Home › Research▻People▻Education

Education

Dr CORNELIA CONNOLLY

B.Eng., M.Eng., PhD

Contact Details

LECTURER ABOVE THE BAR
EDU-G011
Nuns Island, Education Building
National University of Ireland, Galway
T: +353 (0)91 492369
E: cornelia.connolly@nuigalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

Dr Cornelia Connolly is a lecturer at the School of Education, National University of Ireland, Galway. Her teaching and research interests centre principally on STEM education, with a particular emphasis on the Technology (T) aspect of STEM and computational thinking.  
Dr. Connolly is a member of the Department of Education and Skills, Initial Teacher Education Digital Strategy working group and a member of the NCCA Development Group for Computer Science. 

Teaching:
Dr. Connolly was Programme Director (Education) for the BA Mathematics and Education programme, the concurrent specialist Mathematics and Applied Mathematics teacher education degree. She was also the co-founder and Programme Director (Education) of the BA Education (Computer Science and Mathematical Studies) programme and she teaches on both programmes.  

 Research:
Dr. Connolly is Chair of the Research Committee at the School of Education, College of Arts Social Science and Celtic Studies.
Her research interests include innovative pedagogical approaches to STEM education and leadership. 
Cornelia is open to PhD candidates interested in the areas of:
-       STEM education and education design research
-       Teacher education and educational leadership
-       Relationship of education policy and practice

Cornelia is a Steering Committee member of the International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE) and elected Fellow in 2018. She was Co-Chair of ISDDE 2018, the 14th Annual ISDDE Conference, "Culture and Educational Design" at the NUI Galway, 28th-31st May 2018. 

Currently Dr. Connolly is Co-PI for the EU Erasmus+ DEIMP Project: Designing & Evaluating Innovative Mobile Pedagogies (2017-2020); and T-REX (2019-2022) funded by Ireland's Teaching Council, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Centre for Effective Services, and National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. 
Chair of the CSforALL Ireland Summit – the inaugural Irish summit on Computer Science education  Cornelia also led a Google funded project titled “Creative Coding for Maths Makers" a project integrating mathematical and computer programming concepts, with a specific focus on promoting STEM amongst student teachers.
Cornelia co-authored the The Ultimate Study Skills Handbook (with Prof. Sarah Moore, Maura Murphy and Dr. Colin Neville) published by Open University Press and continues her research interests in innovative pedagogy, STEM education, student retention and numerical competency. Along with Dr. Tony Hall, Cornelia will jointly guest-edit, a special issue of TechTrends, to be published September 2019.
Cornelia is an active Committee Member of the All Ireland Society for Higher Education (AISHE) a professional organisation to foster teaching and learning in Irish Higher Education and serves on the editorial board of the All Ireland Journal of Higher Education (AISHE-J).

Research Interests

Research interests:
  • Mathematics and Computer Science Education methodologies and assessment
  • Pedagogical enhancement in education
  • Technology and innovation in teacher education
  • STEM outreach and student retention at higher level 
Projects:
- Principal Investigator, Google funded ‘Creative Coding or Maths Makers’ a project integrating mathematical and computer programming concepts, with a specific focus on promoting STEM amongst student teachers. 
 http://www.nuigalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/education/research/linktoprojects/googlecreativecodingformathsmakersproject/  

- Principal Investigator, Google funded ‘ Computer Science Professional Development’ The aim of this Computer Science Professional Development (CS PD) programme is to develop mathematics teachers and pre-service teachers in the field of computer science education, who will recognise the value of and remain committed to continued professional development throughout their careers.
http://www.nuigalway.ie/colleges-and-schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/education/research/linktoprojects/googleeducatorgrantcomputerscienceprofessionaldevelopment/  

- Co-Principal Investigator (NUIG), T-REX: Teachers' Research Exchange: project to design and develop an online portal to support the integration of educational academic research and teacher professional practice (Teaching Council, NCCA, CES, and initial funding from: National Forum, Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (Building Digital Capacity): 
http://www.researchexpertiseexchange.com/   

- Co-Principal Investigator (NUIG), DEIMP (Designing and Evaluating Innovative Mobile Pedagogies): Erasmus+ project funded within EU Horizon 2020: http://www.deimpeu.com/ 


Research Projects

  Project Start Date End Date
T-Rex, Teacher Research Expertise Exchange 01-JAN-19 29-MAY-21
DEIMP - Designing and evaluating innovative mobile pedagogies 01-JAN-17
C24M2: Creative Coding for Maths Makers 01-JAN-18 30-JUN-18
DEIMP - Designing and evaluating innovative mobile pedagogies 01-JAN-17 29-DEC-20
EI, Commercialisation Plus 01-MAR-10 01-OCT-10
IOTI Flexible Learning and Research project 01-SEP-08 01-JUN-11
IDEAS (Individualised Digitised Educational Advisory System) 01-SEP-08 01-AUG-10
An Foras Feasa 01-OCT-07 01-JUN-08
Education in Employment 01-SEP-07 01-JUN-09
Development of an Action Programme to Improve Student Retention on Computing Courses 01-SEP-05 01-JUN-06
Women in Research at DkIT 01-SEP-05 01-JUN-06
A Robust Software Development Process to Ensure Long-Term Reliability 01-SEP-04 01-JUN-05
Harmonics 01-SEP-00 01-AUG-02

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2019) 'Mobile Learning in Teacher Education'
Hall, T;Connolly, C (2019) 'Mobile Learning in Teacher Education'. Techtrends, [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'Lay Theories Regarding Computer-Mediated Communication in Remote Collaboration'
Parke, K;Marsden, N;Connolly, C (2017) 'Lay Theories Regarding Computer-Mediated Communication in Remote Collaboration'. Open Praxis, 9 :17-30 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2016) 'Constructivism in Computer Mediated Communication–Digital Learning, a Software Engineering Module'
Connolly, C., Marsden, N. (2016) 'Constructivism in Computer Mediated Communication–Digital Learning, a Software Engineering Module'. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-learning, 17 (2) [Details]
(2015) 'The Pedagogical Application of Alternate Reality Games: Using Game-Based Learning to Revisit History'
Lynch, R;Mallon, B;Connolly, C (2015) 'The Pedagogical Application of Alternate Reality Games: Using Game-Based Learning to Revisit History'. International Journal Of Game-Based Learning, 5 :18-38 [DOI] [Details]
(2009) 'Programming Anxiety Amongst Computing Students-A Key in the Retention Debate?'
Connolly, C; Murphy, E; Moore, S (2009) 'Programming Anxiety Amongst Computing Students-A Key in the Retention Debate?'. Ieee Transactions On Education, 52 :52-56 [DOI] [Details]
(2007) 'An Intervention Strategy for Undergraduate Computer Programming Students to Alleviate Programming Anxiety'
Connolly, C., Murphy, E., Moore, S. (2007) 'An Intervention Strategy for Undergraduate Computer Programming Students to Alleviate Programming Anxiety'. Journal of Instruction Delivery Systems, 21 (3):30-38 [Details]
(2002) 'Scanning our past from Ireland - The transatlantic cable - An Irish perspective'
Connolly, C (2002) 'Scanning our past from Ireland - The transatlantic cable - An Irish perspective'. Proceedings Of The Ieee, 90 :623-625 [Details]

Books

  Year Publication
(2010) The Ultimate Study Skills Handbook.
Moore S, Neville C, Murphy M, Connolly C. (2010) The Ultimate Study Skills Handbook. London: Open University Press. [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2019) 'Online Teaching, Emotions and Emoticons in Computer-Mediated Communication'
Connolly C., Parihar M.S., Marsden N. (2019) 'Online Teaching, Emotions and Emoticons in Computer-Mediated Communication' In: Encyclopedia of Education and Information Technologies. US: Springer. [DOI] [Details]
(2008) 'Learning Computer Programming, Pedagogical Understanding and the Role of Anxiety'
Connolly, C., Murphy, E., Moore, S (2008) 'Learning Computer Programming, Pedagogical Understanding and the Role of Anxiety' In: Innovations 2008 – Special Edition, World Innovations in Engineering Education and Research. VA: VA: Begell House. [Details]
(2006) 'A Strategy to Lessen Computer Anxiety and Thereby Impact Student Retention Rates on Computing Courses'
Connolly, C., Murphy, E., Moore, S (2006) 'A Strategy to Lessen Computer Anxiety and Thereby Impact Student Retention Rates on Computing Courses' In: Innovations 2006, World Innovations in Engineering Education and Research. VA, USA: Begell House Publishing. [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2018) Sexism in Remote Collaboration in Student Teams
Agafonova, A,Connolly, C,Marsden, N, (2018) PROCEEDINGS OF THE 4TH CONFERENCE ON GENDER & IT (GENDERIT '18) Sexism in Remote Collaboration in Student Teams , pp.183-189 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) Educational Studies Association of Ireland
Ó Grádaigh, S., Connolly, C., & Hall, T. (2018) Everyone can/should code . . . but can/should everyone teach code? A Swift approach to exploring this question for CS education in Ireland Educational Studies Association of Ireland University College Dublin, , 05-APR-18 - 07-APR-18 , pp.72-73 [Details]
(2018) 2018 10th International Conference on Virtual Worlds and Games for Serious Applications (VS-Games)
R Lynch, B Mallon, C Connolly (2018) Assessment in Serious Alternate Reality Games 2018 10th International Conference on Virtual Worlds and Games for Serious Applications (VS-Games) [Details]
(2018) Science and Mathematics Education Conference
Connolly, C., Cosgrove, T., Hall, T. (2018) A Cognitional Theory for Mathematics Methodology on an Initial Teacher Education Programme Science and Mathematics Education Conference Dublin City University, [Details]
(2018) Computer Science at Post Primary in Ireland Specification Design and Key Skills Integration
Connolly, C,Muhling, A,Cutts, Q (2018) WIPSCE'18: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 13TH WORKSHOP IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY COMPUTING EDUCATION Computer Science at Post Primary in Ireland Specification Design and Key Skills Integration , pp.3-4 [DOI] [Details]
(2018) Gender. Knowledge. Computer Science. Network on Research Transfer of interdisciplinary knowledge on Gender and Computer Science (GEWINN)
Agafonova, A., Connolly, C., Marsden, N., (2018) Sexism in Remote Collaboration in Student Teams Gender. Knowledge. Computer Science. Network on Research Transfer of interdisciplinary knowledge on Gender and Computer Science (GEWINN) [Details]
(2017) World Conference on Computers in Education 2017
Connolly, C., Parihar, M.S., Marsden, N. (2017) Online Teaching and Communication: Emotions in Computer Mediated Communication World Conference on Computers in Education 2017 [Details]
(2017) EdTEch 2017 TEL in an Age of Supercomplexity
Connolly, C., Walshe, A. (2017) Opportunities for the Key Skills of Senior Cycle within a new Computer Science specification EdTEch 2017 TEL in an Age of Supercomplexity [Details]
(2016) Digital Learning Research Symposium, Dublin City University
Connolly, C. and Marsden, N. (2016) Constructivism in a Computer Mediated Communication Software Engineering Project Digital Learning Research Symposium, Dublin City University [Details]
(2016) Society for Music Education in Ireland (SMEI)
O’Brien, R., Connolly, C., Kearney, D. (2016) Music for Children: A Critical Analysis of Practice and Process Society for Music Education in Ireland (SMEI) Limerick, Ireland, [Details]
(2014) 45th International Simulation and Gaming Association (ISAGA)
Lynch R, Mallon B, Connolly C. (2014) Revisiting History: Lessons from Plunkett’s Pages, A Case Study of the 1916 Easter Rising Alternative Reality Game 45th International Simulation and Gaming Association (ISAGA) [Details]
(2014) 4th Annual Irish Game Based Learning (iGBL) Symposium
Lynch R, Mallon B, Connolly C. (2014) Investigating the value of Alternate Reality Games as a Game Based Learning tool: an examination of Plunkett’s Pages, the 1916 Easter Rising ARG 4th Annual Irish Game Based Learning (iGBL) Symposium Cork, [Details]
(2013) Computers in Education Society of Ireland (CESI)
Lynch R, Mallon B, Connolly C. (2013) Designing, Playing And Assessing Plunkett’s Pages: A Case Study Of The 1916 Alternate Reality Game Computers in Education Society of Ireland (CESI) [Details]
(2013) 3rd Annual Irish Game Based Learning (iGBL) Symposium
Lynch R, Mallon B, Connolly C. (2013) Blurring Fact And Fiction In The Present And In The Past: Converging History With Digital Storytelling To Engage Students In Easter 1916 3rd Annual Irish Game Based Learning (iGBL) Symposium Dublin, [Details]
(2011) Proceedings of the IADIS International Conference e-Learning
Marsden N, Connolly C. (2011) Pedagogical Patterns for Computer-Mediated Communication Proceedings of the IADIS International Conference e-Learning [Details]
(2010) Eleventh International Conference on HRD Research and Practice Across Europe
C Gubbins, E Murphy, M Cooke, T Garavan, C Connolly (2010) The nature of manufacturing task Competences and the impact on learning effectiveness and Workplace performance Eleventh International Conference on HRD Research and Practice Across Europe [Details]
(2010) EduLearn 2010
Connolly C, Glynn M, Thorn R, Murphy E. (2010) A Technology for Flexible Learning Provision at the Institutes of Technology, Ireland EduLearn 2010 [Details]
(2010) IEEE Transforming Engineering Education: Creating Interdisciplinary Skills for Global Environments
Connolly, C., Gubbins C., Murphy, E. (2010) Non-Cognitive Influences on Trainee Learning within the Manufacturing Industry IEEE Transforming Engineering Education: Creating Interdisciplinary Skills for Global Environments Dublin, , pp.1-6 [Details]
(2009) Irish Learning Technology Association EdTech2009 Conference
Connolly, C., Thorn, R., Glynn, M., Cleary, B., Murphy, E. (2009) Using Technology to Improve the Student Experience at Higher Education – The IOTI Flexible Learning Portal Irish Learning Technology Association EdTech2009 Conference National College of Ireland, Dublin, [Details]
(2007) Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education 2007
Connolly, C., Murphy, E. and Moore, S. (2007) Second Chance Learners, Supporting Adults Learning Computer Programming Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education 2007 Coimbra, Portugal, [Details]
(2006) Irish Learning Technology Association EdTech2006 Conference
Connolly, C., Murphy, E., Moore, S. (2006) An Innovative Approach To Improving Problem Solving Skills Among Computing Students Irish Learning Technology Association EdTech2006 Conference Sligo Institute of Technology, Ireland, [Details]
(2006) 7th Annual Higher Education Academy Subject Network for Information Computer Science Conference
Connolly, C., Murphy, E. and Moore, S. (2006) A Contextualised Social Learning Program to Assist Undergraduate Computing Students 7th Annual Higher Education Academy Subject Network for Information Computer Science Conference Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, [Details]
(2006) The Challenge of Diversity: Teaching, Support and Student Learning Conference
Connolly, C., Murphy, E., Moore, S (2006) A Study Of The Prevalence Of Computer Anxiety Amongst Undergraduate Computing Students The Challenge of Diversity: Teaching, Support and Student Learning Conference Galway, Ireland, [Details]
(2006) Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education 2006
Connolly, C., Murphy, E., Moore, S. (2006) The Application Of APOS Theory In Teaching Computing In Higher Education Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education 2006 San Juan, Puerto Rico, [Details]
(2005) 10th DOSME Annual Conference, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education
Connolly, C., Murphy, E., Moore, S (2005) Should We Be Focusing On Retention Of Computing Students At Third Level, Rather Than Recruitment? 10th DOSME Annual Conference, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei, [Details]
(2005) Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education 2005
Connolly, C., Murphy, E., Moore, S. (2005) Increasing Retention Rates and Student Participation on Computer Engineering Courses Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education 2005 Gliwice, Poland, [Details]
(2005) Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education 2005
Connolly, C., Murphy, E., Moore, S. (2005) Increasing the Number of Female Students and Participation in Engineering Courses Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education 2005 Gliwice, Poland, [Details]
(2005) Frontiers in Education, 2005. FIE '05. Proceedings 35th Annual Conference
C. Connolly, E. Murphy (2005) Retention initiatives for ICT based courses Frontiers in Education, 2005. FIE '05. Proceedings 35th Annual Conference [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2002) Annual Conference on Information Technology and Telecommunications
Connolly, C., McGrath, S. (2002) An Overview of Wireless LAN Architecture at Layer 2 Annual Conference on Information Technology and Telecommunications Waterford, Ireland, [Details]
(2001) The 5th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics 2001
Connolly, C. and McGrath, S. (2001) IP Quality of Service and HiperLAN/2 DLC The 5th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics 2001 Florida, USA, [Details]
(2001) Irish Signals and Systems Conference
Connolly, C., McGrath, S.. Skehill, R., Nelson, R. (2001) Supporting QoS for IP in HiperLAN/2 Irish Signals and Systems Conference NUI Maynooth, Ireland, [Details]
(2001) World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics 2001
Connolly, C. and McGrath, S. (2001) IP Quality of Service and HiperLAN/2 DLC World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics 2001 Florida, USA, [Details]

Edited Books

  Year Publication
(2018) Contemporary Research in Irish Education: Volume 5: Book of Abstracts of the 7th Annual Postgraduate Research Seminar.
Connolly, C., Hall, T. & MacRuairc, G (Ed.). (2018) Contemporary Research in Irish Education: Volume 5: Book of Abstracts of the 7th Annual Postgraduate Research Seminar. NUI Galway: School of Education. [ARAN Link] [Details]

Editorial

  Year Publication
(2019) Mobile Learning in Teacher Education.
Hall, T,Connolly, C (2019) Mobile Learning in Teacher Education. Editorial [DOI] [Details]

Media

  Year Publication
(2018) The women who led the way in computer programming.
Connolly, C., Hall, T., & Lenaghan, J. (2018) The women who led the way in computer programming. Dublin: Media [Details]
(2017) Innovations in Learning.
Connolly, C. (2017) Innovations in Learning. http://research.ie/what-we-do/loveirishresearch/blog/innovations-in-learning/: Media [Details]
(2017) 10 Creative Ways To Teach Maths.
Scahill, M., Connolly, C., McCluskey, A. and Hall, T. (2017) 10 Creative Ways To Teach Maths. https://www.rte.ie/eile/brainstorm/2017/1112/919496-10-creative-ways-to-teach-maths/: Media [Details]

Technical Publication

  Year Publication
(2001) HiperLAN/2 DLC Layer Design and Implementation for QoS in IP.
IST-1999-11719 HARMONICS Deliverable D412 (2001) HiperLAN/2 DLC Layer Design and Implementation for QoS in IP. Technical Publication [Details]
(2000) HiperLAN/2 Specifications and Requirements for QoS enabled IP, including Interfaces.
IST-1999-11719 HARMONICS Deliverable D411 (2000) HiperLAN/2 Specifications and Requirements for QoS enabled IP, including Interfaces. EU: Technical Publication [Details]

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
All Ireland Society for Higher Education (AISHE) Executive committee member /
Irish Mathematics Teachers Association (IMTA) Council Member /
Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Member /
Irish Learning Technology Association Member and TEL journal reviewer/editor /
Computers in Education Society of Ireland (CESI) Member /
International Network for Engineering Education and Research (INEER) Member /

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
NCCA Senior Cycle Development Group Computer Science Development Group member 01-MAR-17 /
International Network of Engineering Education Research Steering Committee 01-JAN-07 / 01-DEC-09

Honours and Awards

  Year Title Awarding Body
2018 Fellow, International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE) International Society for Design and Development in Education (ISDDE)
2001 IEEE Student Paper Award IEEE

Reviews

  Journal Role
Journal For Research In Mathematics Education Reviewer
AISHE-J: The All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Editoral Board
Irish Educational Studies Reviewer

Other Activities

  Description

Network for Educational Action Research in Ireland (NEARI), http://www.eari.ie/

Teaching Interests

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Education
(concurrent post-primary teaching degree in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics) 
- ED109 Principles of Second-level Mathematics
- ED295 Mathematics Methodology & Skills of Teaching
- ED302 Curriculum and Assessment
- ED413 Block Teaching, School placement tutor
- ED411 Professional Studies

Professional Master of Education 
- ED6118 and ED6218 Mathematics subject teaching methodology 

Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching
- Supervisor of practitioner-based, action research projects for the NUIG-UL Alliance accredited programme (coordinated by EPI-STEM national centre for STEM Education, formerly National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning (NCE-MSTL), University of Limerick.)

Recent Postgraduate Students

  Graduation Name Degree Primary Supervisor
2017 Rachel O'Brien Msc
2015 Ronan Lynch PhD

Current Postgraduate Students (Research)

  Student Degree Type Type
Maurice King Doctorate - Structured Ph.D. in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Supervisor
Nora Flaherty Doctorate - Ph.D.(Arts) Co-supervisor (1)
Orlaith Kelly Doctorate - Ph.D.(Arts) Co-supervisor (1)

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
Year 4, Semester 2 Final-Year Symposium ED411 BA in Mathematics and Education
Year 1 Mathematics Methodology ED6118 Professional Master of Education
Year 2 Mathematics Methodology & Skills of Teaching ED295 BA in Mathematics and Education
Year 3, Semester1 Curriculum and Assessment ED302 BA in Mathematics and Education
Year 1, Semester 1 Principles of Second Level Mathematics ED109 BA in Mathematics and Education
Year 1 School Placement ED199 Practical Teaching Programme 1 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession
Year 3, Semester 2 Research Literacies for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning ED329 BA in Mathematics and Education
Year 2 Mathematics Methodology ED6218 Professional Master of Education
Year 2 School Placement ED292 Professional workshops and Microteaching

External Collaborators

  Name Organisation / Institute Country Description of Collaboration
Dr. Aman Yadav Michigan State University U.S.A.
Computer Science Education
Lynne McClure Cambridge Mathematics, University of Cambridge UNITED KINGDOM
External Examiner for our BA Mathematics and Education programme.
Prof. Tom Cosgrove University of Limerick IRELAND
Prof. Sarah Moore University of Limerick IRELAND
Prof. Eamonn Murphy University of Limerick IRELAND
Prof. John O'Donoghue University of Limerick IRELAND
Prof. Dr. Nicola Marsden University of Heilbronn GERMANY
Social psychology of software engineering
Prof. Laura O'Dwyer Boston College U.S.A.
Prof. Dr. Peter Hubwieser Technische Universität München GERMANY
Computer Science Education