Accessing GATE

GATE provides two reservable physical spaces and access to technical resources to support the objectives of the GATE Centre. These facilities are designed as workspaces or developmental spaces where staff and postgraduate students can test and trial educational media and related approaches, as well as record materials for use in teaching and learning.

The space is not designed as a full production facility but instead may be considered as a lab and development space with access to guidance and equipment.

There are two bookable spaces:

JHN B10A - HyFlex Room

Capacity: 20 persons

As a larger working space, this room affords greater flexibility, including:

• Recording video and audio materials
• Video, lighting, Chroma key (green) screen and sound setups
• Technology exploration
• Professional development sessions
• Community of practice meetings
• Collaborative design work sessions
• HyFlex teaching practice
• Practice and rehearsals

JHN B10B - Media Studio

Capacity: 4 persons

The main use and purpose of this space is to allow for:

• Recording presentations
• Podcast or interview recording
• Practice and rehearsal
• Testing equipment and development of media skills
• Creating teaching resources

Requesting & Using GATE

GATE and its resources are intended for access in situ during College business hours. Individual staff members, postgraduate students and programme teams or departments may make bookings with GATE by contacting GATE@mic.ul.ie. To facilitate the effective use of GATE resources, the GATE coordinator will liaise with requesters to discuss the intended use so that we can ensure that facilities and colleagues are available, and that adequate time and suitable resources are available for requested use. 

Early booking and consultation are advised as availability cannot be guaranteed at short notice. Walk-up support cannot be facilitated. 

From time to time, LEAD will provide workshops, events and professional development training sessions that are publicly advertised and accessible by the MIC community. Details of these and participation arrangements are made available in LEAD information and on the LEAD website.

GATE does not provide or support off-site access to equipment.

GATE is a resource space available to MIC staff and graduate students to book and utilise. GATE is not a service or production delivery unit and does not provide a learning technology or media support desk as these services are provided elsewhere.

Understanding what GATE is

• An Educational Media Development Space
• A location where staff and postgraduate students can develop practical skills in educational communication and media creation
• A Professional Learning Hub
• A space for workshops, seminars, accredited and non-accredited professional learning activities
• A Practice Laboratory
• An environment where educational approaches can be piloted, tested and refined
• A Demonstration and Discovery Centre
• A venue for exploring emerging technologies, tools and approaches within a pedagogical context

A community of practice Environment:

• A space that facilitates collaboration, networking and ongoing professional dialogue
• A Gateway to Innovation
• A structured pathway through which educational ideas can move from exploration to implementation

What GATE is not

• A Media Production Service - GATE supports capability development but does not operate as a production facility creating resources on behalf of staff.
• A Content Development Service - GATE develops staff capability rather than undertaking curriculum development work for academic units.
• A Media or Digital Technology Support Desk - Routine technical support remains the responsibility of existing support services.
• A Pedagogy or Programme Development Consultancy Function - GATE facilitates developmental and collaborative activity rather than delivering consultancy projects.

GATE exists for the benefit of the MIC community, primarily:

• Academic staff
• Postgraduate students with teaching responsibilities, including those with departmental and teaching assistant roles
• Staff involved in teaching enhancement activities
• Future educators and professionals in education
• Communities of practice and professional learning networks

Core Areas of GATE Activity

UN Sustainable Development Goal