Supporting Higher Education Readiness for Generative AI in Teaching and Learning

Ireland’s Higher Education Authority (HEA) has been working with the sector to move from immediate responses to generative AI towards a more shared understanding of its implications for teaching and learning. This includes how students learn, how educators teach and how institutions approach assessment, integrity and inclusion. The HEA has brought together student representatives, staff, institutional leaders and wider stakeholders to consider how GenAI is influencing teaching, learning and assessment and what kinds of support, guidance and shared understanding are needed.

This initiative has supported a national conversation, practical guidance and policy development, helping institutions respond in ways that are ethical, evidence-informed and grounded in educational values. Through sectoral engagement, the HEA has created space for shared reflection, practical exchange and sector-wide dialogue while recognising the diversity and autonomy of institutions. The Irish experience offers a practical example of how a collaborative model can help institutions engage with GenAI in ways that are considered, practical and responsive to local context.

Speaker
Colin Lowry is Senior Manager for Teaching and Learning, Enhancement and Digital Innovation at Ireland’s Higher Education Authority. His work spans digital transformation, artificial intelligence, open education, professional development and education for sustainable development. He contributes to national teaching and learning initiatives, including Ireland’s National Resource Hub for Open Educational Resources, OpenCourses.ie and related professional development and recognition programmes. Colin has been closely involved in the Ireland’s national response on generative AI in higher education, supporting sectoral consultation, evidence-informed guidance and national dialogue on its implications for teaching, learning and assessment. His previous work includes research on technology acceptance and advisory roles in digital strategy, service design, change management and technology adoption.