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Now Ye're Talking - to a Head of Department in an Institute of Technology

Boards.ie: Niamh

Last week's AMA was very educational and this week we have another educational one of a different sort.

Our guest this week has spent time working in both industry and in academia and now heads up a department at one of the country's Institutes of Technology. He is here to answer questions you might have about college life, academia and anything else third-level related.

Ask away!

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I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

Pelvis wrote: »

As a current part-time student in an IoT, studying IT. How do you think part timers fare against the full timers both as students and post studies in industry? (taking age into account, i'll be mid thirties when I'm done!) Personally, working full time and dealing with course studies I find I am unable to devote the necessary time required to improve my practical skills.

I think part-timers, particularly those with some sort of industry/life experience bring an awful lot to the table, in terms of learning, commitment and general cop on. I don't have figures as to how they compare in terms of grades and the like, though it would be interesting to compare. It is difficulty, I fully acknowledge.

Pelvis wrote: »

Where do you think a student going into their final should focus their efforts (with the final year project in mind), what skills are most in demand?

I think you should focus on what you are good at and what you enjoy, that will ensure that you can talk enthusiastically about it at an interview and (hopefully) demonstrate what work you have done in that area in terms of projects. Skills that are in demand are data analytics, developers of all creeds and cloud infrastructure. Nobody is going to be good at all three, hence my advice to stick to what you are good at.

xLisaBx wrote: »

What do you think about the idea of the grant system being turned into a loan system?

From my middle-class, well-paid, secure job perspective, it does seem to be a good idea. I do think it is the lesser of several evils. No, it is not ideal and yes, it puts an unnecessary burden on young graduates. But something has to be done to fund third level education.

xLisaBx wrote: »

What are your feelings on publishing results from exams, with the students names, so the whole class can see who is doing well and who is struggling?

Very, very dangerous.

As I have alluded to in a number of posts above, I deal on an almost daily basis with students who feel insecure, suffer from anxiety and confidence issues. Do you really think this would help them?

And of course, the Data Protection Commissioner would not be happy about that at all.

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

DoItTomorrow wrote: »

Do you think DITs campuses are being cash starved due to GrangeGorman?

Are you embarrassed by the pathetic WLAN (the networking labs have zero coverage just for irony)? The HEANET link is totally underused as access is so poor.

Is the repeating plan to merge with the other ITs a good idea or a waste of resources?

Have you any plans to have CA graded during the semester and not after the exams when it defeats the purpose of its own existence?

You obviously have signed up to Boards.ie with an axe to grind. I have no connection with DIT, so I cannot answer your question.

Rather than hide behind a vague username on the internet, why not act like an adult and approach your head of department?

helimachoptor wrote: »

Back in my day (early 00's) doing comp sci, Soldier of Fortune was our LAN game, whats the current one?

You know what? I honestly don't know. Students have stopped challenging staff to games of late. Maybe because we were so bad.

helimachoptor wrote: »

Have you had any really good ideas come out of your students/postgrads (appreciate you may not want to give identifying info here)

Yeah, I've had students in the newspapers, receive national awards and the like. On more than one occasion I have gone "Wow, would you look at that?"

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

connemara man wrote: »

Do you see waste in how IoTs are run?

I see inefficiencies, yes. But I'd like to think I do my best, within the confines of the organisation, to minimise such inefficiencies as best I can.

And I'd also add that any large organisation with 5,000+ people involved is going to have inefficiencies.

fiachr_a

What % of first years fail or drop out?
How many students in your college have 500+ LC points?

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

fiachr_a wrote: »

What % of first years fail or drop out?

How many students in your college have 500+ LC points?

The drop out rate varies from programme to programme. I think somebody posted earlier a link to the Irish Times article that claimed a 70% drop-out rate for some courses (which I find difficult to accept - the Head of Dept. is responsible for quality/progression/etc. so if that is the case, there is something seriously wrong). I have worked in another IoT where the drop-out rate for computer science was 50% (that was a few years back).

I'm not trying to avoid the question, but it varies from year to year. But drop-out rates for 1st year programmes are concerning (again, see my previous comments on this matter).

In terms of the 500+ LC points, I don't have access to that kind of information. The data protection laws are quite strict in this regard. I would need a very good reason to request that kind of information (and I don't have one, other than being nosey).

Gloomtastic!

Back to your earlier comments on student anxiety, self-doubt etc. Why do you think it's different now to when I was a student in the 80s. What's changed?

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

Back to your earlier comments on student anxiety, self-doubt etc. Why do you think it's different now to when I was a student in the 80s. What's changed?

We have debated this at length and still can't figure it out.

My own personal feeling on the matter is that it is that "perfect storm" of factors combined - the pampered, heavily-parented son/daughter who has never had to do anything for themselves, make decisions or go outside their comfort zone. I do also think there is a whole Irish Catholic guilt thing swirling around in there too, to the extent that we have not yet quite let go of the past. Add in to that the whole narcissism around social media and you have a potent mix.

Other theories include that there is more of a recognition of these issues. Back in the 80's you would probably have been told to "man up and get on with it" or something that effect. Now, people are encouraged to talk about their feelings and told that it is ok to feel down and ok to feel unsure (which, I should point out, I don't have a problem with). I do sometimes wonder, though, have we, as a society, gone too far.

fiachr_a

Are most of your students less intelligent than students going to an Irish university?
Do employers take your college's qualifications seriously?

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

fiachr_a wrote: »

Are most of your students less intelligent than students going to an Irish university?

I'm a numbers man. Tell me how I quantify intelligence and I'll give you an answer.

fiachr_a wrote: »

Do employers take your college's qualifications seriously?

So I just want to be clear on what you are asking me here - are you asking if employers take an honours degree, at Level 8 on the national qualifications framework seriously?

srsly78

When it comes to software development employers don't give a fsck about where you went to college or your grades, only if you can do the job. Hell, even if you can't do the job you will probably still get hired.

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

srsly78 wrote: »

or your grades

I wouldn't necessarily agree with this in all cases. Some employers do look for grades.

Admittedly, most employers are more interested in project work (both inside and outside of college), but a few have looked for grades.

RedXIV

I was contemplating seeing if I could sign up for a few hours of evening lecturering as I've about 10 years in IT at this point. Any tips in this regard about how to approach it? Would you recommend it even?

Are there any skills in particular you find it hard to find lecturers on?

Hollister11

What do you think of the computer science course in national College of ireland compared to the likes of an IT

silverharp

I have a son who I see studying in a STEM field in the future , he is curious about tech and has high math abilities. So I guess from my or my kid's perspective, what ways can he think about zooming in on something ? are there areas that have permanent talent shortages or how to keep an eye on this? do some areas tend to have a glut of students versus opportunities? what areas would you tend to have to go abroad to work?
In very general terms are courses that sound a bit "exotic" also a bit gimmicky and are just dressed up science courses. Im thinking of one course I heard about called Nano technology, without any knowledge it sounds like the students get whisked off to the cutting edge of technology whereas the cynic in me just thinks its a derivative of an applied physics degree?

Apologies for the ramble....

Agent Smith

Serious Questions:
Do you have a bedside locker?
Whats in your bedside locker?

Super serious Question :
Do you think brexit will have much of an effect on your dept?

fiachr_a

What % of your students come from fee-paying schools?
What's the gender ratio of full-time lecturers in your college?
Do you consider some of your courses a waste of time for students?

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

RedXIV wrote: »

I was contemplating seeing if I could sign up for a few hours of evening lecturering as I've about 10 years in IT at this point. Any tips in this regard about how to approach it? Would you recommend it even?

Oh, I would most certainly recommend it.

They key thing to remember that no candidate, especially a part-time member of staff, will have all the attributes. So if you can have some of the following attributes, you will be in with a shout:

be a nice person (approachable)
Be honest (you won't know everything)
Make sure you know what teaching is about
make sure you know the QQI levels and what is expected at each
Know how to assess properly
Get some experience teaching/training
Know about the institution, the department and the programme

RedXIV wrote: »

Are there any skills in particular you find it hard to find lecturers on?

Part-time, no. As people who are in full-time positions and are doing it for the interest are usually easy to come buy. Total opposite for full-time. If you have somebody who is a developer on 75,000 Euro, he or she is not going to come to an IoT and start on 35,000. Repeat that for every single subject in the programme. So getting a suitable calibre of staff, particularly in IT, is very, very difficult (calibre is the keyword here. You would be shocked at the CVs I have seen. I'll be generous when I say delusional).

Hollister11 wrote: »

What do you think of the computer science course in national College of ireland compared to the likes of an IT

I presume you mean the Computing one? Looks good. Nice structure, comprehensive range of subjects. Standard enough, though.

silverharp wrote: »

I have a son who I see studying in a STEM field in the future , he is curious about tech and has high math abilities. So I guess from my or my kid's perspective, what ways can he think about zooming in on something ? are there areas that have permanent talent shortages or how to keep an eye on this? do some areas tend to have a glut of students versus opportunities? what areas would you tend to have to go abroad to work?
In very general terms are courses that sound a bit "exotic" also a bit gimmicky and are just dressed up science courses. Im thinking of one course I heard about called Nano technology, without any knowledge it sounds like the students get whisked off to the cutting edge of technology whereas the cynic in me just thinks its a derivative of an applied physics degree?

Apologies for the ramble....

If your son has an aptitude for maths, then Data Analytics/Big Data is where it's at. It's a hybrid science/computer science/maths area, needing high technical proficiency, with a deeply analytical mind.

To keep up to date with skills in demand, look out for the National Skills Bulletins. Some people read the death notices every day, I read the National Skills Bulletin.

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

Agent Smith wrote: »

Serious Questions:
Do you have a bedside locker?

Yes I do. Ikea's finest.

Agent Smith wrote: »

Whats in your bedside locker??

Well, on my locker is a copy of "How to win friends and influence people", a copy of "Pedagogy for nerds", a plastic comb (for the combover), a clothes brush (for the tweed jacket ), my Nokia 3310 and an alarm clock radio dating from ca. 1989.

In my locker are just the usual mundane stuff, socks, y-fronts and check shirts.

Agent Smith wrote: »

Super serious Question :
Do you think brexit will have much of an effect on your dept?

I would not necessarily say it will have an effect, but I firmly believe it gives us an opportunity to market ourselves as a college in an English speaking part of the European Union to international students. See my comments above on Technological University.

fiachr_a wrote: »

What % of your students come from fee-paying schools?

What's the gender ratio of full-time lecturers in your college?

Do you consider some of your courses a waste of time for students?

I'll answer your questions when you answer mine. See my previous post to you.

Tom Dunne

fiachr_a wrote: »

What % of your students come from fee-paying schools?

What's the gender ratio of full-time lecturers in your college?

Do you consider some of your courses a waste of time for students?

Do not post in this thread any more.

Tom Dunne

Seeing as I am here... describe your typical day.

Paranoid Mandroid

You're head of a department in an IT..... A successful man/woman, what got you there....was it a need to be in control, did it kind of happen (promotions), money? What drove you? I'm just interested in knowing what drives people like yourself to put in crazy hours and dedicate so much.

Thanks for doing the AMA...interesting stuff.

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

Fr. Fluffybottom wrote: »

Seeing as I am here... describe your typical day.

Short answer is that there is no typical day. It is particularly varied, you just never know what is coming up next. And yes, it does make planning very difficult, so you need a certain level of discipline.

Paranoid Mandroid wrote: »

You're head of a department in an IT..... A successful man/woman, what got you there....was it a need to be in control, did it kind of happen (promotions), money? What drove you? I'm just interested in knowing what drives people like yourself to put in crazy hours and dedicate so much.

It most certainly is not the need to be in control because a lot of the time, you really feel you have absolutely no control.

Money? Most definitely not. As mentioned at the beginning, I worked in industry - if I stuck with what I was doing in the IT industry, I would probably be on twice what I am on now.

Here's the most honest answer I can give - when I was in industry, I was well paid, I worked hard, but I wasn't fulfilled. I started some part-time lecturing hours in the evening and there it was - the fulfillment. Seeing that "a-ha" moment in learners, watching them develop a project from start to finish, giving advice on different things, saying "well, here's how I would do it" and ultimately, seeing them at graduation. It doesn't get better than that.

It is possibly one of the most fulfilling jobs I can think of. Yes, it can be frantic, yes, it can be frustrating, upsetting, annoying, confusing, ambiguous and much more besides, but ultimately, it is fulfilling.

cardshark

I'm thinking of going back to college as a mature student to do computer science or a similar course.

Would you have any advice as to how I could find out if the course would suit me? Is programming a huge part of it and would you know of any good websites to get a feel for it?

How many different career options would there be at the end of the course and when do you need to choose what field to specialise in?

Thanks for your time and I appreciate any advice you can give!

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

The first thing I would always say that as a mature student, do not underestimate just how much you bring to the classroom. I know people like yourself feel nervous, afraid of looking silly, afraid of "these whizzkids" in the classroom with you. Don't. You are already at an advantage because of your life experience, no matter what it is.

cardshark wrote: »

I'm thinking of going back to college as a mature student to do computer science or a similar course.

Would you have any advice as to how I could find out if the course would suit me? Is programming a huge part of it and would you know of any good websites to get a feel for it?!

Here's one thing I would suggest (though it is actually probably too late now as the end of semester is next week): ring up the faculty and ask can you sit in on a few lectures (I probably know most of the HoD's of the institute's of technologies around the country - trust me, the majority of them would not have a problem with this). I am deadly serious. I have allowed this for a number of people, from transition year students to international visitors and mature students. It really shouldn't be a problem.

Programming would be a large part of a computer science degree. But remember, ICT is very broad - you have business information systems, networking, cloud, computer science and much more. Is there a particular area you see yourself working in? That might help. Or is there somebody you know working in IT? Ask them for some advice.

cardshark wrote: »

How many different career options would there be at the end of the course and when do you need to choose what field to specialise in?

Thanks for your time and I appreciate any advice you can give!

There are many career options. Here's again what I would suggest - go to the likes of Irishjobs.ie and look for the various roles. A lot of them will require experience, but it will give you an idea of what is out there. Have a look at what the requirements are - a lot of them simply specify an honours degree, the don't always say you need a degree in X.

Some programmes do allow you to specialise, at different stages in the programme. Or, you can just go general.

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

I forgot to answer your question about websites - there are plenty. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of them (I'd have a few bookmarked at work). But have a look at the Development forum (I tend to lurk there on occasion) - they have lots of resources over there.

Ferrari3600

Do you think that C. P. Snow's landmark 'The Two Cultures' Rede lecture is still relevant?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Two_Cultures

trihead

hi,

I know you mentioned some tips for getting involved in evening lecturers but....

What do you look for from a full time assistant lecturer candidate in an interview situation besides the essentials - Masters /PHD, Skills, Industry and/or teaching experience (If you are on the interview board).

Thanks

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA

Ferrari3600 wrote: »

Do you think that C. P. Snow's landmark 'The Two Cultures' Rede lecture is still relevant?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Two_Cultures

Up to this point, I have never actually hear of that, so I can't really comment. Leave it with me.

trihead wrote: »

hi,

I know you mentioned some tips for getting involved in evening lecturers but....

What do you look for from a full time assistant lecturer candidate in an interview situation besides the essentials - Masters /PHD, Skills, Industry and/or teaching experience (If you are on the interview board).

Thanks

I'm always on interview boards.

I look for confidence, not arrogance. I look for somebody whom I could work with and who I think the students would respect. I look for somebody who won't bullsh*t and has a sense of humility. I look for somebody who knows their stuff yet is willing to learn. I look for somebody who is enthusiastic about their field and has a certain degree of flexibility.

Personality has a lot to do with it. It takes a certain type of person who can convincingly stand up in front of students and nurture an environment conducive to learning.

Gloomtastic!

How old was your oldest student?

cardshark

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA wrote: »

The first thing I would always say that as a mature student, do not underestimate just how much you bring to the classroom. I know people like yourself feel nervous, afraid of looking silly, afraid of "these whizzkids" in the classroom with you. Don't. You are already at an advantage because of your life experience, no matter what it is.

Thanks, good to hear!

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA wrote: »

Here's one thing I would suggest (though it is actually probably too late now as the end of semester is next week): ring up the faculty and ask can you sit in on a few lectures (I probably know most of the HoD's of the institute's of technologies around the country - trust me, the majority of them would not have a problem with this). I am deadly serious. I have allowed this for a number of people, from transition year students to international visitors and mature students. It really shouldn't be a problem.

I will keep that in mind. I do know someone doing computer science currently so maybe I could tag along with him sometime.

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA wrote: »

Programming would be a large part of a computer science degree. But remember, ICT is very broad - you have business information systems, networking, cloud, computer science and much more. Is there a particular area you see yourself working in? That might help. Or is there somebody you know working in IT? Ask them for some advice.

To be honest I have no idea what I see myself doing. I am passionate about technology and want to broaden my options as much as possible.

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA wrote: »

There are many career options. Here's again what I would suggest - go to the likes of Irishjobs.ie and look for the various roles. A lot of them will require experience, but it will give you an idea of what is out there. Have a look at what the requirements are - a lot of them simply specify an honours degree, the don't always say you need a degree in X.

Some programmes do allow you to specialise, at different stages in the programme. Or, you can just go general.

I'm a Head of Department in an IT, AMA wrote: »

I forgot to answer your question about websites - there are plenty. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of them (I'd have a few bookmarked at work). But have a look at the Development forum (I tend to lurk there on occasion) - they have lots of resources over there.

Thanks a lot I'll have a look there and I really appreciate your thorough response!