The task of supporting teachers to integrate ICT into teaching, learning and assessment practices is as big an issue today as it ever was for Irish teachers at all levels of education. Though thousands of teachers have been “trained” many feel they are not sufficiently competent to use digital technology in their classrooms. They appear
Shared Professional Practice Read More »
For the first time in 35 years I didn’t join the morning commute to school on the opening day of the new academic year as I had taken “Early Retirement” a month before the summer holidays began! I now find myself on the outside of the school railings, no longer a participant in the educational
The Flipped Classroom Read More »
As you may know the Department of Edcucation launched the Active School Flag in 2009 to promote physical activity within schools and their communities. There are a number of steps that primary or secondary schools have to follow to recieve the flag and these can be found on their website. At the moment my own
Using ICT to gain an Active School Flag Read More »
Towards the end of March I had the pleasure of attending the Atlantic Corridor STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) 2012 Conference in Tullamore and was inspired by the speakers on the day. The speakers included: Carol Lynn Parente the producer of “Sesame Street”, Ward Van Duffel (managing director of Lego Education), Marc Watson, president
Atlantic Corridor Stem Conference Read More »
Last Thursday The Irish Times carried an opinion piece by Brian O’Connell entitled, “Technology in classroom still in the Dark Ages”. In this article Brian makes some interesting observations on the state of ICT in Irish primary and second level schools. Though these observations appear to be based on personal experiences it is good to
“Technology in classroom still in the Dark Ages” – Are we Really? Read More »
”In 2009, 8,420 students sat higher-level mathematics; in 2010, it dropped to 8,390 and then last year further to 8,237. In 2010, 4,877 sat higher-level physics; last year it dropped to 4,782. In 2010, 6,298 sat higher-level chemistry; last year it dropped to 6,272. While the numbers sitting the Leaving Certificate in the last two
Bridging the Skills Gap Read More »
Primary Games Arena is a website I came across in September when looking for games that would help my Junior Infant class with their mouse control skills. It has subsequently become one of our most visited websites in the class. It is operated by Primary Technology which is a UK based company that provides ICT
Teachers sharing good practice within their profession Last Monday evening, November 7th, I had the pleasure to attend the launch of, Enhancing Literacy and Numeracy with ICTs in Dublin West Education Centre by Junior Minister Mr. Brian Hayes. This publication, which was also supported by Navan Education Centre, contains a total of 18 chapters, all
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Over the past few days, we have been looking out to see what the politicians are promising in regard to ICT in education and how they see (or don’t see) technology and e-learning enhancing the teaching and learning that’s taking place in our schools. Fianna Fáil’s Manifesto makes no mention of education or ICT. However,
ICT in Education: What are the Political Parties Promising? Read More »
As February rolls around, it’s time to mark the calendar for the weekend of the 4th & 5th – the 2011 CESI Conference. Once again the conference is in Portlaoise, which proved a popular venue last year. This year’s theme is ICT in Education – Changing Landscapes. Any Irish educator with an interest in integrating
ICT in Education – Changing Landscapes Read More »