<h1 style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;”><span style=”font-weight: normal;”>Digital technology is a very important tool in the classroom. Teachers can have a fear of technology and the changes it can bring to the traditional classroom. The use of interactive whiteboards used widely throughout Ireland opened the scope and possibilities of lessons and provided an engaging platform for the children and teacher alike to engage with. Digital technology allows for child led learning (of all children) rather than the traditional explicit teaching.</span></h1>
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<h1 style=”caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;”><span style=”font-weight: normal;”>It is important that the SSE focus for the coming years is how to manage the further introduction of ICT in our classrooms. As mentioned above, there is a large barrier of fear associated with introducing coding and ICT in the classroom and this can be alleviated by providing support and upskilling for staff. It is essential during SSE to allow for the change in mindset from being one of an educator to a facilitator. Although ICT will be implemented in all classrooms in the new curriculum, we want it to be sustainable and achievable and not just a hinderance or ‘tick the box’ requirement. </span></h1>