National Learning Network

Student Handbook

TU Dublin Blanchardstown

2020/2021

Welcome to TU Dublin Blanchardstown

2

Contents Who are we?.............................................................................................................................. 3

NLN Support Service – Confidentiality ..................................................................................... 4

How to Contact us ..................................................................................................................... 5

Overview of Supports we Offer ................................................................................................ 7

Types of Individual Support Sessions Available ....................................................................... 8

Workshops ................................................................................................................................. 9

Specialised Supports ............................................................................................................... 11

Am I eligible for a Needs Assessment? ............................................................................... 11

Needs Assessment ............................................................................................................... 14

Learning Recommendation ................................................................................................. 15

Exam Accommodations ....................................................................................................... 16

Additional Supports ............................................................................................................. 18

Assistive Technology ........................................................................................................... 18

Preparing for College Work Placements ............................................................................. 19

NLN Assessment Service ......................................................................................................... 20

Other Resources ...................................................................................................................... 24

Peer Mentoring Programme ................................................................................................... 25

Additional Information ........................................................................................................... 26

3

Who are we?

The National Learning Network (NLN) Educational Psychological Support Service provides support to all students in TU Dublin Blanchardstown Campus including those with learning, developmental, neurological and mental health difficulties.

Students are supported with goal-orientated sessions targeting areas the student wishes to improve based on their individual needs.

The service adopts a holistic approach and recognises that student well-being is intertwined with their academic experiences.

The service strives to promote students' independence and encourage them to develop the skills that will help them to flourish during their time in college.

The NLN Educational Psychological Support Service team includes educational psychologists and assistant psychologists to support all college students with their academic needs, throughout the year.

4

NLN Support Service – Confidentiality

TU Dublin Blanchardstown encourages students with disabilities to disclose information regarding their disability/specific learning difficulty to the NLN or Student Services before they apply to college or at any point during their studies.

Such disclosure is encouraged so that NLN and the Student Support Service can work with the student in ensuring that any reasonable accommodation required is identified and facilitated in conjunction with the student.

Every student who attends the NLN for a support session or Needs Assessment will be asked to complete a consent form, which the assistant psychologist will go through with the individual.

Any documentation or information presented in disclosing a disability is held by the Student Services Office and the NLN and specific medical or other documentation will not be disclosed to any third party.

Where a student requests and is granted any form of reasonable accommodation such as extra time in exams, printed lecture notes etc. the NLN, with the student’s consent, will forward relevant information to Student Services who will communicate this to the student’s course coordinator and lecturers.

In such instances, only information relevant to the particular situation will be disclosed.

5

How to Contact us

How to book an appointment

To book an appointment search SimplyBook NLN. https://nlntudublinbc.simplybook.it/v2/ or scan in the QR code below. Here you can pick who you want to see and select a time that suits you.

If you are having difficulty booking, check out the NLN page on the TU Dublin college website https://www.itb.ie/CampusStudentLife/nln.html to watch our video on how to book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDl8xYUTpvc or send us as email at studentsupport@nln.ie.

Drop in hours for quick queries: Tuesday and Thursdays 12pm-1pm (no appointment necessary)

Where to find us: We are located in the A Block

6

How to Prepare for an Appointment

1. Book an appointment with us using our online booking system

2. Include what type of support you are looking for in this session (e.g. study support- help with structuring my assignment).

3. Bring along your assignment brief/ pieces of work/ essay plan or other

information from your lectures that may be helpful to the session.

4. Come prepared and bring a notebook, pen, highlighters, laptop etc.

5. Appointments will usually last around 45 minutes

Note: The NLN is not a proofreading service. We offer support to students to learn strategies that will help them with academic success.

7

Overview of Supports we Offer

8

Types of Individual Support Sessions Available

9

Workshops

The NLN run workshops throughout the year which are available to all students.

Keep an eye on our Instagram page and the NLN section on the college website

for details about time and locations. If there are any workshops you would like

us to run, please contact your class rep.

Workshops usually consist of small groups or can be done for a whole class. A

workshop lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Below is a list of workshops we will be running throughout the year

Study Smart Workshops

• Essay planning & writing • Avoiding procrastination • Referencing • Proof reading • Study skills

Transitioning into College Workshops Series

• How to use Moodle – find lecture notes, submit assignment, use Turnitin • How to use Outlook – send an email, use calendar, set reminders • How to join a club/society on campus • How to join the gym • How to book appointments – NLN, nurse, counsellor, careers guidance • How to use the library

10

Registering with the National Learning Network Who needs to register?

Students with learning, mental health, neurological, physical, or sensory difficulties that wish to avail of extra supports such as exam accommodations, assistive technology, in class supports, academic tuition

Who does not need to register?

Students who just wish to attend academic, wellness or organisational support sessions or students who have previously registered and have not left college since registration.

Step 1 Book an appointment through our online booking system or email

studentsupport@nln.ie

Step 2 You will meet with a member of staff in the National Learning Network office

for a Needs Assessment. This is to discuss supports that you previously received in school and supports you may find helpful while in college. They

will also look over your supporting documents e.g. psychological reports etc.

Step 3 You will then work together to come up with a Learning Recommendation.

This is a document which includes your exam accommodations, ongoing supports and assistive technology if required.

Step 4 Once you have signed the Needs Assessment and Learning

Recommendation. The Learning Recommendation will be sent to Student Services to set up supports such as exam accommodations and to your

course co-ordinator to be distributed to your lecturers to inform them of your support needs, if you are happy to do so.

11

Specialised Supports

NLN recognises individual differences in learning and provides specialized supports to students with disabilities.

Am I eligible for a Needs Assessment? Students with disabilities should set up an appointment with the NLN for a Needs Assessment.

Below are the types of disabilities that qualify for a Needs Assessment and types of documents that are required.

Eligible Categories of Disability for the Fund for Students with Disabilities: (HEA, 2019)

Disability Evidence & Eligibility Criteria Age of Report

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

A report from a Consultant Psychiatrist OR Psychologist OR Neurologist OR Paediatrician providing a diagnosis of autism

No age limit

Attention Deficit Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

A report from an appropriately qualified Consultant Psychiatrist OR Psychologist OR Neurologist OR Paediatrician providing a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD

No age limit

Blind/Vision Impaired

A report from one or more of the following: • Ophthalmologist/Ophthalmic Surgeon

providing a diagnosis of severe reduction in vision that cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses. The diagnosis must be in relation to Best Corrected Visual Acuity or Field of Vision

• A letter from the National Council for the Blind Ireland confirming registration

No age limit

12

• A letter from the principal from a school for the Blind confirming attendance

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

A report from one or more of the following: • An audiogram from a professionally

qualified Audiologist and/or ENT Consultant, indicating moderate to profound bilateral hearing loss (i.e. above 40dB)

• A letter from the principal from a school for the Deaf confirming attendance

No age limit

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia)

A report from a Psychologist OR an Occupational Therapist OR Neurologist diagnosing Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) The CAO/DARE Evidence of Disability Form is not acceptable evidence of disability for this category of disability

No age limit

Mental Health Condition (For example, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Clinical Depression, Severe Anxiety, Severe Phobias, OCD, Severe Eating Disorders and Psychosis).

A report from a Consultant Psychiatrist or Specialist Registrar

Less than five years

Neurological Condition Neurological Conditions: Neurologist OR another relevant Consultant Speech & Language Disabilities: Speech and Language Therapist

No age limit

13

Disability Evidence & Eligibility Criteria Age of Report Significant Ongoing Illness

A report, diagnosing a significant ongoing illness such as: Diabetes Type 1: Endocrinologist or paediatrician Cystic Fibrosis: Consultant respiratory physician or paediatrician Gastroenterology condition: Gastroenterologist Other: Consultant/Consultant Registrar

Less than five years

Physical/mobility

A report from an Orthopaedic Consultant or other relevant specialist diagnosing a significant physical or mobility difficulty

No age limit

Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia or Dyscalculia)

The report of a psycho-educational assessment by a Psychologist OR by an assessor (PATOSS accredited) diagnosing a Specific Learning Difficulty Applicants to the Fund may be asked for their latest assessment scores/educational reports to assist institutions in determining the appropriate level of support All tests used in the assessment must be valid, reliable and age appropriate. The CAO/DARE Evidence of Disability Form is not acceptable evidence of disability for this category of disability

No age limit

14

Needs Assessment What is a Needs Assessment?

- The Needs Assessment is a questionnaire designed to explore the types of support that a student with a diagnosed disability may require.

- The student is required to provide evidence of disability during the assessment process.

- It enables the college to apply for HEA funding on behalf of the student and allows the college to arrange necessary supports.

- It takes approximately 1 hour to complete and is completed collaboratively with the student and an Assistant Psychologist.

The Needs Assessment has three sections:

1. Student details 2. Background - information will be gathered on the impact of the student’s

disability on their academic experience as well as details of previous supports.

3. Available Supports in college.

What supports are available?

If a student is eligible for HEA funding they may be able to access additional supports including: note-takers, sign-language interpreters, laptops with assistive technology and various exam accommodations including readers and scribes. At your Needs Assessment appointment you will agree on a plan for your classroom accommodations. Examples of classroom accommodations used include:

In Class Supports Continuous Supports Note taker Hard copy of notes Communication instructions Use of a Laptop Sign Language interpreter

Assistive Technology Attending the NLN Use of a laptop Spelling and Grammar waiver

What should I bring to my appointment? If the student has not already given Student Services a copy of their relevant report (Medical, Psychological etc.) which states their diagnosis please bring it along to your appointment.

15

Learning Recommendation

What is a Learning Recommendation?

- The Learning recommendations is a brief synopsis of the student’s difficulties and the supports they require.

- Typically, the form is completed in conjunction with the Need Assessment and usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

- The Learning Recommendations are circulated by Student Services to the student’s academic coordinator and to the exam office to make academic staff aware of the supports required.

There are four sections which include:

1. The impact of the student’s disability/difficulty

2. Supports required in lectures

3. Supports required in continuous assessments/assignments

4. Supports for Exams

Learning Recommendations are circulated to the Course-Co-Ordinator and the Year Tutor. The Examinations Office are only notified of specific examination requirements for each student.

16

Exam Accommodations

How do I set up Exam Accommodations?

Students who require exam accommodations are advised to book a Needs Assessment appointment by week 6 of the current semester. Students who contact us after this date cannot be guaranteed their exam accommodations in the end of semester exams.

Important: Students who have registered with the NLN and have been granted accommodations for their Semester 1 or 2 exams do not have to re-apply for exam accommodations each year. Returning students who have been absent for one year or more should re-register with the NLN in order to be granted exam accommodations

Types of Exam Support

• Shared or separate venue • Extra time • Rest breaks • Use of a computer • Spelling and Grammar waiver • Reader • Scribe • Sign Language Interpreter How do I find out about my exam accommodations?

If you have exam accommodations already set up, Student Services will send an email to your college email address to inform you of your exam accommodations prior to your exam e.g. if it is in a separate centre what room to go to etc.

If you are unsure if your exam accommodations are in place or would like to change them contact the NLN via email (stutentsupport@nln.ie) or use our drop in hours (12pm-1pm Tuesday and Thursday).

17

Students using Readers

Students requiring a reader will sit their exam in a smaller shared venue. You will be informed by Student Services of your examination venue through your college email. The exam invigilator will act as the reader. To avail of this support during the exam, students are required to raise their hand to request assistance. The role of a reader in examinations is to read the examination question only.

Students using a Computer or Laptop

If you have been assigned the use of laptop for your examinations, it will be provided for you at the examinations venue, along with the appropriate software or equipment needed. You will be informed by Student Services of your examination venue through your college email.

Students with Extra Time

Extra time is set at 15 minutes per hour.

Students with Rest Breaks

Rest breaks are set at 15 minutes per hour. (If a student has extra time and rest breaks they still only get an additional 30 minutes in total for a 2 hour exam). Students should tell the invigilator when they wish to have a rest break. They may take as much or as little out of their allocation as they wish at any one time. Students may not talk or work during their rest break, papers should be turned over.

Students using a Scribe

Students requiring a scribe will sit their exam in a separate venue. You will be informed by Student Services of your examination venue through your college email. Students using a scribe will receive an additional 15 minutes per hour.

18

Additional Supports Assistive Technology Assistive Technology (AT) is equipment or software that can be used to help with a task and enhance user’s independence, as well as making learning more accessible. Examples of AT include a laptop, an adapted keyboard, the Loop System and various Literacy Software (e.g. Text to Speech).

Check out our YouTube channel here for videos on the following AT supports: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXy51wjawXyDxTBRjHNfssg

• Word and Grammarly • Magnifying 2020 • Word Page Colour and Text Colour

PEER Personal Microsoft Edge

Step 1

Book an appointment through our online booking system https://nlntudublinbc.simplybook.it/v2/ or email studentsupport@nln.ie

Step 2

Register with NLN, complete a Needs Assessment and Learning Recommendation with us.

Step 3

If the Learning Recommendation states assistive technology supports, the assistant psychologist will set up an assistive technology appointment with

you.

Step 4

Attend the assistive technology appointment to avail of information on software and training.

19

Preparing for College Work Placements

Some courses may require you to undertake placement as part of your professional development. If you are unsure whether your course requires you to complete work placement you can contact your Course Coordinator or check your course handbook.

Some of the areas we can assist with include:

• Supporting you with changes to your daily routine.

• Communication skills, including how to communicate appropriately with

senior members of staff, colleagues and clients.

• Identifying supports which may need to be put in place during your

placement in order for you to reach your full potential.

• Guidance on how to liaise with your placement coordinator and

communicating your needs.

20

NLN Assessment Service

If you feel you are experiencing significant difficulties with learning it may be a good idea for you to attend an appointment with the NLN Service.

NLN can diagnose the following: NLN can screen for the following:

• Dyslexia (literacy difficulties)

• Dyscalculia (numeracy difficulties)

• Developmental Co-ordination Disorder/DCD- Dyspraxia

• Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The screening assessment aims to provide you with an indication of whether or not it would be useful for you to get a full Educational Psychology Assessment with NLN to diagnose a Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia/Dyscalculia).

The psychology team will meet to discuss the results of the screening assessment and a decision will be made whether a full assessment is required in NLN or onward referral to other professionals to further explore additional difficulties.

Appointment times vary between one and three hours depending on the type of screening or assessment. You will then be invited to come back for a one hour feedback session to give you the results and advice about next steps.

If you would like to make an appointment for a screening assessment with NLN please email studentsupport@nln.ie.

21

The Do-IT Profiler The NLN carries out learner profiling using a tool called the Do-It Profiler. This is offered to all incoming first-year students during orientation week. The Do-IT profiling tool is designed to explore your competencies in a number of areas across cognitive and learning domains, as well as study skills. You can use the results of the report to determine areas you may need additional support in.

The Do-IT Profiler consists of two online tests:

1. Learner Profile The Learner Profile identifies strengths and weaknesses of learners across different cognitive, emotional and learning domains.

2. Study Skills The Study Skills identifies students’ competencies in a number of key study areas.

Examples of the areas each test explores are represented in the table below.

Learner Profile Study Skills

Reading Reading Critically

Spelling Taking Notes

Social Planning Writing

Maths Organisation

Attention Time Management

Coordination Abilities Exam Skills

22

How to Access your Results from Home Step 1.

Go to www.doitprofiler.net

Step 2.

Enter your Username and Password. If you can’t remember your password, select the Forgotten Password option.

Step 3.

If you completed both the Learner Profile and Study Skills you will see a green tick. When you have two green ticks you can continue to view your

report.

Step 4.

To view your report, click Reports and then click Individual Report. This highlights your strengths and area’s you can develop on in your learning and studies.

23

Online Resources for Students

For academic, time management and wellness resources check out the NLN page on the college website https://www.itb.ie/CampusStudentLife/nln.html

Current Resources on our Webpage

Study Support

Organisation & Time

Management

Concentration

Essay Structuring

How to organise your argument

Example of a good intro

Academic Writing

5 Ways to manage and make time

Avoid Procrastinating

How to study at home

Exam Support

Wellness Support

How to set up for exams at home

Revision Strategies for MCQs

How to prepare for an open book exam

Relaxation Strategies

Study-Life Balance

Grounding Exercise

Tips to deal with exam stress

24

Other Resources

YouTube

Our YouTube channel ‘National Learning Network Support Service’ also has relevant videos to help students study at home.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXy51wjawXyDxTBRjHNfssg/videos?disable_polymer=1

Instagram

Follow us on Instagram @tudublinbc_nln for information and keep up-to-date with NLN news and resources.

25

Peer Mentoring Programme

TU Dublin Blanchardstown offer a Peer Mentoring Programme to all incoming first year students. NLN is actively involved in this programme and the Peer Mentor Coordinator is part of the NLN service.

The programme involves linking up first year students with a senior student who is in the same course as them, these are known as Peer Mentors.

Why take part?

• New students meet with and learn from the experiences of senior students who have once been in the same position and understand how they are feeling.

• Mentors and first years alike benefit and learn new skills including communication, leadership, academic study and social awareness.

How is it run?

This years’ Peer Mentoring Programme 2020-21 will run in a virtual format.

The programme will aim to support students in the following ways:

Moodle Discussion

Board

• Ongoing support throughtout academic year• Managed by Peer Mentors and Acedmic contacts• Hear tips from mentors, ask questions and keep up to date with

events.

Weekly video meetings

• Meet your Mentor and other first years• Mentors share tips and get your questions answered

Peer Mentoring Live Events

• Instagram Live Q&A’s, online quizzes and interactive activities to get to know the group.

26

Additional Information Quiet spaces

Quiet spaces are quiet rest areas on the campus where students can take time out during the day to rest and recuperate. It benefits students who experience fatigue, pain, or overstimulation as a result of their disability.

Room C106 is open throughout the day and offers a space for reflection or prayer or just a quiet place to escape from the commotion of college for a while. This is not a place for study. While this space is generally available to all, it can be made available to groups for ceremonial occasions, special feast days or religious festivals. Limited bookings may be possible for such events throughout the year, once submitted and agreed in advance. Submissions must be made by interested groups to the Students’ Union by 31st October.

Approach the Student Information Desk (SID), located in the Connect Building for any general queries you may have including support with college forms, funding, IT issues etc. Please see the following link for a full list of services.

https://www.itb.ie/CurrentStudents/sid.htmlues etc.

Connect Building

27

Thank you

& Best of Luck from NLN.