An Introductory Guide to Blending a Course: Strategies for Blended Delivery (handbook)

An Introductory Guide to Blending a Course: Strategies for Blended Delivery (handbook)

FESS have developed a handbook to support those delivering FET programmes who have been tasked with converting a fully face-to-face course to one with an online/remote element (i.e. the blended element) for learners. Blended learning is a mode of delivery allowing learners to complete their course of study by a combination of in centre face-to-face, work based and online learning. This handbook focuses primarily on the online element of the blended learning activity. 

This resource was developed by FESS working in conjunction with Liz Hogan who is a Blended Learning Expert. FESS would like to acknowledge the valuable contribution provided by Dr. Michael Hallissy, H2 Learning.

FESS PD Calendar - New Events Added For November 2020

Two new events for November have been added to the FESS PD calendar for Autumn/Winter 2020;Your Precious Life: How to Live it Well and a Festive On-line Zoomergisers Workshop. Further information and the online booking system can be accessed here.

Professional Development Calendar of Events Autumn/Winter 2020

The FESS calander of profesional development (PD) events is now available here

Covid 19 Update 2

Contingency Planning – Covid-19

FESS has put together some guidance for providers and centres offering programmes leading to QQI Awards. 
The information presented here will be updated as additional resources and detail become available.

Covid19 Update 1

All FESS CPD events are postponed until further notice. 

FESS will continue to post updates as events evolve in relation to the Covid 19 situation.

Please click on the link below from DES. 

https://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2020-press-releases/12-march-2020-statement-from-the-department-of-education-and-skills.html

Please check back regularly for further updates in the coming days.

If at all concerned about your health, contact with your GP or the HSE helpline on 1850 24 1850.

Spring/Summer 2020 CPD Calendar (announced February 2020)

The Further Education Support Service has uploaded details regarding the upcoming CPD events for Spring/Summer 2020 to support those working in the FET environment in DES funded providers.

The current themes and topics for the CPD calendar can be accessed here.

Academic Writing Handbook for Learners in the FET Sector

FESS has been working with ETBI and six ETBs in the development of this Academic Writing Handbook for Learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) Sector, which is available here. 

Postgraduate Certificate in Programme Design and Validation in Further Education and Training

A postgraduate certificate in Programme Design and Validation in Further Education and Training (NFQ Level 9) has been designed by Maynooth University, in collaboration with FESS. The course leading to this certificate aims to address the needs of FET staff and others engaged in programme development and implementation. The closing date for applications is 31st October 2019. Further information regarding the course, including details on how to apply may be accessed here.

QQI Consultation on New Early Learning and Care Awards

​​Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) launched a five-month consultation on new-format draft awards standards for Early Learning and Care (ELC) in May 2019. These new standards (at NFQ Levels 5 and 6) will replace the current Early Childhood Care & Education standards published in 2011. The new awards standards are open for public consultation with stakeholders until 30 September 2019. Further information is available on www.qqi.ie at this link.  Providers of programmes leading to QQI childcare awards are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these new awards standards and participate in the consultation process.

Referencing Handbook for the Further Education and Training (FET) Sector

FESS has been working with ETBI and eight ETBs in the development of a referencing handbook and an academic writing handbook for learners in the FET sector.

Referencing Handbook for the Further Education and Training (FET) Sector

The full referencing handbook is available here 

Where providers might like to compile a customised referencing handbook for their learners, the referencing handbook is available in sections here. 

EXTERNAL AUTHENTICATOR OPPORTUNITY

Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) on behalf of the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETB’s)are establishing a new national panel of External Authenticators (EA) for Further Education and Training programmes.

The External Authenticator provides independent confirmation of fair and consistent assessment of learners in accordance with QQI requirements and reports on consistency of assessment results with national standards.

In collaboration with the Further Education Support Service a number of information briefing sessions will be held at venues throughout Ireland. During these Briefing Sessions the requirements for the role and the application process will be discussed.

Previous External Authentication experience is desirable but not essential. Interested individuals should have experience of delivering or assessing programmes leading to QQI awards, or associated industry expertise (5 years).

This EA Panel will serve those services in Education and Training Boards providing programmes leading to QQI awards.

Interested? Click here-Information for Prospective External Authenticators

*Note until further notice existing Panels/EAs will still operate at local levels.

Register for a Briefing Session
Map of Briefing Session locations

ETB Sector Assessment Reference Documents (announced June 2018)

A suite of reference documents for quality assuring assessment of learners has been developed by an ETB sectoral assessment working group in collaboration with the Further Education Support Service (FESS), and following a detailed consultative process. These reference documents have been developed to assist ETBs in developing and documenting policies and procedures for quality assuring learner assessment, in line with best practice. Copies of the reference documents have now been distributed to all ETBs in hard copy and are also available through a secure login repository on www.etbi.ie

Taking Care of Your Well-Being for FET Teachers and Tutors (announced November 2016)

To work effectively with learners it is important to take care of your own well-being, as a teacher and tutor. This booklet will explore how you can use the findings and strategies of positive psychology and maximise your own individual potential for happiness and well-being. Taking Care of Your Well-Being for FET Teachers and Tutors was developed by Dr. Marie Rooney on behalf of FESS to support those working in the FET sector. We hope that you find it useful. 

Publication of Programme Module Specific and Thematic Resource Lists (announced October 2016)

FESS is pleased to announce that in addition to new programme specific resources, we now also have thematic specific resource lists available here 

The thematic resources can be categorised under the following headings:

Equality and Diversity
Learner well-being in the FET Environment
Literacy and Numeracy
Teaching and Learning
Technology Enhanced Learning

May 2015 Grading of QQI FET Major Awards

To view an explanation of how QQI calculate the grade of a FET major award using the QBS, and to access some worked examples, please click here.