The way CS First works is simple and easy. You first need to set up a class online (you can find the instructions here). Once your class is ready, you can then add students and/ or co-teachers to your class by clicking on the ‘People’ icon on the left-hand side. Next you add activities. There are […]
For years City Guesser and indeed GeoGuessr have been a popular geography game in which players have to guess the identity and location of a city based on Google Street View imagery. I have used GeoGuessr for many years in the classroom as a means of developing Geography and mapping skills. The new version of City
Improve Your Geography Skills with City Guesser Read More »
During this current lockdown it has been difficult finding simple and accessible technology that teachers can use to make online learning interesting and meaningful for their children. One of the products that our Deis School used very successfully over the last 7 weeks or so has been Loom. Loom is a simple and useful tool that
Loom: Say it With Video Read More »
We have previously used the Microbit to introduce coding and Robotics to our senior classes. However, this year we decided to try something similar but different and this is how I stumbled upon the Crumblebot.The CrumbleBot is an enjoyable and effective way to introduce coding and robotics to children of all ages, and especially primary
CrumbleBot: A Fun Way To Introduce Coding and Robotics at Primary Level Read More »
As we return to school after a prolonged absence, I have taken the opportunity to upgrade some of the ICT facilities around our school. Over the years we have installed Interactive White Boards in all our classrooms. However, many of these are now showing their age and thoughts have now turned to upgrading to IFP’s
Continuing to Embrace Evolving Technology Read More »
In a recent study carried out by Dr. Eemer Eivers, on behalf of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), it has been revealed that primary school students’ use of computers in school has dropped considerably within five years, from 46% saying they used computers in school regularly in 2011 to only 23% in 2016. This brings
Report notes drop in primary pupils using computers in school Read More »
Seesaw is a student-driven digital portfolio that empowers students of any age to create, capture and share what they’re learning at school. They can choose to share it with their teachers, parents, classmates, and even the world. See saw is available as an app (both Android or iOS) and also as a website at
Seesaw: An Online Digital Portfolio Read More »
With coding week nearly upon us again I decided to invest in some new coding hardware for our school. I had heard good reports about Sphero SPRK+ and so invested in a number of them for our school. Sphero SPRK+ is a small but rugged spherical robot capable of rolling around, changing colours, running programmes
I have been following the recent debate that has emerged concerning the replacement of textbooks at 2nd level with digital devices. This is a growing trend with many 2nd level schools, particularly for the Junior Cycle. Parents at a Co Meath secondary school recently raised their concerns regarding replacing their children’s textbooks with an iPad.
Rethinking the Tablet for Books Argument Read More »
The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh this week announced a further €50million investment in ICT infrastructure for all primary and post-primary schools. Grant funding for the purchase of ICT infrastructure will issue shortly to all eligible primary and post primary schools in the country to enable them to embed the use of digital
Additional ICT Funding Announced For All Schools Read More »
