Ten minutes with Ronan Fox of Rehab Group's National Learning Network
Ronan Fox, Rehab's E-Learning Teaching Enhancement Officer.
I began my journey with National Learning Network five years ago as a training instructor, where I worked with diverse cohorts of individuals, including the Skills 4 Life course and then I was tasked with setting up and instructing on the Skills Bridge centre in Mullingar.Â
Transitioning to the role of an E-Learning Teaching Enhancement Officer was a natural progression driven by my passion for technology and a desire to innovate within the education sector. After seizing an opportunity to join the fantastic E-Learning team, I was appointed to this role in February 2023.
National Learning Network provided me with a platform to merge my passion for technology with my commitment to facilitating learning opportunities. The organisation's ethos of inclusivity and its dedication to empowering individuals resonated with me deeply.
Currently, as an E-Learning Teaching Enhancement Officer my role is to provide instructors with pedagogic and technical support, training resources to encourage the adoption of technology-enhanced learning best practices in the classroom and research and advise on E-Learning technologies and trends, to support Rehab Groupâs priority of delivering a first-class student experience.
The most rewarding part of my role is witnessing the tangible impact of technology-enhanced learning on students' educational journeys. Seeing students succeed because of the skills and tools I impart is incredibly fulfilling.
One of the most significant milestones was developing the Dream to Drive project. This project uses driving simulators to teach students the basics of driving and road safety awareness. It was all thanks to National Learning Networks and in particular our Director of Learning Lucianne Bird for their innovative approach to education that allowed me to develop this project. I presented the Dream to Drive project at the prestigious John Kelly awards in the University College Dublin last year which was a huge honour for me.
As an E-Learning Teaching Enhancement Officer, I thoroughly enjoy building a community of practice where staff come together to share their experiences of using technology in the classroom. A defining milestone in this role is difficult to pinpoint because every interaction, every breakthrough, and every collaborative endeavour contributes to the continuous growth of our educational ecosystem. However, if I were to highlight a particularly impactful moment, it would be witnessing the collaboration that emerges when staff unite under a common goal: to enhance student learning through technology. This collaborative approach is the key to integrating technology seamlessly into our educational practices.
I believe the education industry will continue to undergo significant transformation, particularly with the inclusion of artificial intelligence and simulation. AI is set to revolutionise learning methodologies and personalise education on a scale never seen before and simulation is becoming one of the most positive learning tools that encourages experimentation and accepts mistakes, which is particularly important in the context of learning. The education sector is currently experiencing a defining moment in its history, and I am extremely excited to be part of that change.
âEveryone you will ever meet knows something you donâtâ.
If I could turn back the clock and give a piece of advice to my younger self at the start of my career, it would be this: Follow your passion relentlessly.Â
In the initial stages of my journey, I had doubts about whether my passion for technology and education could be turned into a career. However, as time went on, I realised that aligning my professional pursuits with my genuine interests was not just a luxury but a necessity for long-term satisfaction and success.Â
Every day, I witness the impact that passion-driven work can have, not only on my own fulfilment but also on the lives of the staff and students of National Learning Network.
I would encourage candidates to highlight their passion for both education and technology during the interview process. Highlighting experiences that demonstrate innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to enhancing the learning experience will undoubtedly resonate with the interviewee.
Key skills as an E-Learning Teaching Enhancement Officer include strong technological proficiency, effective communication, adaptability to change, and a passion for continuous learning.
The most valuable lesson I have learned is to embrace change! Change is inevitable and it comes when we least expect. Our natural reaction is to dismiss things we do not understand, but learn to not stress over things you cannot control and concentrate on the things you can.
I must recommend the National Learning Network's LinkedIn and Twitter. I am an extremely small part of the amazing work carried out in the company and these sites are the best places to see that work.
These are some exceptional channels on YouTube that I would highly recommend:
- @simplilearnÂ
- @KevinStratvertÂ
- @TedEdsÂ
- @MicrosoftEDUÂ
I am currently reading âThe Coming Waveâ by Mustafi Suleyman. It is a fascinating book that I find hard to put down. Mustafi explores the potential and risks of artificial intelligence in society.
I also listen to podcasts daily, I would recommend:
- The EdTech PodcastÂ
- Lex Fridman PodcastÂ
- Microsoft Research Podcast
When the weather is good it's hard to beat a trip to Kerry. I have travelled to many places in the world, but none come close to the beauty of this country. (When it's not raining!)Â
With the little free time I have, I play video games! Half-Life, Doom and Elden Ring are some of my favourites.
Steak and chips. I also have a passion for lighting up the BBQ on a warm summerâs afternoon.
To find out more, visit www.rehab.ie/careers
