Fiona McGarry

I am a practice-based researcher and teacher in the area of journalism and audio story-telling. I am a journalist, radio documentary maker and podcaster, with an interest in social justice, crime and environmental journalism. A former Senior Producer with Newstalk, I have worked as a TV researcher with BBC Northern Ireland and RTÉ in Cork. I ama recipient of funding awards fromCoimisiún na Meánand the Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund. I am alsoa recipient of the Ake Blomstrom Award from the Prix Europa; the Law Societys Justice Media Award and a Headline Award for reporting on mental health issues. My research interests include documentary and podcasting, ethics and legitimation in streamed True Crime content,digital participation, and the dissemination of misinformation through podcasting. I am a graduate of the University of Galway, The Technological University of Dublin (TUD) and the University of Limerick.

Practice-based research in audio documentary and podcasting forms.Research in documentary and podcast studies.Research on misinformation transmission via podcasting.Research in participatory digital cultures and True Crime.Practice-based research on pedagogy in practice-based disciplines such as journalism and audio production.Practice-based research on learning technologies.

My teaching incorporates practical Newsroom and studio teaching, coaching and mentoring, as well as large-group lectures on aspects of journalism, media and cultural theory.As a teacher, I see myself as a partner, guide, a collaborator and a mentor. I am a natural innovator, always striving for a better way to communicate and connect with learners.Thanks to the reflective process, I see myself as just one factor in learning not always the most important or effective one. I have a large responsibility to navigate the learning territory. I must use my expertise to devise the most appropriate Learning Outcomes (LOs) and align these constructively through Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs) and fair, valid and authentic assessments.The lens of theoretical literature has shown me that I am strongly drawn to cognitive transformative theories, like the ICE (Ideas, Connections and Extensions) model (Fostaty Young, 2005, p.44). In a sense this has validated my belief that true learning is life-changing.As an innovative teacher, I embrace change and realise that a teaching philosophy should be authentic, but also dynamic and flexible; responsive to changes in both media practice and theory.As a reflective teacher, I welcome opportunities to review and refresh my practice. I am keenly aware that learners needs are ever-changing, as they prepare to enter a media industry that never stands still. Learners come from increasingly diverse backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives and richness into the classroom. In response to these changes, my practice must evolve. Embracing new areas like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has given me an important new lens through which to re-evaluate and re-calibrate my philosophy. Interacting with the wider community of higher education experts has also presented invaluable new ideas and inspiration. It has helped refresh and refine my practice, which is based on an ongoing process of professional critical reflection.