Groundbreaking Collaboration Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Enhancement
In a significant achievement, the Virtual Labs HCI P3 Initiative Team has been awarded the prestigious Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Award. This national accolade recognizes their remarkable contributions to enhancing bio/chemical sciences education through innovative blended teaching and learning experiences.
The DELTA Award, presented by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), is a prestigious honor that celebrates discipline groups who have demonstrated a consistent record of excellence in teaching and learning enhancement. The Virtual Labs Project’s success in this area is truly inspiring and well-deserved.
Collaborative Effort Driving Innovation
The Virtual Labs Project is a collaborative initiative involving students and staff from five higher education institutions – Maynooth University, University College Cork (UCC), Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin City University, and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). Partnering with international edtech companies and regional enterprises from the Pharma/Biopharma/Semiconductor and Food & Drink sectors, this cross-sectoral collaboration has given the team a unique opportunity to innovate the laboratory experience at scale, across geographically disparate areas and various academic levels.
Spearheaded by Professor Denise Rooney from Maynooth University, the Virtual Labs Project was initially funded through the HEA’s HCI Pillar 3 programme in November 2020. This government initiative aims to address priority skills needs by increasing collaboration between higher education and enterprise, with a particular focus on innovations in teaching and learning.
“Their success in enhancing teaching and learning within the bio/chemical sciences is inspiring and deserves this national recognition,” praised Dr. Alan Wall, Chief Executive Officer at the Higher Education Authority.
Transforming the Laboratory Learning Experience
Laboratory education is a critical component of the curriculum in the bio/chemical sciences disciplines, often the most enjoyed part of an experimental science curriculum. However, the lab remains a complex learning space with diverse cognitive and social demands. The shared goal of the Virtual Labs Team is to determine and implement the optimal approach to enhancing the educational laboratory experience, better preparing students for their future careers in STEM.
To date, approximately 3,500 students enrolled in more than 25 programmes across the chemical and bio-sciences disciplines have engaged with the Virtual Labs Project, with around 1,400 active students in the current academic year. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and creative pedagogical strategies, the team is revolutionizing the way students experience and learn in the laboratory setting.
Exceptional Contributions Recognized
The DELTA Award is a testament to the Virtual Labs Team’s exceptional contributions to teaching and learning enhancement. Academic leads from each of the partner institutions, including Professors Carmel Breslin and Frances Heaney from Maynooth University, have been instrumental in driving this project forward.
“This national award recognises their significant contributions to bio/chemical sciences education aimed at enhancing blended teaching and learning experiences,” said Dr. Wall.
The Virtual Labs Project’s success serves as an inspiration to the wider academic community, showcasing the transformative power of cross-institutional collaboration and the integration of innovative pedagogy and technology.
Empowering Students to Thrive in STEM
The Virtual Labs Project’s achievements extend beyond the recognition of the DELTA Award. By reimagining the laboratory learning experience, the team is equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their future STEM careers.
“The shared goal of the Virtual Labs Team is to determine and implement the optimal approach to enhancing the educational laboratory experience that best prepares our students embark on a future career in STEM,” explained Professor Rooney.
Through the integration of cutting-edge technology, immersive learning experiences, and evidence-based pedagogical strategies, the Virtual Labs Project is redefining the way students engage with and master the fundamental concepts and practical skills required in the bio/chemical sciences.
Collaboration Fueling Innovation
The collaborative nature of the Virtual Labs Project has been instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring the impact of this initiative reaches students across multiple institutions and academic levels.
“This cross-sectoral collaboration between Virtual Labs Team gives a unique opportunity to innovate the laboratory experience at scale, in geographically disparate areas, with students on level 5 to level 9 programmes,” added Professor Rooney.
By bringing together experts from various higher education institutions, edtech partners, and regional enterprises, the Virtual Labs Project has been able to leverage diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources to create a transformative learning experience for students.
Inspiring the Future of STEM Education
The Virtual Labs Project’s recognition with the prestigious DELTA Award is a testament to its profound impact on the future of STEM education. By leveraging innovative technology and pedagogical approaches, the team has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for successful careers in the bio/chemical sciences.
“This national award recognises their significant contributions to bio/chemical sciences education aimed at enhancing blended teaching and learning experiences,” said Dr. Wall, “and is funded through the Higher Education Authority’s HCI Pillar 3 programme.”
The success of the Virtual Labs Project serves as an inspiration to the wider academic community, showcasing the potential for cross-institutional collaboration and the integration of technology to drive meaningful change in teaching and learning. As the project continues to evolve and expand, its impact on STEM education is sure to be felt for years to come.
For more information on the Virtual Labs Project and its DELTA Award recognition, please visit the Maynooth University website or the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
To learn more about the Stanley Park High School and its commitment to excellence in education, please visit our website.
