Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny has been revealed as the first Irish primary school to join the Microsoft School of the Future Programme. The announcement was made by Dr Jimmy Devins, Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, TD at the Meath VEC Education Innovation Schools event in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath.
The programme will extend constructivist learning experiences across the curriculum and throughout the school year to change what and how pupils learn, how the school operates as a learning community and how it interacts with the general community. The aim is for Scoil Naomh Fiachra pupils to become lifelong, independent, active learners, who can apply what they learn to new and unaccustomed situations and have the learning skills appropriate to the task.
Minister Devins, making the announcement said, “Developing an e-learning culture in all schools, where ICT is fully embedded in teaching and learning across the curriculum is a major priority for this Government and is the reason that we have set up a dedicated committee to examine how we can best leverage technology to generate the skills and knowledge our teachers and pupils need.”
Paul Rellis, managing director, Microsoft Ireland said, “When we at Microsoft talk about 21st Century Learning, we mean a model where our school children learn the skills now that will help them participate in the Innovation Economy in the future.
“Dunshaughlin Community College is an example of 21st Century learning at the second level but research shows that the children who have access to technology early develop better skills for use in later life. This is why we are rolling out the School of the Future Programme to Scoil Naomh Fiachra, a primary school, which is led by the innovative and visionary Tommy Maher. It promises to be a model of excellence and an example to inspire other schools throughout Ireland.”
“As a member of the Innovative Teachers network we have been exposed to best practice and experience from schools across the globe,” said Tommy Maher, principal of Scoil Naomh Fiachra. “The experience to date has been fascinating and has allowed us to share our ideas and put some new processes and infrastructure in place which will benefit both our teachers and students. I look forward to building ion this work as a member of the Microsoft School of the Future Programme.”
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers