Bridie Killoran: Pathways and RPL

Supporting Online Learner Success with Pathways and Recognition of Prior Learning

This presentation will provide an overview of the establishment of a Regional Service for Careers and Learning Pathways, including the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for flexible and online learners in the technological sector in Ireland.  

 At Atlantic Technological University (ATU), the My Career Path program has been established to look at pathways into and through higher education. This incorporates a regional service for RPL- the recognition of prior learning – and the development of personalized career and learning pathways. 

This online platform involves engagement with employers and potential students to the ATU. The service ultimately advises candidates on the learning pathways available to them and how to achieve their career objectives or improve their employability. 

Learners have one-to-one individual career guidance and mentoring through a  programme where they get the opportunity to: 

• Reflect on their personal skills, strengths and abilities.
• Research and reflect on any learning gaps and access customised e-learning courses.
• Identify education and employment opportunities.
• Understand how to get recognition for prior learning (RPL).
• Complete a career and learning development plan, capturing skills and experience. 

MyCareerpath.ie provides online career learning pathways for employees at all stages of their career development. 

The tailored service includes: 

• Individual career guidance & one to one mentoring.
• Career and Strengths Assessments.
• E-learning courses and tools supported by AI.
• Career path development focusing on in house opportunities.
• Development of defined career goals.
• Support with recognition of prior learning. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an important element of European Union (EU) policy for widening access to qualifications and supporting lifelong learning1 . The Irish government, together with its European partners, has made a commitment to support RPL. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is critical to the development of an accessible education and training system, and is a key foundation for lifelong learning policies encouraging people of all ages to participate in learning pathways while attributing value to all of their relevant learning. RPL, therefore, has a potential role to play in meeting individual, societal, and national needs; as an instrument for providing people with access to education, training, and formal qualifications and helping to meet more efficiently, rapidly changing requirements of the workplace within a competitive global economy2 . The purpose of RPL is to expand access to programmes and formal qualifications, and to reduce the time and cost of programmes for people who already possess some of the knowledge, skill and competence which a programme seeks to develop. RPL can be used to gain access or advanced entry to a programme leading to a full award, gain credit and exemptions from parts of a programme of study and, in exceptional cases, eligibility for a full award.

This session will provide an overview of how this Irish institution has implemented these programs.

Presentation Resources: 

Career Development and Learning Pathways: My Career Path at Atlantic Technological University.

• Overview of MyCareerPath.ie
• What to Expect – how to register to meet your mentor and begin your Career Development Journey. 
• The Career & Learning Pathways 
• Student Resources available at MyCareerPath.ie  

Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL): My Experience at Atlantic Technological University.

 

Bridie Killoran, Careers and Learning Pathways Manager, Atlantic Technological University, Ireland.
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Dr Carina Ginty, Head of Teaching and Learning, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland.
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Tracks: Online Student Support, Online Admin/Leadership, Online Instructional Designers, Online Faculty

DAY 2: March 9, 2023
3:45PM – 4:45PM