Prior to the pandemic, a criticism over the move to digital devices was that it often involved transferring traditional teaching practices online rather than harnessing the potential of technology. Students, for example, were sometimes learning from photos of textbooks on their devices.
Devices and digital technology, he says, will play an ever greater role in education over the coming years as learning platforms and resources improve. They could allow schools to share specialist teachers and expand students’ access to minority subjects; allow all-Irish schools to tackle teacher shortages by sharing resources.
The experiment has been a success in many ways, even if some individual students felt hard done by. It eased student anxiety, won public support and helped even out the playing field for students from poorer backgrounds. Most experts point to the need for catch-up education and support to help bridge these gaps. While a summer programme was a start, many point to the need for a more fundamental shift to ensure we meet the needs of all learners., chief executive of autism charity AsIAm, says major changes are needed to ensure the rights of children with disabilities are protected. “The reality is that many of these children in our education system are invisible,” he says.
Despite their discomfort, Teachers highlighted the limitations of traditional examinations ... and that the playing field of examinations is far from level, the proportion of teachers who want to “reset” is going to be considerably higher. Amid the many challenges that came from trying to reconstruct the Leaving Certificate in a pandemic, we had a glimpse of a Leaving Certificate 2.0. Extended opportunities to achieve in different formats. And at different times. Written exams as part of the assessment process, but not under pressure cooker conditions. The professionals most familiar with the students and their work playing a key role, but not as ultimate arbiter.
Schools are not just seats of learning – for many children they provide security, a structure to the day and a caring environment. In Deis – or disadvantaged – schools they provide breakfast clubs, lunch and after-school care and activities. Homeschool community liaison teachers and school completion staff provide an important link between school and home and are often the first to draw attention to child neglect or abuse.
I used to be a teacher in 2008. When everything fell apart due to another system! 😞 Primary curriculum was interesting but intense as there are 12 subjects. I don't remember trying to create 🤖 During the plan-demic I helped a family write an article in local paper.