CIT Teaching & Learning Unit

Project TITLE

Co-Creating Spaces, with Learner-Centred Focus, to Enhance Learning and Teaching at MTU 

Project Lead

Dr Katie Power (Katie.Power@mtu.ie) 

Project Status

• In Progress

Project Lead Home Department

• MTU Cork - Business - Marketing and International Business 

Alignment to HEA and NFETLHE SATLE 2023-24 Themes

• Digital Transformation in the Tertiary Sector

Alignment to MTU Strategy Themes

• Learner Education & Experience
• People & Community
• Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
• Global Outlook 

Project Description

Building upon a previously funded SATLE 2022-23 project “Development of a framework for stakeholder engagement in the design of Learning Spaces at MTU”, this two-year initiative aims to further develop and pilot a comprehensive framework for stakeholder engagement in the design and implementation of learning spaces at MTU.   

Key objectives:   

• Pilot and evaluate the effectiveness of the Stakeholder Engagement Framework, ensuring the active involvement of diverse stakeholders throughout the process. 
• Audit and communicate upcoming learning space projects at MTU.   
• Create an international network of experts in learning space design to facilitate the exchange of best practices through the Ingenium partnership and other global collaborations.
• Develop a Best Practices Repository, relating to the building and refurbishment of university learning spaces, making this knowledge openly accessible to stakeholders   

The project's approach will emphasise a stepped process, to ensure the adherence to principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), universal design for learning (UDL), sustainability, inclusion, and overall well-being for all learners and staff.   

The overarching aim of this initiative is to foster meaningful engagement of stakeholders in the planning and design process. A core motivation of the project is to instil a heightened sense of belonging and integration for all students and staff within the university's learning spaces. To support this objective, the project will develop and deliver tailored induction and professional development offerings for the MTU community, as well as through the Ingenium partnership and other international collaborations.  

What is the anticipated impact of this project?

The framework developed through phase 1 of this project embodies an inclusive and collaborative approach to design of learning spaces. By piloting the framework, wider stakeholder involvement across various departments at MTU will be enabled.  The evaluation of the framework's implementation will provide vital insights into the effectiveness of new and refurbished learning spaces from a pedagogical perspective. The project aims to foster a more positive and productive relationship between students and staff by placing them as equal partners in the decision-making process for learning space design and development.   

Empowering students as central contributors to the design of their learning spaces will have a transformative impact. This approach will not only give students a genuine voice in shaping their educational environments but will also enhance their sense of ownership, engagement, and success within these spaces.   

Furthermore, the establishment of the MTU Learning Spaces Repository, containing information on best practices, examples, and case studies, will serve as a valuable resource to support the professional development of staff. This repository will encourage innovation in teaching practices and the effective utilisation of the new and refurbished learning spaces.   

By fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment, this project has the potential to transform the learning spaces at MTU, enhancing the teaching and learning experience for both students and faculty. The anticipated impact extends beyond the immediate boundaries of the university, as the project's findings and resources will contribute to the broader discourse and advancement of learning space design in the higher education sector.   

HOW Will the outputs of this project be DISSEMINATED?

The establishment of the MTU Learning Spaces Open-Access Repository will be a key component of the project's dissemination strategy. This repository will serve as a central hub of information on best practices and sample learning spaces from other higher education institutions (HEIs). The repository will also include detailed case studies from MTU, capturing valuable lessons learned and insights to inform best practices in the building and refurbishment of university learning spaces.   

The project team will also undertake an audit and develop a strategic communications plan to engage with key stakeholders within MTU who are involved in upcoming building and refurbishment of learning spaces. This approach will establish a community of practice within the university, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative approach to the design and development of these critical educational environments.   

Beyond the local impact, the team plans to actively share the framework developed through this project with other HEIs, both nationally and internationally. The goal is to inspire the development of similar frameworks in other universities, fostering a network of colleagues in the higher education sector who are committed to an educational approach to the design of learning spaces.   

By disseminating the project outputs through the MTU Learning Spaces Open-Access Repository, engaging key stakeholders within the university, and sharing the framework with a broader network of HEIs, the project team aims to create a significant and lasting impact benefitting not only the MTU community but also contribute to best practices across the higher education landscape.   

Team Members

• Dr Katie Power, Head of Department, Marketing and International Business, MTU Cork Campuses  
• Prof Ger Kelly, Vice Head iEd Hub, MTU Cork Campuses  
• Ms Fiona O’Flynn, Head of Department, International Medical Commencement Programme, School of STEM, MTU Kerry Campuses  
• Dr Michael J. O’Mahony, Head of Department, Process Energy and Transport Engineering, MTU Cork Campuses  
• Dr Kristin Brogan, Social Sciences, MTU Kerry Campuses  
• Mr Darragh Coakley, Technology Enhanced Learning, MTU Cork Campuses  
• Mr Paul Wade, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Marketing & International Business, MTU Cork Campuses
• Mr Dónal Hunt, Building and Estates Manager, MTU Kerry Campuses  
• Mr Kevin Gilligan, Architectural Technologist, Buildings and Estates Office, MTU Cork Campuses.  
• Mr Patrick Holloway, International Office in Cork MTU  
• Colleagues in:  
  • Cork Centre for Architectural Education (CCAE), MTU and University College Cork  
  • Colleagues in MTU Crawford College of Art and Design (CCAD)  
• Colleagues with specialist expertise in:  
  • Equality Diversity & Inclusion  
  • Universal Design for Learning  
  • UN SDGs  
  • Wellness  
  • Digital Transformation  
• MTU N-TUTORR team and associated N-TUTORR partners (Technological Universities across Ireland)   
• Student Leaders with MTU AnSEO Office  
• Students of programmes within CCAE   
• Students of programmes within CCAD  
• Externally:  
  • Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning, University College Cork
  • Ingenium partners URN, Oviedo and HKA  
  • International partners: EU Commission partnerships