4. Learning at DkIT
Learning Experience
We are committed to providing all of our students with as many learning opportunities as possible, both inside and outside the classroom.
We have a wide range of learning supports designed to help you get the best possible results from your time with us.
Learning at DkIT
You will probably find that you have more responsibility for your own learning than before. You will have timetabled classes and it is very important that you attend these. Outside of these classes you will also need to spend a fair amount of time reading, studying and preparing assignments. As many students work part-time and have other responsibilities, good time management is crucial.
The Student Learning and Development Centre ([email protected]) can provide support with any aspect of time management and study skills.
The Academic Year
The academic year is organized into two semesters. Semester 1 runs from September to January and Semester 2 runs January to May. Within each semester you will take a number of modules. A module is a unit of learning that will run for one or sometimes two semesters. A range of assessments are used to assess your learning on each module. These may include exams, essays, tests, practical, projects and other assignments, depending on your course.
Exams are held at the end of each semester – January and May, while coursework (i.e. essays, projects and so on), are submitted during the semester.
Early in the semester you will get an assessment schedule – this will show you when your assignments are due. This will help you to plan your time so that you can achieve your potential.
New Skills
You will be learning lots of new skills as part of your course. This is exciting but can also be challenging. It’s important to remember that it’s ok not to know something – there is plenty of help and support at DkIT. Do talk to your lecturer if you are finding something difficult.
There is also referencing and academic writing support available from the Library and the Student Learning and Development Centre and Maths support available from the Maths Learning Centre – the short videos below will tell you more.
Extracurricular learning
There are also great opportunities to get involved in a huge range of extracurricular activities as outlined in Step 3 and these also help you to learn and develop new skills.
You may be interested in the DkIT Elevate Awards - these celebrate student extracurricular engagement and contributions to life at DkIT.
De Chastelain Library
In the academic year 2020/21 we are implementing many changes to ensure the safety of both students and staff in De Chastelain Library. Please find some useful links below to help you get started using the Library.
Maths Learning Centre
The Maths Learning Centre (MLC) is a free service open to all DkIT students. The MLC aims to provide additional Mathematics support and offers a number of services including 'drop-in' sessions, small group workshops on specific topics & one-on-one support sessions.
Student Learning and Development Centre
The Student Learning and Development Centre is a warm, friendly, and supportive space for those students who wish to improve their academic and study skills.
IT Learning Centre
A tutor-supported study environment is available to all Computing students in DkIT. It is an open resource to students covering a wide range of computing topics such as programming, mathematics, networking, web development and much more.
Student Success Toolbox
The Student Success Toolbox supports the transition from thinking about study to the first weeks of study. The project is supported by the National Forum for Teaching and Learning Building Digital Capacity fund and is a collaborative project involving DCU, ITSligo, Maynooth University and DkIT.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is about trust and giving credit where it is due. As soon as you start a programme of study, you become part of a wider academic community.
DkIT Student Charter
Our Student Charter has been produced jointly by the Students’ Union and our Institute. The Charter sets out our commitments to you and highlights what is expected from you in return. Our Institute’s Vision seeks to put students at the centre of our activities; this Charter is a contribution towards that goal.
The Charter is not a contractual document but provides a guide to what students, the Institute and the Students’ Union can expect of each other.
