAM aims to develop a framework for applying the principles of good assessment and feedback to practical assessment and facilitate dialogue among stakeholders about what students should learn in practical classes and how assessment can facilitate this. It was funded by the National Forum Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund 2015.

Speaking at the launch, Michael Mulvey PhD said:

At DkIT we pride ourselves on placing the learner at the centre of everything we do and this report is a wonderful example of how DkIT staff continue to innovate in the area of teaching and learning to ensure an enhanced learning experience for our students. The practical application of knowledge is extremely important for students as they prepare to enter the workplace. Insights from this report will enable us to ensure our students continue to get the most out of practical sessions. I wish to commend the work of the TEAM project and in particular Dr. Ronan Bree on bringing this report to fruition.”

Also speaking at the launch, Dr. Edel Healy, Head of School of Health & Science and TEAM Project Lead added:

The report serves as a valuable teaching resource to all educators working in the area of teaching and assessment of practical sessions, in particular in Health and Science where acquiring practical skills in addition to theory, is crucial to ensuring student learning and employability. Our collaboration with other colleges via the TEAM project helps us to increase the peer network of academics in the Science and Health disciplines who have a shared vision for the development of enhanced assessment in practical settings.”

The report was conducted by the project’s lead academic, Dr. Ronan Bree who lectures in Applied Science at DkIT and it was edited by project members from DkIT and the partner colleges. The literature review examines the practical element of academic modules in Science and Health and explores its capacity to represent a powerful learning environment whereby learners can engage with peer learning, assessment, feedback, practical skill development, self-reflection and digital assessment technologies.

Speaking at the launch Dr. Bree said:

The report presents practical and digital solutions for educators to employ that are capable of transforming and enhancing the practical learner experience. In it we identified five thematic areas for improvement namely; (1) Design, Format and Practical Learning Environment; (2) Pre- practical Resources; (3) Assessment & Feedback, (4) Self- Assessment & Reflection and (5) Building Digital Capacity & Literacy.”

An online version of the Report is available for view via the TEAM project website: http://teamshp.ie. To find out more about Health & Science programmes offered at DkIT, please visit www.dkit.ie/courses.

All Media Enquiries

  • Marketing & Communications