The findings of a report, ‘Incidental Inspections 2010′, published on the 23rd November 2010 by the Inspectorate of the DES on the outcomes of unannounced inspections in primary schools in the last year” found that over 80% of lessons were satisfactory or better. However, over 14% of English and mathematics lessons were unsatisfactory. They also […]
Literacy and Numeracy – Draft National Plan to Improve Levels Read More »
Last week was Science Week in Ireland and I decided to try out another Twitter project for schools. For those of you who may have missed the previous Twitter projects that I did with Irish primary schools, the idea behind them was to investigate whether Twitter could be used to support the Primary School Curriculum
Science Week and Twitter Read More »
Further to the recent post on ‘History and Web 2.0 tools’ I wanted to inform people of the excellent iWalk MP3 recordings which are available for Dublin and Cork. Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Dublin City Council and Cork City Council have created a number of podcasts on different historical topics for both cities which
iWalks – Dublin & Cork Read More »
Adrienne Webb on the RTE News It’s great to hear that the cheques have gone out to post primary schools for ICT. Each school is getting a base grant of €1,700 and a payment of €63.45 per student. DEIS schools will receive a higher basic grant of €2,550 and for the first time, fee paying
ICT Funding for Post Primary (at last) Read More »
Everyone seems to be agreed that teacher professional development is essential if teachers are to successfully integrate ICT into their classroom teaching. Here is an interesting publication from Education Weekthat highlights a number of interesting projects and ideas associated with 21st century learning. Though some may contest the notion of 21st century teaching and learning
Teacher Professional Development Sourcebook Read More »
As a new school year dawns many teachers will return to their classroom to find some new piece of technology in their room, if they are lucky! This might entail a new interactive whiteboard or a laptop computer + digital projector installed in their room. This scenario should be occurring in many schools, as all
ICT Integration – what does it look like? Read More »
I have been a teacher for 30 years, and have both attended and presented many CPD events (known as “courses” in the olden days!). Most of these have been devised and presented to teachers, who attend, participate to various degrees, evaluate, and leave. Evaluations almost always highlight that people like learning what other teachers are
A not-so-quiet (r)evolution – from CPD to DIYPD… Read More »
There has been mixed reaction in the UK to the announcement that Becta (British Educational Communications and Technology Agency) is to beclosed down by November as part of the new Government’s public spending cuts. There has been speculation about this for weeks, ever since Becta was singled out as one of the many quangos that
Becta to close as a result of cutbacks Read More »
There has been a wonderful sharing of resources in relation to the use of game-making software on the MirandaNet network this week. This is an area that I have some experience in and I would like to share my thoughts and some links on useful tools. Game-making software provides a wonderful tool for young people
Game-making Software Read More »
Digital Cre8or is a new and exciting course where both teachers and pupils can learn all about creating and sharing digital media. The Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology has setup Digital Cre8or Ireland as a not for profit organisation that offers the British Computer Society’s Digital Cre8or award to teachers and