Supported by EU-CONEXUS mobility funding, Clare Martin (Instructional Designer, Centre of Academic Practice, SETU) and Deirdre Grant (Lecturer, Department of Arts, SETU) attended the 18th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI) in Seville, Spain, where they delivered an interactive workshop.

A Highly Engaging Workshop Experience

Reflecting on the event, Clare described the workshop as a “big success”, highlighting the opportunity to connect with international professionals.

Despite being scheduled in the final slot, the session attracted 57 participants – one of the largest attendances at the conference. Engagement levels were extremely high, and feedback was both positive and constructive, supporting the organisers’ intention to make the workshop even more interactive.

For Deirdre, the standout highlight was the contrast between their active, creative workshop format and the more traditional paper-led presentations. This reinforced the value of interactive learning at international academic events.

Insights and Future Direction

By combining quantitative data with existing qualitative feedback, the organisers were able to deepen the insights surrounding the workshop’s impact. Clare noted that this approach could inspire a formal academic paper that would clearly articulate the methodology, rationale, and educational impact of their programme.

Deirdre emphasised the uniqueness of their work and the strong interest from academics in exploring the relationship between embodiment and technology in teaching and learning.

A Creative and Inclusive Approach

The workshop was developed through the EU-CONEXUS Teaching Academy programme, which supports staff development and knowledge sharing across partner institutions. The organisers’ creative approach of blending live arts-based activities with technology proved refreshing and engaging – particularly for visual, tactile, and kinaesthetic learners.

Building Impact through Inclusion

The initiative aims to support greater equity and inclusion in higher education. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, the workshop encourages more diverse forms of student expression, including multimedia submissions, to help reduce barriers and enable broader student participation.

This approach fosters safer, more engaging learning environments, supports student retention, and contributes to creating a more inclusive academic community.

The Value of EU-CONEXUS Engagement

Both Clare and Deirdre expressed strong appreciation for EU-CONEXUS, crediting it for enabling collaboration, professional growth, networking, and international recognition. What began as a passion project developed during the Teaching Academy at the University of Zadar has now reached almost 100 professionals through workshops delivered at SETU and now at ICERI.

What’s next

Both Clare and Deirdre reflected on ICERI as a rewarding and enriching experience that strengthened their belief in the value of creative, student-centred teaching. They look forward to continuing their collaboration and impact and are already planning the next steps.

More information on the EU-CONEXUS mobility fund is available here.