TEU Update August 22 2024

Module pages

Most Loop pages for modules commencing in Autumn 2024 are now available. Spring 2025 module pages will follow in due course.

If you have checked throughout your Loop Dashboard and cannot see your module page, it probably means you are not listed as an “Instructor” on Banner (the new student information system), so you will need to arrange for yourself to be listed as one. You can do that by contacting your faculty office who can complete a form for the SIS Programme Team to action the request. You should indicate if you are the module coordinator and, if applicable, also indicate who else teaches on the module. The SIS Programme Team will process those requests regularly

Note that because all enrolment information flows from Banner, the Loop Support Team are not able to directly enrol you to your Loop module pages.

Importing material

Student enrolment

Staff are reminded NOT to enrol students directly onto module pages themselves. As in every other year, students will be automatically enrolled into Loop module pages once they fully register for their modules.

Programme pages

With thanks to the faculty offices, we have concluded the annual process of creating ‘programme pages’ on Loop. Programme chairs were emailed direct links to their pages in early July. Student cohorts have been added to the programme pages and as students complete their registration they will get access.

These programme pages can act as a hub for programme information across different student cohorts, help them perceive their programme identity and help support community building. Programme chairs are invited to explore this resource on the Loop Staff Support Page to learn how to make the most of their programme page (enrolment key is ‘staff’).

Creating ad hoc pages

If you need a Loop page for some other purpose, such as:

• An auxiliary page connected to a module page
• Internal staff training
• External collaborative project

  Or more, you can request a page’s creation using this form. 
 

This form should NOT be used to request an official module page - those are only created via the integration with the new student information system Banner.

Cybersecurity enhancements

As previously indicated, the ability for a non-DCU user to create their own Loop account will be disabled in the coming weeks. Multi-factor authentication for all non-DCU users will also be introduced. Existing, active non-DCU users will retain their Loop accounts. Once this enhancement takes effect, if you have a specific business need for a non-DCU user to access Loop you will need to make a request for this by logging a ticket at www.dcu.ie/iss. We hope to work with the Guru Development Unit to establish a process whereby new external examiners will be automatically given non-DCU Loop accounts. Existing external examiners with non-DCU Loop accounts will retain them.

If you are considering taking part in this Journey, it’s important for everyone to be clear on what is expected. Information sessions hosted by the TEU will therefore take place at 3pm on Tuesday Sept 3rd and Thursday Sept 5th. Sessions will be in hybrid format, enabling online or in-person attendance. While the session(s) will be recorded, it is highly recommended that you attend on the day.

All are welcome, including those who may have engaged with the process previously and want to restart their applications or else apply for a different category. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to hear what it’s all about and ask questions. You will need to register your attendance so be sure to select a session of your choice today.

Register for an information session now!

Join us at this online session to learn about the student engagement tool Vevox which can be used during on-campus, Zoom or hybrid classes to check students' understanding, elicit opinions, get feedback, and manage Q&As. 

Using a tool like this in class gives students an opportunity to contribute when they may feel reluctant to do so verbally. It can help to encourage students to share their opinion and give answers and not feel self-conscious. Vevox could also be used for fun activities or quizzes during programme orientation, or to facilitate orientation Q&A. More information about Vevox is available in this resource on the Loop Staff Support Page.

Registration is essential. This session will be recorded and circulated afterwards.

 1.  CBL "Summer School" on the European Diploma and Flexible Learning Paths hosted by Łódź University of Technology, Poland (taking place 120 kilometres from Łódź)

• Dates: 23-27 September
• Application deadline: 25 August
• Information and registration: See details here
• DCU funding available through ECIU: funds for travel and accommodation for one staff member up to €800 (on production of receipts etc.).  Meals/subsistence would need to be covered by the schools.

2. Micro-module "Challenge Based Learning enhanced by Virtual Reality" hosted by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

• Dates: 6-8 November 
• Application deadline:  8 September
• Information and registration: Details here
• DCU funding available through ECIU: funding for travel and accommodation for two staff members up to €800 (on production of receipts etc.).  Meals/subsistence would need to be covered by the schools.

3. "ECIU University Staff Days" hosted by University of Twente, Netherlands

• Dates: 20-22 November 2024 
• Application deadline:  9 September 12:00 CET 
• Information and registration: For 2.5 days, we will be providing a space for both teachers and support staff from across the ECIU University member universities to collaborate in the creation of Educational Learning Opportunities (ELOs). These modules will tie in with Challenge-Based Learning (CBL), our main innovative educational pedagogy. We are inviting 2 staff (preferably but not necessarily 1 support staff + 1 teacher) per ECIU partner institution. More details here
• DCU funding available through ECIU: funding for travel and accommodation for two staff members up to €800 (on production of receipts etc.). Meals/subsistence would need to be covered by the schools.

Colleagues can register for the modules/events and the selection process will likely be carried out between the host university and DCU. If colleagues have any queries on funding please contact olivia.daly@dcu.ie

If you require assistance or guidance with teaching and learning or Loop related matters, avail of the below methods.

Support for technical issues

For Loop technical queries, log a ticket through the ISS ticketing system. You can also attend one of our regular online Loop drop in clinics, details in the TEU calendar. The drop in clinics are particularly useful for more complex queries. The Loop Staff Support Page also provides a comprehensive range of resources on Loop and Zoom. For new users, the enrolment key for this page is ‘staff’. 

Advice on using technology for Teaching and Learning

If you are looking for advice on developing your teaching practice, including but not limited to the application of technology, please contact the TEU team teaching.enhancement@dcu.ie. We will endeavour to respond to you as soon as possible.

Consultancy request form

Interested in requesting a workshop or more extended consultation on a specific topic?  Use this form.