Presented by: Emma O'Brien, Ciara Ní Dhrisceoil, & Patrick Hickey
This short presentation (20 min) session will provide an overview of the progress made by the IDEAL Future Teaching Academy so far, including key research findings. It will also highlight the outputs developed, such as challenge-based scenarios, designed to help educators engage with and reflect on their practice collaboratively. The IDEAL Futures project focuses on fostering innovative practices in digital education through professional learning and a hub of resources with AI at its core. It aims to support high-quality collaboration between universities, teacher training providers, policy makers, and educational technology organisations. The project identifies key challenges faced by pre-service and in-service teachers in the digital era and explores opportunities for transformative digital leadership. We are developing a multi-level pedagogical model and creating a range of professional development activities, including workshops, hackathons, and micro-credentials, to support educators’ digital leadership skills. Additionally, the project explores how digital technologies and professional learning models can foster communities of inquiry and sustainable practices in teacher education, promoting its outputs across Europe. The IDEAL Futures Teacher Academy is an Erasmus+ founded project running from 2023-2026 and involves partners from four countries (Ireland, France, Spain, Latvia) and six institutions (Mary Immaculate College, project leader, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, University of Latvia, Universidad Autonóma de Madrid, Fundación Siglo22, Université Rennes 2).
Presenter Biography:
Dr Emma O’Brien is the Director of Taught Postgraduate Programmes in MIC. Emma has worked in the area od digital eduaction since 2000, and has led and collaborated on several national and international projects in the area.
Ciara Ní Dhrisceoil is a Post-Primary Teacher (Science, Chemistry, Digital Media Literacy) and Assistant Principal I. She serves as an LCETB TEL Associate, IDEAL Futures LCETB Representative, and PT Lecturer on M.Ed. in DLE at Mary Immaculate College. Ciara is an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE), Apple Professional Learning Specialist (APLS), and Google Educator, GEG Leader.
Patrick Hickey is a primary school teacher with over 10 years of experience and has a huge interest in technological integration to enhance teaching and support children with additional challenges. Patrick is currently pursuing a PhD focused on the experiences of teachers with physical disabilities, and he advocates for greater diversity in the teaching profession. Patrick’s areas of expertise include technology integration, accessibility, and teacher diversity, with key achievements such as a Master of Education and recognition as a Google Champion and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert.