28 January, 2025

At MTU, we believe in the transformative power of online and hybrid learning to make education more accessible, flexible, and innovative. Our Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Department is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge digital education solutions that empower both students and educators to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Through seamless integration of technology and adaptive learning tools, MTU is redefining how knowledge is delivered and experienced.

 

This commitment to excellence in online learning recently reached new heights as MTU hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa. The visit marked an exciting exchange of ideas, technologies, and strategies, highlighting MTU’s leadership in creating global learning opportunities and reaffirming the importance of collaboration in advancing digital education.

 

In December 2024, MTU's Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Department proudly welcomed a distinguished delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa. The visit, featured NMU’s Digital Learning Experience Design & Innovation (LxD) team, underscored a shared vision: advancing education through innovative, technology-driven approaches.

The NMU delegation included:

• Mike Swanepoel: Director of Digital Learning Experience Design & Innovation

• Koshala Terblanche: Learning and Teaching Technology Support & Innovation

• Bendré Meyer: Learning Experience Designer

• Elmien Waring: Senior Learning Experience Designer

This engagement highlighted areas of mutual learning and potential areas for collaboration.

Nelson Mandela University's Innovations

The NMU LxD team introduced their unique organisational structure, where students play an active role in supporting academics transitioning to digital platforms. By embedding students within their technologist networks, they bridge the gap between pedagogy and technology, fostering a user-centric approach to digital transformation.

NMU’s vision encompasses holistic student engagement, extending beyond academics to encompass soft skills and value-based education. The NMU team has also embraced hybrid learning models such as HyFlex, catering to diverse student needs by allowing synchronous in-person and online participation while also catering for traditional face-to-face delivery. This flexibility ensures inclusive access, a critical factor in today's global learning landscape.

MTU: Leading the Charge in Online and Hybrid Learning

The visit also highlighted MTU’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to enhance online and hybrid learning. During informal sessions, the NMU delegation explored MTU’s extensive resources, guided by insights from Dr. Tadhg Leane, Roisin Garvey, Shane Cronin, and Dr. Larkin Cunningham. Topics included MTU’s work in co-curricular badging frameworks and micro-credentialing, which provide students with verifiable achievements that can be showcased on professional platforms like LinkedIn and highlighting the importance of soft skills in recruitment decisions.

The TEL Department demonstrated its advances in online course design, predictive analytics, and adaptive learning systems. These innovations enhance learner outcomes and provide a dynamic, engaging educational experience. The facilities tour—featuring the Blackrock Castle Observatory, Nimbus Centre, and NMCI—illustrated MTU’s integration of virtual learning with hands-on, experiential opportunities.

Building Bridges for Future Collaboration

The exchange between MTU and NMU reinforced the importance of international collaboration in advancing digital education. Both institutions share a commitment to fostering accessible, technology-enhanced learning environments that meet the demands of a globalized world. By showcasing their own expertise while learning from NMU’s innovative practices, MTU continues to strengthen its position as a leader in online and hybrid education. The lessons drawn from this partnership promise to enhance MTU’s ability to provide students with flexible, future-focused learning opportunities that prepare them for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Discover Ways in Which Your Company Can Benefit from MTU’s Flexible Learning Methods

MTU is committed to providing courses relevant to industry and employer needs. If you are interested in identifying education and training opportunities for your employees, or need assistance in identifying a suitable learning path for their future career development please contact extended.campusCork@mtu.ie