Teaching Enhancement Unit Training Provision

The Teaching Enhancement Unit (TEU) provides a wide variety of professional development and training opportunities for staff throughout the academic year. These opportunities are designed to support excellence in teaching and learning, develop staff knowledge and skills, and promote effective use of digital technologies and evidence-informed educational practice. This article provides an overview of the training opportunities currently offered by the Teaching Enhancement Unit.

Moodle, Microsoft Teams and Support Services

The Teaching Enhancement Unit provides regular Moodle and Microsoft Teams training sessions for new and returning members of staff. These sessions introduce the core digital learning platforms used at NCI while also providing an overview of the Teaching Enhancement Unit and the training and support services it offers.

Several training sessions are scheduled in the weeks leading up to the start of each semester (Semester 1, Semester 2 and Semester 3), providing staff with multiple opportunities to attend before teaching begins.

The available training sessions are advertised via an all-staff email, providing staff with the opportunity to register for the session that best suits their availability.

The sessions are designed to equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to use Moodle and Microsoft Teams effectively in their teaching. They also ensure that staff are aware of the training and support available from the Teaching Enhancement Unit and understand how to engage with the unit and access its services throughout the academic year.

UDL Courses

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that supports the design of inclusive learning experiences for a diverse range of learners while enhancing student engagement and participation. Originally developed in the 1990s by researchers at CAST, UDL draws on research in the learning sciences and neuroscience to promote more flexible and accessible approaches to teaching and learning.

The Teaching Enhancement Unit offers UDL courses twice each year:

• Autumn Semester (Semester 1): Delivered as part of the national UDL initiative.
• Summer Semester (Semester 3): Delivered by NCI through the Teaching Enhancement Unit.

Both iterations include:

• Digital Badge for Universal Design in Teaching & Learning (for teaching staff)
• Digital Badge for Universal Design Beyond the Classroom (for professional services staff)

The courses are delivered online over 10 weeks. Registration details are circulated to all staff via an all-staff email in August for the Autumn Semester offering and in May for the Summer Semester offering.

Topical Workshops and Training

Throughout the academic year, the Teaching Enhancement Unit provides workshops and training sessions on topical subjects such as assessment redesign, academic integrity, the academic integrity process, and other emerging themes in higher education. These sessions respond to current developments in teaching and learning, providing staff with opportunities to explore new approaches, share practice, and develop their professional knowledge.

In addition to the scheduled training opportunities outlined above, the Teaching Enhancement Unit also works with schools and departments to develop and deliver bespoke workshops and student-facing sessions in response to specific requirements. This includes support for initiatives such as AI literacy and academic integrity. Schools and departments interested in discussing tailored training or support are encouraged to contact the TEU.