Teaching & Learning with ICT

Simple Ideas to Benefit All Learners

Introduction

Integrating technology has long been a policy aim in Ireland; however, the results have been patchy. In this course, we try to take a fresh look at getting the best out of ICT, for our students and for ourselves as teacher. This core aim of this course is to introduce some simple technologies that will challenge and extend our pupils’ understanding and creativity. In addition, the course introduces free tools to support teachers and simplify our classroom workflow. The role which technology can play in removing barriers to learning for our pupils with special needs is the focus of a separate module.

Course Overview
Course Content
ASSESSMENT & AWARD
Tutors and Support

About the course
Recent developments in technology and the Internet have turned the focus from passively viewing other people’s work to actively creating our own content. Imagine your class demonstrating their knowledge of a subject by posting to the class blog, by updating the class wiki or by tweeting about their match. The great thing about these developments is that most of the tools are free and very easy to use. The focus of this course is to introduce these technologies and offer simple ways to integrate them into your teaching. In addition, we will discuss how technology can support all our pupils and reduce barriers to learning.

Who is this course aimed at?
This course is designed for primary and secondary teachers, SNAs, youth workers and those working with learners in many different contexts

Approved by the Department of Education
This course is approved by the Department of Education.

Three EPV days will be allowed for primary school teachers who take the course during the summer term. Please note this provision applies only to the summer term as per Department guidelines.

This course will run during our Summer & Autumn terms
We are now accepting enrolments for the Summer term. If you are doing a course for EPV days, you need to complete it by 20th August.

The course introduces simple technologies to challenge and extend our pupils’ understanding and places them in the context of technology integration in Ireland. Detailed tutorials on setting up your first blog and wiki will be offered and best practice exemplars will be showcased.

Next we will discuss the role of technology in simplifying our record-keeping and collaborative work as teachers. Again the emphasis will be on simple-to-implement changes using free or low-cost tools.

The third focus is on the role of technology as an enabler and support to a diverse range of pupils using research-proven models of integration.

Our course concludes with an overview of free downloadable tools for use in your classroom when you return for the next academic year. We will also offer a range of free online CPD options to keep you abreast of emerging trends in this area.

Highlights

Access free tools to support your pupils and to streamline your own work as a teacher.
Learn how to set up your own blog and wiki.
Avail of our online blog and wiki (with additional updated content and tutorials).
Learn how to curate your favourite links and sites so that you can access them in your class or at home.
Save printable course materials and resources for future reference.

Interactive Learning Assignments accompany each module. Each student is also required to complete a Reflective Assignment as well as a CPD record.

On completion, you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development and a Learning Log of your work, which can be included in your CPD portfolio.

All of our tutors are experts in the area of ICT for Teaching & Learning and will provide you with one-to-one guidance as you complete your studies online.

Technical support is provided by our dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who are available to assist you by telephone or email.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:

“This course has certainly been an eye opener for me and has deepened my understanding and appreciation of technology in education and has re-ignited my interest in using the course content in my everyday practice for the betterment of all.”

Veronica Byrne