N-TUTORR
N-TUTORR, Transforming Learning
N-TUTORR is a major transformation programme, investing €40m in Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology
N-TUTORR (the National Technological University TransfOrmation for Recovery and Resilience programme) is an innovative collaboration across the entire technological higher education sector in Ireland. It aims to transform learning, teaching and assessment by focussing on transforming the student experience and developing the capabilities of all staff, to address a sustainable pedagogical and learning environment, informed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The N-TUTORR programme is funded by the European Union and Next Generation EU, as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and is co-ordinated by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA). The programme funding runs from May 2022 to December 2024.
Stream 1: Empowering Students
This work stream is designed to transform the learner experience through student empowerment. For example: Students as Partners in Innovation and Change fellowships have been awarded to more than 130 projects across the seven partner institutions; Student Champions have been recruited to support specific local activities; and a sector-wide Digital Backpack has been developed.
Stream 2: Transform Learning, Teaching and Assessment by Developing Staff Capabilities
This work stream is designed to further develop the capabilities of all staff (academic, professional, management, support services) in order to achieve sustainable change and transformation. For example: a series of masterclasses are being provided on key themes; a curriculum development framework has been developed reflecting current needs and aspirations; a specific community of practice has been established; audits of training needs are being responded to; senior leaders' supports are being provided on specific themes.
Stream 3: Enabling Digital Ecosystems to transform Learning, Teaching and Assessment
This work stream focuses on the hardware, software, systems and processes to underpin and facilitate the prior two work streams. Main elements include digitally enabled assessment, incorporating work on academic integrity and partnership with the National Academic Integrity Network; significant investment in equipment, processes and training associated with enhanced facilities on a digital campus; and an extensive list of projects within individual partner institutions, associated with core objectives of the N-TUTORR programme.
Stream 4: Securing Progress and Sustaining Impact
This work stream is designed to secure, extend and enhance what has been achieved by the programme to date. Key elements include: collation and synthesis of local projects delivered under 'digital ecosystems' in order to disseminate lessons learned and to facilitate sharing of experiences; a formal external evaluation of achievements and recommendations for the future; extending student empowerment activities to increase impact and visibility; targeted development of digital leadership capacity; development of a national network focussed on issues (opportunities and risks) associated with Generative Artificial Intelligence; and a major showcase of the overall N-TUTORR programme (in November 2024) celebrating what has been achieved through sector-wide collaboration.
Further details of N-TUTORR are available on www.transforminglearning.ie
About N-TUTORR
The N–TUTORR project is a programme within the Technological University sector and funded by the European Union and NextGenerationEU. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) has been developed by the Government so that Ireland can access funding under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. Ireland is expected to receive more than €900 million in grants over the lifetime of the Facility. The Recovery and Resilience Facility is the largest component of NextGenerationEU, the European Union’s response to the global pandemic. The aim is to help repair the immediate economic and social damage brought about by the pandemic and to prepare for a post-Covid Europe that is greener, more digital, more resilient and fit to face the future.
N-TUTORR is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and coordinated by the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) in collaboration with the seven Technological Higher Education Institutions across Ireland: Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), Munster Technological University (MTU), South East Technological University (SETU), Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
