The document outlines a collaborative initiative in Ireland focused on recognizing prior learning (RPL) through an e-portfolio assessment tool and an open online course for higher education staff. It highlights the low participation rates in lifelong learning in Ireland and addresses the challenges, such as lack of awareness and knowledge regarding RPL opportunities. The project aims to align with national and EU policies to enhance access to qualifications and support lifelong learning.

2. A Collaborative Initiative:
Recognising Prior Learning (RPL)
www.myexperience.ie
1. RPL ePortfolio Assessment Tool
2. Open Online Course on RPL Assessment Skills for
Higher Education Staff
Project Team:
Dr. Carina Ginty (GMIT) carina.ginty@gmit.ie
Mr. Gavin Clinch (IT Sligo) clinch.gavin@itsligo.ie
Mr. Oran Doherty (LyIT) oran.doherty@lyit.ie

3. Myexperience.ie

4. 1. The CUA ePortfolio assessment tool
enables assessment of and for learning.
2. The CUA open online course on RPL skills
enables Higher Education staff to develop their
knowledge and understanding of assessing
applicants for prior learning.

5. Nature of the problem..
Why My Experience.ie

6. Nature of the problem..
Why My Experience.ie
• Lifelong Learning participation rate is just 7.3% in
Ireland compared to 10.5% (EU average) and we are
considerably behind leading countries.
• Lifelong Learning participation with the employed is
just 6.2% compared to EU average at 11.2%.
• National and international policies/strategies are now
driving HEI’s to create and develop structures and new
pathways to Higher Education.

7. Nature of the problem
• Increase in RPL applications from mostly mature
learners (who typically don’t satisfy the normal entry
requirements) e.g. 10-15 years working in industry
with no formal qualifications.
• Lack of awareness that RPL exists.
• Lack of marketing promotion on RPL opportunities.
• Lack of knowledge among staff on RPL pathways
and opportunities.
• Learners unsure how to build a portfolio and
structure evidence of learning.
• Academics unfamiliar with assessing experiential
learning - Fear Factor.

8. Myexperience.ie

9. • RPL is an important element of EU policy for widening
access to qualifications and supporting lifelong learning.
• In Ireland the Qualifications Act 1999 established the right
for an applicant to get recognition for ALL prior learning.
• The 2012 Act + QQI 2013 Green Paper on RPL.
• The National Strategy 2030 + National Forum Research
Reports 2015.
• Builds on objectives of new Higher Education Clusters and
Partnerships.
• RPL assessment tools will support Work Based Learning.
Reducing time and cost for learner to complete a HE
programme.
How this project strategically aligns at
national, regional and international levels

10. 1. RPL application
tool
2. Open online
course on RPL
Assessment Skills
Cpd.learnonline.ie

11. RPL applicant ePortfolio
Assessment Tool
Myexperience.ie

14. Online Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Gain an understanding of prior certified and/or experiential
learning.
2. Review national examples of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
3. Evaluate and reflect on policy, procedures, legislation and quality
assurance measures in relation to the provision of RPL by HE
providers.
4. Engage with the CUA RPL e-Portfolio assessment tool.
5. Review international practices and perspectives on RPL in the US
and Scotland.
4. Learn how to support and assess RPL applicants effectively.

17. Ireland’s EdTech Conference
June 1st and 2nd 2017
Sligo