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not sure if that sway link is loading. https://sway.cloud.microsoft/7QFrlglp8WpVqUdy?ref=Link maybe that is better
Focusing on multidisciplinary, open-ended problem solving in a primary classroom shifts learning from memorizing content to creating solutions. When students face challenges without a single correct answer—like designing an inclusive playground or planning an eco-friendly lunch menu—they must draw knowledge from several subjects, collaborate with peers, and justify their decisions. This process develops resilience, creativity, and systems thinking.
As a teacher, my role becomes more of a facilitator, guiding students to research, test, and revise their ideas rather than supplying answers. Using this approach also allows for greater integration between subjects, for example literacy through persuasive writing, numeracy through budgeting, science through testing materials, and digital skills through presenting findings.
By intentionally designing problem solving opportunities, we are prepare children to face the complex, unpredictable problems of tomorrow’s world with confidence. We are also providing them the chance to do so while, collaborating with others, which ties in with some of the others 21st century skills.
OneNote, particularly when paired with Learning Tools, can transform how students engage in deeper learning. Unlike static notebooks, OneNote’s digital canvas allows students to organize ideas non-linearly, draw connections across topics, and integrate multimedia resources—all of which support critical thinking and inquiry. For example, students can embed videos, annotate diagrams, and collaborate in real time, creating living documents rather than final products.
Learning Tools extend this by improving accessibility and personalization. Features like Immersive Reader, dictation, and text-to-speech help every learner engage with material in ways that match their strengths, rather than being limited by reading speed or handwriting ability. When students can focus on meaning rather than mechanics, they have more cognitive space for analysis, synthesis, and reflection.
Together, OneNote and Learning Tools encourage student agency: learners curate content, pose questions, and revise their understanding continuously. This shift from passive consumption to active creation fosters genuine engagement and deeper, lasting understanding.
Link to OneNote https://wetns-my.sharepoint.com/:o:/g/personal/rafe_garland_wicklowetns_com/Es3weZCqpuFJg-AghDFpaS8B_O78sQuiffyDoBJYfPBn5w?e=QLWGbX
OneNote, particularly when paired with Learning Tools, can transform how students engage in deeper learning. Unlike static notebooks, OneNote’s digital canvas allows students to organize ideas non-linearly, draw connections across topics, and integrate multimedia resources—all of which support critical thinking and inquiry. For example, students can embed videos, annotate diagrams, and collaborate in real time, creating living documents rather than final products.
Learning Tools extend this by improving accessibility and personalization. Features like Immersive Reader, dictation, and text-to-speech help every learner engage with material in ways that match their strengths, rather than being limited by reading speed or handwriting ability. When students can focus on meaning rather than mechanics, they have more cognitive space for analysis, synthesis, and reflection.
Together, OneNote and Learning Tools encourage student agency: learners curate content, pose questions, and revise their understanding continuously. This shift from passive consumption to active creation fosters genuine engagement and deeper, lasting understanding.
Integrating digital technology in the classroom can move learning beyond rote tasks and toward richer, more engaging experiences. Tools such as interactive presentations, collaborative platforms like OneNote, or formative assessment apps can provide instant feedback, allow students to work at their own pace, and give them multiple pathways to demonstrate understanding. For example, using digital quizzes or portfolios helps me track progress more accurately and tailor lessons to individual needs.
Applying the School Self-Evaluation (SSE) Guidelines, I can gather evidence on how technology impacts learning, identify strengths and gaps, and set targeted improvement goals. By reflecting on student outcomes—engagement, collaboration, creativity—I can make informed adjustments rather than using technology for its own sake.
At a school level, developing my digital teaching practice contributes to a culture of innovation. Sharing strategies and results with colleagues supports collective improvement, ensuring that technology becomes a tool for meaningful, sustained learning rather than an add-on.
I believe that Microsoft Teams has great potential for sharing department resources. Our school would keep all of their policies, planning records, timetables etc on it. It’s great to have a centralised data storge that allows teachers to share resources with one another instantly. When taking over a new class, it can be very helpful to have access to the plans and resources used previously by teachers as a starting point for their own plans.
Similarly, I think it provides a great opportunity for children to work individually and collectively, while enhancing their digital literacy skills and making work more engaging. It comes with it’s challenges though as supervision of what happens on screens can be challenging and giving students a means to communicate electronically in school or at home, poses it’s only set of challenges, with regards cyber-bullying etc.
Link to steam presentation https://wetns-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/rafe_garland_wicklowetns_com/EXWe9JbW2AtIld8tO6dMkNUBu70LRhoI3H17m7LDmPm6Cg?e=8l2iIk&nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJTdHJlYW1XZWJBcHAiLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJTaGFyZURpYWxvZy1MaW5rIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXcifX0%3D
I believe that Microsoft Teams has great potential for sharing department resources. Our school would keep all of their policies, planning records, timetables etc on it. It’s great to have a centralised data storge that allows teachers to share resources with one another instantly. When taking over a new class, it can be very helpful to have access to the plans and resources used previously by teachers as a starting point for their own plans.
Similarly, I think it provides a great opportunity for children to work individually and collectively, while enhancing their digital literacy skills and making work more engaging. It comes with it’s challenges though as supervision of what happens on screens can be challenging and giving students a means to communicate electronically in school or at home, poses it’s only set of challenges, with regards cyber-bullying etc.
Link to Sway: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/qLyWGpMtzL2znfDX?ref=Link
I found the module informative. I especially enjoyed learning about, and engaging with Microsoft Sway. Previously I would have used Powerpoint to create similar content but I think that Sway might be more visually appealing and user friendly, especially for young people.
I believe that forms is a very useful tool, not just for the teaching and learning, but also its uses in day to day administration and communication with staff, especially in a large school.
The Microsoft Education centre was not something that I was aware previously. It is a resource that I will be sharing with my colleagues, especially ones that might be unsure about how to make the jump into the new age of technology that is engulfing education. The potential for professional development is great and it is presented through a clear, informative way and allows users to engage at their own pace.
