November 18th 2010 Issue no. 6
Newsletter
Welcome to the sixth issue of the Trinity Inclusive Curriculum newsletter. This
newsletter will give an update on progress on TIC since May 2010. The SIF funded
TIC strategy is tasked with embedding inclusive principles within the mainstream
curricula of TCD.
Contents this issue:
Welcome from the TIC Development Officer
Activities since May 2010:
Creation of TIC online self-evaluation tool.
Creation of Audio-visual Resources
NEWS:
Accessible Information Online Resources
TIC website redesign:
TCD to host Better Options 2010:
Future Activities
Inclusive Curriculum Advisory Service
Welcome from the TIC Development Officer
Dear Colleague,
TIC embarked upon phase III of the TIC strategy during the summer of 2010.Phase III aims to embed inclusive practices into College via the creation of anonline self-evaluation tool for use when evaluating the design and review ofcurriculum for inclusion, and the extension of this strategy beyond TCD to otherHigher level Institutions in Ireland. Phase III is focusing on:
- The design and testing of an online version of the teaching, learning and assessment evaluation tool piloted over the academic year 2009-10.
- The embedding of the use of this tool within the college systems that presently exist.
- The extension of the use of this tool beyond TCD so that other higher level institutions can also benefit from it.
These activities will embed inclusive practices within teaching and assessment in auser friendly manner, and will ensure sustainability.
Michelle Garvey (TIC Development Officer)
Activities since May 2010:
Since May 2010 TIC has been working to create an online version of the selfevaluationtool piloted last year, and to enhance web resources through the creationof audio visual resources.
Creation of TIC online self-evaluation tool.
Between June and October 2010 an online version of the TIC self-evaluation toolwas created. The tool design and content arose following an extensive pilot of apaper based draft tool last year.
Figure 1 - Screenshot of the TIC tool
The tool, which is available from the opportunity for staff involved in teaching and learning to self-evaluatethe inclusivity of their programmes, modules or individual teaching and assessment.We are currently seeking volunteer programme, modules and individual lecturers touse this online tool and to feedback on its usability and clarity. If you would beinterested in volunteering an hour of your time to contribute to the tool, pleasecontact the TIC project officer at .
Creation of Audio-visual Resources
A series of explanatory audio visual materials to support users of the online toolhave been created throughout the summer 2010.Materials cover many topics, including step by stepguidelines for ensuring your electronic documents areaccessible. Videos are available both within the tool andfrom the TIC website at
NEWS:
Accessible Information Online Resources
In 2009, the College Accessible Information Policy was approved policy sets out aformal commitment by TCD that all information should be available in an accessibleformat, without discrimination against those with print disabilities.
To assist staff in ensuring they are making all information accessible, a series of easy to use references and web tutorials, that give the end user a betterunderstanding of what is required by TCD under this policy, have been developed.
These online resources give the end-user an easy to use reference point forcreating accessible/ inclusive documents and explain why such practices areimportant for all staff to adhere too.
- Resources include inclusive guidance on
•Microsoft Word,
•Microsoft Powerpoint,
•Accessible PDF’s,
•Accessible Webpages & websites,
•Accessible e-mail,
To view these resources please browse to:
If you need further help on this subject please contact: Michelle Garvey - TIC
Development Officer at .
TIC website redesign:
In order to enhance the support offered to users of the TIC online tool, the TICresource website is currently undergoing redesign. The new look website will focuson offering guidelines in line with the sections of the TIC tool. Accessible informationguidelines will also be given prominence. The new look website will be availablefrom the end of this month.
TCD to host Better Options 2010:
Examination Hall, Trinity College Dublin,
30th November 2010 from 10.30 am - 2.00 pm.
TCD is to host Better Options 2010. Better Options is a key careers event tocommunicate directly with students with disabilities, parents and guidancecounsellors. It enables them to ask questions directly and get information aboutdisability support services in higher and further education. It encourages potentialstudents to have the career aspirations to fulfill their potential.
TCD continues to be a popular choice for students with Disabilities, withapproximately 800 students currently registered.
Future Activities
The main activities over the coming months will involve the establishment andembedding of the TIC self-evaluation tool within TCD and elsewhere. A full workingmodel of the online tool, along with supporting audio-visual materials andresources, are now online and at this point we will be seeking to demonstrate andtrial the tool.
Interested in a demonstration?
If you are interested in a demonstration of the online TICtool for personnel within your area please contact the TICDevelopment Officer at .
Interested in trialling the TIC tool?
We are currently seeking volunteers to trial the tool. Content and resources havebeen designed in response to last year’s pilot, which involved ten programmes anda range of additional modules, including two in depth.
Involvement within this trial may be particularly useful for those currently reviewingtheir programmes or modules of study (for example, those undergoing qualityreview in the near future).
Who we are looking for?
Staff to test with the new online tool in the presence of the TIC Development Officer,to offer feedback on the tool, and any difficulties or ambiguities faced.
The exercise should take no longer than an hour per volunteer. We seek people totrial tools for:
•Programme design / review, aimed at programme coordinators,
•Module design / review, aimed at module coordinators,
•Teaching self-evaluation, aimed at all teaching staff (including graduatestudents who teach), and
•Research provision, aimed at the staff members most familiar with schoolprovisions for research students (e.g. PG director of Teaching and Learning,or director of graduate research).
Participants will benefit from:
•The opportunity to reflect and evaluate on practices,
•Receipt of suggestions and resources to enhanceinclusion,
•The guidance of the TIC officer when using the tool,
•The opportunity to input into the self-evaluation tooland to discuss any concerns with the TICDevelopment Officer.
If you are interested in trialling the online TIC tool please contact the TICdevelopment officer at .
Liaise with other Higher Education Institutions
Over the academic year, TIC will seek to extend the use of the TIC online toolbeyond TCD. We would like to work with interested parties in other HE institutionsin Ireland to consider whether the format of the tool, and content (e.g. the questionsand arising recommendations) are relevant in the context of other institutions.
If you would like your institution to input into this work please contact the TICdevelopment officer at .
Inclusive Curriculum Advisory Service
Are you currently:
•designing a new programme/module?
•reviewing an existing programme/module?
•reviewing or redesigning your teaching materials or other student resources?
If you would like advice on how to ensure your resources,modules, and programmes follow good practice inclusiveguidelines, please contact the TIC Development officer
Michelle Garvey: .
For further information about the TIC project please also contact the developmentofficer, Michelle Garvey, at .
Trinity Inclusive Curriculum: Room 3.06, 3-4 Foster Place • 01 896 3666