ERASMUS Mobility training course in Dublin

The Mobility training which took place from August 21st to August 25th, 2023, was both enlightening and a new experience. The course, hosted by Twin English Center.

The course was TED 6 Using the technology in the classroom

Just a week before the training was scheduled to commence, I received notice that the course I had initially chosen had been canceled by the training center. Unfortunately, the specific reasons for this course cancellation remained unknown to me. As a result of this unexpected change, I had to opt for the "IT in the Classroom" course, which was originally designed for teachers. I made every effort acquiring valuable knowledge that I could later apply in my administrative role within the educational institution.

On the first day we all participants were asked to gather in a basement conference room for the induction and introduction session.

After the induction session, we proceeded to our designated training rooms. To my surprise, there were only two trainees in my course, including myself and another German lady. With Mr. Malcolm Dohwet as our instructor, we began with a brief introduction and then delved into the fascinating topics of Irish history and culture. The training session commenced with a questionnaire about the changing dynamics of students over time, followed by a discussion on the significance of IT in the classroom. We also explored the general principles of integrating technology into educational settings.

I had expectations and goals:

 Digital Literacy Skills: I aimed to improve my proficiency in using computers, software applications, and online tools relevant to classroom instruction. This would empower me to effectively integrate technology into my administrative tasks. 

Engaging Teaching Methods: I aspired to learn how to make lessons more engaging and interactive for students by incorporating technology into teaching methods. 

Collaboration and Communication: I anticipated that the training would emphasize the use of collaborative and communication tools to facilitate interactions among students and educators, skills that could also be applied in an administrative context. 

Cybersecurity Best Practices: Cybersecurity awareness was crucial, not only for safeguarding my data but also for protecting the privacy of both students and colleagues. As the course progressed, 

I discovered numerous positive aspects: 

Importance of Digital Literacy: I gained a deeper understanding of the significance of digital literacy and responsible online behavior, especially for administrative staff who handle sensitive information and communication. 

Efficiency through IT Tools: Conversations with my fellow participants revealed that IT tools significantly reduced lesson preparation time and enabled a wider range of topics to be covered. These tools could also be beneficial in administrative roles.

 Collaborative Tools: The course introduced us to various collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack and Trello,which could enhance teamwork and task management within an administrative context. 

Balancing Technology Use: I learned the importance of striking a balance between technology use and traditional methods to ensure essential tasks were not overly reliant on technology. 

Gamification and UDL: Surprisingly, I discovered that gamification principles and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) could be applied in administrative settings, motivating teams and creating inclusive guidelines and materials. 

Bloom's Taxonomy and Technology: I realized that technology could be effectively used to align with different levels of Bloom's Taxonomy, from basic data collection to complex problem-solving. 

However, there were also negative aspects to the course: 

Lack of Assessments: One major drawback was the absence of assessments or examinations after completing the course. This left me with uncertainty about how much knowledge I had actually gained. 

Lack of Practical Application: The course was mainly theoretical, lacking practical exercises and hands-on experiences. While theoretical knowledge is important, practical skills are equally vital.

 No Formal Ceremonies: Another disappointment was the absence of formal certificate handover or farewell ceremonies. These events would have provided a sense of achievement and recognition for our efforts.

 In conclusion, my experience with the ERASMUS Mobility training in Dublin was a mixed bag. While I did acquire valuable insights into digital literacy and its applications, there were areas that could have been better, particularly in terms of assessments, practical application, and formal recognition of participants. Nonetheless, I left the course with a newfound appreciation for implementation  of technology in the education and administration field.

INTRODUCTION 

My name is Damyanti Pal. I work as a Student Center Administrator,

NCUK Student Counsellor and Indian Helpdesk Coordinator. My job includes specifically dealing with various administrative tasks including  managing students'  personal and educational records, both digitally and in physical files, which  are crucial tasks to maintain the records, to organize to facilitate easily accessible information. 

Providing assistance and support to students with various needs, such as registration, enrollment, and information inquiries.

My responsibilities extend beyond traditional administrative tasks and include a comprehensive support system for students. This includes guiding our students through the complex process of selecting and applying to universities in European countries, ensuring they meet admission requirements, and assisting with the registration process. I am well-versed in the specific requirements and procedures for admission to Medical and Business Management programs,

Besides the administrative responsibilities  my role as an NCUK Student Counsellor, also reflects my commitment to guiding and assisting students in their progression into different NCUK partner universities