Tag Archives: Maths

#DojochatEU is a Twitter hashtag for an event that happens every Wednesday from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. Yesterday evening was the first opportunity I had to join in and I am hoping to be able to take part as often as I can as part of my ClassDojo ambassadorship. I thought it might be a good idea to give my thoughts on the #DojochatEU each week that I take part in order to give my own thoughts to the questions, topics Read More...

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Question received to Anseo: What is IGTV? ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago

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An end of year technology tip for all principals (but also applicable to all teachers) out there: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgIzJVTEIdwA simple tip to help principals when it comes to technology. You might be surprised! ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

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Minister Bruton launches 2018 Digital Plan for Schools #edchatie

Somehow, I missed this announcement last week even so it contains 80 actions and sub actions to be completed before the end of 2018. I had a quick look through it.

The trouble with these documents is that they are exceptionally waffle-ridden and really difficult to read. Themes, subthemes, actions, subactions, etc. etc. It would be great if they just divided them into primary / post-primary and then broke them into categories.

At primary level, despite almost everyone in the world of edtech advising against introducing coding in primary schools, there will be a focus on coding in primary schools. One difference is that sticking it into the Maths curriculum seems to have disappeared to a more general view.

I am, however, interested in the plan for ePortfolios for primary schools and would welcome this if it was done well.

I also like that they seem to be working with ITEs (teacher training colleges) to enhance how they teach technology. This is one of the most scandalous things about teacher training. For whatever reason, technology is a separate module in all ITEs when technology is not a separate subject in schools, rightly so.

They are looking to give 400 more primary schools decent broadband (that's about 12% of schools), which I guess is better than previously promised.

So, 4 out of the 80 actions are of interest. Maybe 1 or 2 more that I missed among the waffle. If you want to read them all, check the link below.

www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2018-press-releases/PR18-06-08.html ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

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All sounds fab if we had half decent Wi-Fi connection at school!

Rose Marie Corry

Scandalous? Technology is taught across modules in ITE, not just in DL! Students get a lot of DL but not a lot of Geography. But I was using digital cameras in 2001 in Pats. And in DCU Geography Ed we use many Apps, various GIS platforms, digital photography, spreadsheets, data logging, video links, blogs, design not to mention social media - all embedded across Geography (and many other) modules. We also have had eportfolios for years! Most mapping is now in Maths, and the consultation on timings does not give current subjects as an option - so the dumbing down of Geography is coming, but we’ll keep at the hi tech (and the low tech) quality ITE!

The only way technology can be effectively improved and implemented in schools is by providing more high quality training. There needs to be a dedicated person in each cluster of schools. Online or eportfolios need to be easy and a natural part of the lesson, apps like showbie and seesaw offer effective solutions for schools.

Teaching Principals have been campaigning for almost 2 decades to have 1 administrative day per week. Despite assurances that this would be one of Richard Bruton's top priorities, they were left disappointed and frustrated again, with a slight increase falling well short.

It is a shame that a group of people have had to come together to set up a group to fight this case when representatives should be dealing with it. The IPPN have been campaigning relentlessly but others have sat back while initiatives such as Droichead, SSE, and so on have been allowed to stack more and more work on already overworked school leaders.

There are lots of solutions to this issue, but I've yet to see any creative thinking anywhere. Personally, the demand for one day per week of admin isn't going to make a huge amount of difference, but it's a minor step - it's at least some sort of admission that the job requires it. In my opinion, there shouldn't be a "Teaching Principal" that has full-time teaching duties and full-time administrative duties too. I believe everyone needs to comes up with big ideas - outlandish ones even - ones that may really challenge the system. How can we utilise 4th year students better? How can we learn from other jobs out there? Do we need to create a new job of "administrators" that are responsible for a number of schools? Do we - dare I say it - look at amalgamating nearby schools? Do we learn from schools with a similar makeup of small schools and what they do - and whether they are happy?

I think this forum is an ideal way to start these conversations and I'd urge all teachers, whether affected or not, to join this cause. Let's see how it develops and hope that this group will not be needed as soon as possible. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

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Thank you for the support.

Congratulations to Eilis Ní Raghallaigh from Co. Wexford who wins our fantastic Prim-Ed prize: Songs and Fingerplays for Early Years.

Thanks as usual to Prim-Ed for their support. Here is where you can buy the book. www.prim-ed.com/webshop/Infant-Classes/Art-and-Development-Activities/Songs-And-Fingerplays-For-T... ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago