[Pat Brennan]

Hi again Melissa,

Thanks for such a comprehensive reply outlining how you would apply the SETT model in your context. Like other participants, using it alongside the School Support Plan is the best approach and helps ensure that tools are selected based on actual needs and context.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to access the example you shared via Google Docs, likely due to permissions but from your outline, the example of supporting a student with dyslexia and possible dyscalculia is practical and well thought out. The range of tools you’re exploring with this fictional pupil show how digital supports can be matched to specific tasks. As you noted, creating your own SETT plan really highlights how the model encourages thoughtful decision-making rather than defaulting to what’s available.

One suggestion going forward is to include pupil feedback as part of the review process. This can help ensure the supports remain relevant and effective, while also giving the pupil a sense of ownership of their learning.

[Pat Brennan]

No worries Fiona.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Kate,

Welcome to the course. You’ve captured the potential of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and Gemini to support teaching, learning and assessment clearly, and it’s great that you’re already thinking about their practical use for planning, assessment and resource creation.

Your point about the importance of critical and ethical use is really important. As you mentioned, addressing misconceptions like the idea that AI can’t be trusted or will replace teachers is essential. You also mooted AI embracing school environment, one practical suggestion here is that the school (Led by the Digital Learning Team) develop shared guidelines or a charter for GenAI use. This could help ensure consistency and support a culture of critical and ethical use across the whole school.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Laura,

It’s great to hear how you’re already applying tools like Diffit and MagicSchool in practical ways to support differentiation. Using Diffit to adapt reading materials for mixed-ability groups is a strong example of how GenAI can save time while improving access for all learners.

I also like your idea of using MagicSchool to generate Gaeilge vocabulary quizzes but I agree we need to be mindful of the potential limitations of AI when it comes  to minority languages. Possibly, trialling a few outputs and reviewing them for accuracy is the way to go and maybe, depending on their level,  getting your pupils involved spotting errors, could turn a limitation into a learning opportunity.

To finish, your thoughts on the role of AI in gemeral leading towards more responsive and inclusive teaching ring true.  As you and other participants have noted, the key is balance, using these tools to enhance creativity and efficiency, while continuing to guide pupils in using them critically and ethically.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Caroline,

Welcome to the course. Great to have the reflections of a second-level teacher on the course as the vast majority of participants are naturally viewing DE thtough the lens of primary teaching, learning and assessment. I wasn’t aware of Personalised Programmes for  Junior Cycle, but DE themes are certainly well suited to a short course structure.

Your focus on encouraging collaboration with other L2LP and class-level teachers is also commendable. Sharing the purpose and potential of the course will help build a more inclusive and consistent approach across your school.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Michelle,

Welcome to the course. You’ve clearly outlined how assistive technologies can support inclusive teaching, not just for pupils with additional needs but for all learners. Tools like voice-to-text, screen readers, timers and digital organisers, as you mentioned, can make a real difference in how children access and engage with learning.

Your links to the SSE process and the Digital Learning Framework are well made. It’s encouraging to see how AT can support engagement, independence and more accurate assessment, while also reflecting your school’s commitment to inclusion and digital learning.

Like many other contributors on the forum, you’ve identified how the SETT framework can be integrated with the SSP. I also like how you plan to involve your pupils in the process. Having, and listening to, pupil voice is really important as the meaningful implementation of AT should be responsive and pupil-centred.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi again Grainne,

Your lesson plan on Irish landforms is a great example of how GenAI can be used to enhance a Geography lesson. The combination of visual generation, discussion, and formative assessment through Kahoot makes for a well-rounded and engaging lesson. It’s also great to see the emphasis on critical thinking, comparing AI-generated images with real ones and discussing trust in AI outputs. It’s so important that pupils begin to question the reliability of AI-generated content from an early age. One suggestion to build on this would be to introduce activities where pupils compare AI outputs with trusted sources or real-world examples. This could help develop their critical thinking and digital literacy more broadly.

Another suggestion as you continue exploring these tools, is to involve pupils in creating guidelines for using AI responsibly in the classroom. This can help reinforce the idea that while AI is a helpful assistant, it’s not always accurate and that human judgement still plays a key role.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Rina,

Welcome to the course! It’s good to hear that this module helped clarify some of the uncertainties around AI. I completely agree that the safety of staff and pupils is paramount, and including clear guidance in the school’s AUP from the outset is an importaant step toward that.

Your experience using ChatGPT for planning and research shows how practical GenAI tools can be when used purposefully. Exploring platforms like Copilot and Gemini will definitely broaden your toolkit for creating lesson content. As a rule of thumb, I try to run any prompt through at least two tools to compare and contrast.

I also agree, the future is bright with the potential for continual advancements in these tools. But as you rightly pointed out, it’s about getting the balance right. AI can certainly enhance learning, but the human must always stay in the loop.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Fiona,

Welcome to the course. You’ve clearly outlined how Immersive Reader can make digital text more accessible for pupils with a range of learning and physical needs, through features like read-aloud, line focus, image dictionary and text spacing. Using Teams assignments is a practical way to integrate these features, alongside other Windows accessibility tools like speech recognition.

To build on this, you could try designing a short digital task where pupils use voice control or speech-to-text to respond to a piece of text. This could support learners who find writing or fine motor tasks challenging, while also encouraging oral language development and confidence in using assistive tools.

You’ve also highlighted the importance of adapting input devices. Simple changes like using larger touchscreens or alternatives to standard mice can make a big difference. Assistive technology is often about small, thoughtful adjustments that help make learning more inclusive and accessible.

[Pat Brennan]

Personally, I think Class Notebook is one of the best 365 tools to use in a classroom but if you’re student’s don’t have access, its appeal/benefits are diminished.

[Pat Brennan]

No problem Sarah,

Thanks for letting me know.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Lauren,

You’ve clearly outlined how to approach Climate Action in a way that connects both local and global perspectives, and your emphasis on helping children move from fear to understanding makes sense.

Starting with pupil-led research ensures they have the necessary knowledge to devise meaningful action strategies. To build on this, you could consider linking with another school, either locally or internationally, to collaborate on a climate action project. This might involve exchanging ideas, comparing environmental challenges, or creating digital content like posters or short videos. One such initiative is Global Classrooms, which I’ve mentioned previously on these fora. It’s organised anually by Green Schools and powerfully reinforces the idea that climate action is a shared, global responsibility.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Alex,

Welcome to the course. You’ve outlined how digital tools like Google Classroom and Docs can support collaboration and independent learning, and I agree, the Be Internet Awesome resource is a particularly useful way to reinforce responsible online behaviour, especially as it can be used both in school and at home, as you’ve noted.

On School Self-Evaluation, using it to assess how effectively digital tools are improving engagement and learning outcomes is a good, evidence-based approach. It helps avoid using technology for its own sake. Sticking with Google tools, you might consider using Forms to gather pupil feedback on their digital learning, or even exploring Notebook LM to compile reflective journals. Both options can help students think more critically about how they use technology, while giving you valuable insights into what’s working.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Justine,

You’ve chosen a very relevant SDG, and your focus on Climate Action (SDG 13) is grounded in both your pupils’ experiences and a broader global perspective. Linking local weather changes to global challenges helps make the issue more real and meaningful for pupils, particularly, as outlined, those with personal connections to vulnerable regions.

Your school’s existing initiatives, like the school garden and Green Schools Committee, provide a great foundation for your work in this space. Another suggestion I have, is to start pupil-led climate storytelling project, where pupils collect and share stories, through video, audio or digital posters, about how climate change affects their families or communities. This could support Priority Action Area 5 by connecting local voices to global issues, while also building empathy, communication skills and a sense of agency.

[Pat Brennan]

Hi Grainne,

You’ve explored a great mix of GenAI tools and how they could support teaching, learning and assessment in your classroom. From creative writing and differentiated reading support, to resource creation and presentation tools, your examples like summarising chapters and translation for EAL pupils,  cleraly show how AI could be integrated across subjects and diverse learner needs.

To build on what you’ve already outlined, you could use Copilot or MagicSchool AI to create a class glossary for a novel or or another subject area. Pupils could contribute key terms or questions, and the AI could help structure and visualise the content. This would support revision, vocabulary development and collaboration, while also giving pupils a real sense of agency.

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