Interviews via Video Conference
A few years ago I was asked an interesting question about whether it would be acceptable to host an interview a candidate for a job via Skype as she was on holidays at the time. Back then I refused as I wasn’t sure whether it would be an acceptable way of interviewing. The question, however, […]
Technology in Schools in the Dark Ages?
Great – another article damning schools and the Department of Education for failing the youth of today. The Irish Times recently published an article by Brian O’Connell who claims that since he was in school in 1985, nothing has changed in Irish schools when it comes to “teaching computers.” He claims that his son receives about […]
Games-based Learning
Idea Magazine is an online journal around technology ideas and this month, they’re focusing on Gaming. I was asked by journalist and writer, JJ Worrall, to speak about my opinions on Games-based Learning in the Classroom. I felt it only fair to point out that it is individual teachers in Ireland who are driving this […]
INTO uses Social Media during Congress
It’s good to see leadership in education. An example of this is in the INTO’s use of social media to report on the happenings at their annual congress in Killarney. I have been following the updates from the congress on Twitter and Facebook and both have proved very valuable in keeping up with things. I […]
Death of Gaeilge?
One of the official languages of Ireland is Irish and most children experience a compulsory 14 year cycle of Irish lessons on a daily basis in school but according to the article above, only 82,600 people in Ireland speak the language outside of school – approximately 2% of the population. In fact, Polish is now […]
Do we need Teaching Council 2.0?
It hasn’t been the best couple of months for the Teaching Council. Established six years ago “to promote teaching as a profession” and to “regulate standards” in teaching, the general perception amongst the teaching profession is that it hasn’t really achieved its aims. With the latest fiasco of errors in the latest election ballot forms, […]
Best Schools? Another missed opportunity.
Sunday newspapers often feature supplements on different topics. This week the Sunday Business Post featured one called Best Schools. Last time they did this, unfortunately, it was more or less an advertising feature for lots of different companies involved in education with a couple of interesting articles amongst the litter. This time, it’s far worse. […]
Technology and Pedagogy – not a chicken and egg
The IPPN conference is the biggest conference for primary school prinicpals in Europe with over 1,100 delegates. The event, which goes on for 3 days draws in some of the biggest names in education and media, all discussing everything relating to primary schools. This year the principals were addressed by the likes of Ben Walden […]
Something to think about Ruairi Quinn (Part 3)
The final part of my letter to Ruairi Quinn… Has there been any mention of learning here? Of children? Of humans? Basic human rights to respect and consideration. This is a country we should not be following or looking to. In Ireland, we have a basis of trust, consideration and respect for teachers in Ireland. […]
Something to think about Ruairi Quinn (Part 2)
Continuing from my letter from the last day, here is part 2… Instead, in the UK, schools are restricted by regulations, standards, targets and appraisals which are designed to give a uniform approach to learning, no matter the background of the school or child. Their Education Secretary is Michael Gove, as I am sure you […]