First Dates Ireland

This is my first blog in a couple of months and my first attempt to maintain blogs for resources. Possibly I aim to do one a least one a week and I wanted to write this one as soon as possible as the idea only came to me on the 10th September.

I was attending mass and today’s gospel was the Parable of the Prodigal son from the book of Luke. The priest followed with the homily commenting that the Prodigal Son is one of the most difficult parables to appreciate as it shows the father praising the return of the son who appeared greedy and irresponsible whiles the hard working son was not accredited for his hard work. The moral of the story is that God loves us no matter what we do in the past. This story does not appear to all for that reason and there can be many examples that can be found in modern day to day lives.

The priest in the homily acknowledged how the story also focuses on the persons redemption and to turn away from our bad past is worth a celebration and worthy of recognition, as in in the words of Oscar Wilde; every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.

The priest also related the story to an episode of First Dates Ireland that he recently watched ( a very trendy and up to date priest altogether). Anyway he discussed an episode where two people meet and click fairly well on their date. However it is noted by the girl that the man is not drinking, when the girl questions him on this, he admits he is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. They discussed the matter for a while and even though they got along very well the woman decided not to meet the man again because of his past. This simply raises an ethical questions was the woman right? Her reasons were certainly justified. However her choice certainly places the man in a difficult position in that he is being reminded of his past and not feeling rewarded for overcoming his problems.

The episode, if can be found, is a great resource for the topic of social development and ethical choices. Teenagers may easily encounter similar problems, but it raises social and political questions.

http://www.her.ie/entertainment/recovering-addict-big-hit-first-dates-rejected-revealing-past/288787

Above is the link illustrating what happened on the date and the twitter reactions. The resource is effective for a mature discussion methodology lesson.

#5j16, #edchatie, #education, #reflection, #teaching-resources-2

Virtual Learning Environments

Source: Department of Education and Skills, Digital Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, Enhancing Teaching, Learning and Assessment, P.19. In light of your understanding of pedagogy and technology please provide a critical commentary on the following statement:

“The concept of teaching and learning through the use of ICT is highly complex. The introduction of ICT into a learning environment does not in and of itself bring about change in pedagogical practice. (Butler et al., 2013; p.5)”

 

Introduction

ICT has completely changed the world over the course of the past two decades and we have seen an excessive influx of it in modern jobs and teaching is no exception. With this, there is a question surrounding whether teachers are pedagogically using ICT in the classroom is it just being used a replacement for traditional resources. ICT does not, nor should it bring about the change in the pedagogical practice, a good teacher should not be defined by what kind of resources that they use but instead how they use these resources, if they need them at all. Having said all of that, there is by no means any reason why these influx of ICT resources should replace sufficient teaching strategies. ICT is a bonus opposed to an assistance or replacement in education for both teacher and student material. However with this recent introduction of ICT there is a simple question then to follow, what training is provided to teachers to use ICT to ensure the obstacles of ICT competency for teachers is managed first before using it for the pupils. What is the point of using ICT at all if the teachers are not trained in how to appropriately incorporating them into their pedagogy. Schools find it difficult to effectively integrate ICT into their everyday practice.’

For the purpose of this essay,  I will be examining the 2014 Horizon School Report and the OECD report on ICT in education across the globe, the NCCA key skills in Ireland in addition to appraising to the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, Enhancing teaching, learning and Assessment.

 

Department of Education; Strategies for Digital Learning

The Publication by the Department of Education and skills on digital strategy acknowledges the issue that incorporating ICT into the classroom is not a simple matter and requires more than just simple teaching. The ‘difficulty in integrating ICT arises from traditional school practices rather than teachers’ views of teaching.’ Through my own research regarding the teacher’s’ view on the use of ICT in class, many teachers hold a strong view that both students and teachers need to have skills in using ICT with 82% of 50 people seeing it as vital for students and 62% completely agreeing teachers need to have the same skill. It is undeniable that ICT has paved the way for a new and easy way of living but in no circumstance should it be our replacement.

The strategy claims senior cycle pupils should be encouraged to build on their previous knowledge of ICT, but I think there needs to be an argument made for the lack of specific subjects relating to ICT at senior cycle in a total. With all of these new reforms to Junior Certificate subjects they do little to prep students for the senior cycle examinations as it stands. Incorporating more assessment and CA to be digitally submitted would encourage teachers to become familiar with ICT basics. This however would not be utilising ICT as a replacement for teaching and learning but more so an appropriate way to play on senior’s prior development of skills developed at junior cycle. On top of that, LCVP and and TY, which are optional in comparison to the mainstream leaving certificate all offer ICT modules and assessment even though some teachers may not be as accustomed to using ICT and may not receive the appropriate training due to lack of numbers in these programmes.

The NCCA highlights how the use of ICT can be used to promote certain key skills. Their most notable is that of information processing and communicating. It suggests using ICT such as powerpoints etc but I think there needs to be more practical uses of ICT if hoping to promote ICT in this area.

My main argument is that a teacher is not defined by what sources and how up to date they are with modern technology. Having said that, I am not denying that certain ICT tools are not phenomenal for helping pupils. Web 2.0 Tools have certainly proved useful in helping to enhance such skills. PodOMatic delivers as a strong device for both skills, as WordPress and other forms of online sharing sites certainly enhance literacy and numeracy especially for students with dyspraxia and dyslexia allowing them to make corrections easier and building on other skills.

Concern for ICT pedagogy in curriculum has been address by the Tpack program. The Tpack is a ‘Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is a framework to understand and describe the kinds of knowledge needed by a teacher for effective pedagogical practice in a technology enhanced learning environment.’ It attempts to identify the nature of knowledge required by teachers for technology their use and integration of such into the classroom. The framework of which extends on Shulman’s idea of Pedagogical content knowledge. ‘Shulman defined pedagogical content knowledge as teachers’ interpretations and transformations of subject-matter knowledge in the context of facilitating student learning.’ With this, teachers can appropriately introduce ICT into their teaching without relying on ICT to drive the class, but instead their prior multifaceted knowledge of teaching.

Horizon Report Europe – 2014                  

The Horizon Report Europe – 2014 School Edition details some of the finding in recent years as to what impact ICT is having on education and what obstacles are arising including using tablets in the classroom and most notably combating ICT incompetence.

A question raised that I find to be of keen interest is ‘Which technologies will be most important to teaching, learning, or creative inquiry in European schools within the next five years?’ The Horizon report depicts the issue for the necessity of adolescents becoming familiar with ICT in schools. Statistically, it shows 90% of jobs in Europe by 2020 will require some ICT skills which is highlighted by the progression at which ICT is replacing filing and hard copy records. However, Horizon clarify this as a compatible issue, however it is vital we address is properly

Currently teaching students, I can see the necessity for familiarity with ICT and how it can engage pupils in a topic. However coming from a DEIS school I can still see an issue of funding and students overall competence with technology.With that ICT does not necessarily assist in classroom management, yes powerpoints and short videos from YouTube are beneficial for focusing students but in no way clarify a topic for them if not appropriately related back to their own unique understanding and comparative thinking.

Jean Piaget conducted insightful research into the stages of intellectual development. At this stage of an adolescent’s progress they are becoming more capable of mentally figuring things out over practically. ‘Piaget considered the concrete stage a major turning point in the child’s cognitive development, because it marks the beginning of logical or operational thought.’ In addition to that, if we look at Piaget’s work on constructivism, and from this we can see the necessity of strategy in appropriately using digital sources in the classroom. ‘Fifty years of experience have taught us that knowledge does not result from a mere recording of observations without a structuring activity on the part of the subject.’ People construct their own understanding and knowledge through their own experiences, a teacher’s role is to promote this form of learning.  We incorporate things knowledge such as where the student comes from, their interests and domestic trends; we use ICTas a means to encourage this similarly as to how we appropriately use a poster in class, by customising and individualising the resource to accommodate the pupils prior understanding. ‘Piaget does place enormous stress on the fact that the young knower is both mentally and physically active; indeed, knowledge growth is described by Piaget in terms of the dynamic processes of assimilation, accommodation, and equilibration, and the construction and internalization of action schemas.’ To relate this statement to our ICT and pedagogy, a teacher provokes the pupils’ mental and critical development; ICT cannot provide the pupils with a challenge unless it has a purpose for form of assessment. Therefore strategy and curriculum for independent thinking come into vital effect.

Furthermore, if we examine the role of the servant leader, promoted by Robert Greenleaf, one does not rely on ICT or any form of practical resource for a good lesson, but instead to rely on pupils cognitive development as Piaget suggested. Our job as teachers is not replaced by machines, instead it is more apparent than ever that teachers are present to accommodate the new ethical issues that arise with adolescents using modern technology and ensure the new generation are not over reliant on ICT to promote their practical and basic understanding of their cognitive development.

 

OECD –
Ireland’s Position in the ranks of how much ICT is used in schools across the globe.

The OECD report recently published statistics regarding how much ICT is used in schools in countries around the world. The stats showed that Ireland was placed in the centre illustrating a happy medium between reliance on ICT and practical resources.

‘Ireland is ranked fifth from the bottom for use of ICT in schools, and fourth from the bottom for the use of ICT for schoolwork at home, the report shows. Irish teenagers spend on average 16 minutes on the internet at school during weekdays compared to an OECD average of 25 minutes, and a high of 58 minutes in Australia.’

Other countries such as Australia however had a stark contrast with a high percentage of time allocated to students using ICT in school. Furthermore we rank one of the lowest for use and dependance on the Internet in schools. To some, including myself, this comes as a surprise as more and more schools in Ireland are adapting to virtual classrooms such as Edmodo, Google Classroom and Eportal being more frequently used in classrooms throughout the country. A simple question arises from this statistic, does this sue of ICT work? I furthered examined Australia’s ICT policy in schools to receive a clearer image as to what exactly is dividing the youth

Examining the Pedagogies and Digital Content in the Australian School Sector by Robert Baker we can receive a coherent reason as to why and how Australia has focused so much on ICT  in schools. They have taken part in a lot of research regarding the necessity of ICT for pupils in school. ‘Theories of learning have been promoted and adapted, models of online learning design identified, pedagogy and professional development frameworks developed, standards established for teachers to work towards, and extensive professional support provided centrally and in schools.’ Cross examining this with Irish schools we can see differences in ratios of number of students to computer;

‘The student-computer ratio (SCR) in Irish schools is 9.1:1 at primary level and 7:1 at post-primary level. Information available from the OECD suggests that countries that have taken the lead in the provision of ICT in schools are aiming for or achieving a SCR of 5:1.’

In return Australia, aimed that by the end of 2011, there would be a ratio of 1:1 in terms of number of computers to students, a significant difference to Ireland’s 7:1 at post-Primary. Australia, will have the country will have supplied ‘individual desktops, laptops and iPads for more than 500,000 students between grades 9 and 12.’ With these drastic differences in recent years to Australian education, only time will tell how effective or ineffective it will become. Their excessive reliance on ICT should not be frowned upon but neither should it be applauded as ICT is in Steve Jobs word, is alone not enough. ‘Technology married with liberal arts [and} humanities, that … makes our hearts sing.’

The most striking find in the OECD report and analysis is that “Another interpretation is that we have not yet become good enough at the kind of pedagogies that make the most of technology . . . Technology can amplify great teaching, but great technology cannot replace poor teaching.” Teachers are still the ones who make a lesson great. Even MOOC courses quality are based on what effort is placed on the teaching, learning and assessment.

 

Conclusion:

To conclude, I think there is a lot to the said for the title of the text published by the Department of Education and Skills. The text is a digital strategy to enhance teaching, learning and assessment. It does not in any way show how good a teacher is if there is a fancy ICT tool in the class. Simply returning to the point that the resources does not make the teacher but the teacher makes the resource whatever that may be. I recently engaged in a conversation on twitter regarding how could certain video games be used to teach students about a subject like history. Certain games create immersive worlds which illustrate how historical time periods such as the Middle Ages and Renaissance Italy. Undeniably ICT use with smart phones, video games and the internet provide quick and easy access for people for information and self motivated learning. However, it is still the case that a teacher needs to incorporate ICT and not to use it as a fit replacement for their pedagogy.

Works Cited

Charlier, Nathalie, and Bieke De Fraine. “Game-Based Learning in Teacher Education.” International Journal of Game-Based Learning 2.2 (2012): 1-12. Print.

Doering, Aaron et al. “Using the technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge framework to design online learning environments and professional development.” Journal of Educational Computing Research 41.3 (2009): 319-346.

“Education and Technology Development.” (2013). Print.

Howell, Jennifer. Teaching with ICT: Digital Pedagogies for Collaboration & Creativity. Print.

Humphreys, John. Irish teens among best at using internet – The Irish Times. 2015. 17 May. 2016 <http://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/irish-teens-among-best-at-using-internet-1.2351639>

Johnson, Larry, Samantha Adams Becker, Victoria Estrada, Alex Freeman, Panagiotis Kampylis, Riina Vuorikari, and Yves Punie. The NMC Horizon Report Europe: 2014 Schools Edition. Luxembourg: Publications Office, 2014. Print.

“Key Skills.” – National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Web. 20 May 2016.

Lehrer, Jonah. “Steve Jobs: “Technology Alone Is Not Enough”.” The New Yorker. 07 Oct. 2011. Web. 20 May 2016.

Mulkeen, Aidan. “The Digital Divide in Irish Schools: Should We Be Worried?” Irish Educational Studies 22.1 (2003): 165-81. Print.

Schmidt, Denise A et al. “Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) the development and validation of an assessment instrument for preservice teachers.” Journal of Research on Technology in Education 42.2 (2009): 123-149.

Shulman, Lee. “Knowledge and teaching: Foundations of the new reform.” Harvard educational review 57.1 (1987): 1-23.

“Strengthening Education for Innovation.” OECD Science, Technology and Industry Outlook 2012 OECD Science, Technology and Industry Outlook (2012). Print.

Transforming the Way We Learn: A Vision for the Future of ICT in Schools. London: Dept. for Education and Skills, 2002. Print.

 

Practical Living skills.

Curriculum in education is a very controversial matter and with the recent introduction of the new Junior Certificate programme. Kevin Williams and Elaine McDonald cover a wide range of issues dealing with Curriculum inquiry in Ireland and raise valid points and

 

Pedagogy and Curriculum:

Can education ever have a system where one suit fits all? It is safe to say no as we all have different learning capabilities. An argument could be made that any type of education is better than none but surely we need to encourage diversity and not solely gear students toward the jobs in growing society but of course to ensure they are provided with as much choice as possible. Motivation is a prime concern for pupils in schools but

 

The LCA programme analysis is without a doubt the most intriguing section for me personally. Why? I currently teach LCA and it is, in theory, without a shadow of a doubt perfect for students who would not suffice and get what they need through the general leaving certificate programme. The main reason I reckon it fails in addition to what MacDonald and Williams states is because of low numbers. LCA is evidently for the weaker students and in many schools, especially DEIS, weak students are sometimes too the students with the worst behaviour records and therefore are sent to LCA so they won’t disrupt the general leaving cert classes.

Connecting the Curriculum with Practical Learning

It is vital that subjects in school are taught in relation to students own original knowledge and understandings. Would advancing LCA solve the problems that have come with it? It may increase the numbers of pupils for the course and therefore allow schools to place more emphasis on subject variety for the pupils and would allow students to further explore their interested area without the concern of lack of work. I would undoubtedly agree with the idea of advancing LCA, simply because the lack of work and course material to cover in subjects. The aim of the LCA programme is ‘to prepare students for the transition from the world of education to that of adult and working life including further education.’

 

In response to the suggestions in particular regarding the focus of guidance counsellors, I think there is still a great deal done by counselors to encourage the appropriate students for LCA. I cannot base my opinion off one school however I can say that the improvement of LCA does not boil down to the school but the curriculum overall. Many schools that do hope to treat LCA appropriately . A workload that parallels the general leaving certificate but differs in marking schemes and subjects. Often students who are weak sometimes also tend to be the worst for discipline, the main issue for discipline is a lack of work for pupils. Broader subject choices is definitely something that would encourage LCA numbers. The text argues some subjects are not gender neutral but many schools who do have LCA do not have access to construction workshops or art classrooms so it comes down.

 

It is currently maybe seen that LCA limits the careers in which pupil can per

 

For the Presentation:

Practical abilities are just as important

What programme would connect pupils to the outside world. The LCVP programme certainly encourages such practical skills, gearing pupils towards employability for when they are to leave school and pursue their goals.  

The LCA programme also is relative to such ideas but has been viewed under any different lights as a result of the types of students that it attracts.

Originally created as a supplement leaving certificate, provided for the weaker students academically, the LCA course has instead been almost tarnished for the reason that many schools categorised it as a the course for the more uncooperative students with discipline issues over the students who properly do LCA.

On top of that there is a lack of flexibility in the programme for students and subject choices. Most likely because there is a low number in the programme

I chose this section as it is relative to the new junior cert, which focuses on how to promote practical skills such as communication and information management, all relative for he outside world.

 

INTRO

• Williams and McNamara explained in 1985 that there was not a significant amount of research and development on improving the school curriculum to enhance practical living skills.
• LCA was introduced

 

Financing is of course a majo

Age of Exploration

This is a series of definitions for the navigation for the Age of Exploration section.

Mr. Courtney                                                                                                                                                   4/9/2014

Age of Exploration

Advances in Travel

• Maps
• At the beginning of the fifteenth century, cartographers (people who drew maps) produced more detailed maps of Europe and the known world.
• The Portuguese used maps called portolan (which means harbour finding) maps which were very detailed about the coastline.
• Navigation
• Sailors used compasses to show the direction in which they were sailing.
• Sailors began to work out their latitude (their distance north or south of the equator) using instruments called quadrants and astrolabes. Both instruments measured the height of the sun or the north star above the horizon.
• The speed of a ship was measured using the log and line. A sailor threw a piece of wood (log) into the sea from the back of the boat. This was attached to a reel of knotted rope (line). The amount of rope that was pulled by the wood in one minute was then measured.
• Life on the ship
• Life at sea was tough. Ships could end up hundreds of miles off course, especially in seas that had never been mapped. Shipwrecks due to storms or crashing into rocks were common. Biscuits called hardtack were commonly eaten. Other food sailors ate included cheese, onions, dried beans, and salted fish or recently caught fish.
• This poor diet meant that the crews regularly suffered from diseases such as typhoid (from bad water) and scurvy (from a lack of vitamin C).
• Sailors often found themselves attacked by hostile natives.

#5j16, #classroom-ideas, #edchatie, #history, #key-skills, #teaching-resources-2

Series of Quotations: ICT in the Classroom

Courtesy of :http://edtechreview.in/news/2112-technology-in-education-quotes

1) “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.” – Bill Gates

2) “There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new age technology, but if teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails.” – Nancy Kassebaum

3) “Any teacher that can be replaced with a computer, deserves to be.” – David Thornburg

4) “Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought, or an event.” – Heidi-Hayes Jacobs

5) “It is not about the technology; it’s about sharing knowledge and information, communicating efficiently, building learning communities and creating a culture of professionalism in schools. These are the key responsibilities of all educational leaders.” – Marion Ginapolis

6) “Education is evolving due to the impact of the Internet. We cannot teach our students in the same manner in which we were taught. Change is necessary to engage students not in the curriculum we are responsible for teaching, but in school. Period.” – April Chamberlain

7) “We need to embrace technology to make learning more engaging. Because when students are engaged and they are interested, that’s where learning takes place.”

8) “We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.” – David Warlick

9) “When we talk about 21st century pedagogy, we have to consider many things—the objectives of education, the curriculum, how assessment strategies work, the kind of technology infrastructure involved, and how leadership and policy facilitate attaining education goals.” – Chris Dede, Harvard University

10) 21st Century Education won’t be defined by any new technology. It won’t be just defined by 1:1 technology programs or tech-intensive projects. 21st Century Education will, however, be defined by a fundamental shift in what we are teaching – a shift towards learner-centered education and creating creative thinkers. – Karl Fisch

11) “Integrating technology with face-to-face teacher time generally produces better academic outcomes than employing either technique alone.” – Edutopia

12) “Yes, kids love technology, but they also love legos, scented markers, handstands, books and mud puddles. It’s all about balance.”

13) “Technology can become the “wings” that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before—if we will allow it.” – Jenny Arledge

14) Teachers need to stop saying, “Hand it in,” and start saying “Publish It.” Alan November

15)  “The technology itself is not transformative. It’s the school, the pedagogy, that is transformative.” – Tanya Byron

16) “It is important to remember that educational software, like textbooks, is only one tool in the learning process. Neither can be a substitute for well-trained teachers, leadership, and parental involvement.” – Keith Krueger

17) “ICT is not the future of our chidren’s education, it is the present and we need to make investment in ICT now!” – National Association of Advisors for Computer in Education

18)  The real power of interactive technologies is that they let us learn in ways that aren’t otherwise possible or practical. – David Lassner

19) “The need to know the capital of Florida died when my phone learned the answer: Rather, the students of tomorrow need to be able to think creatively: they will need to learn on their own, adapt to new challenges and innovate on-the-fly.” – Anthony Chivetta, high school student in Missouri

20) “Learners in the internet age don’t need more information. They need to know how to efficiently use the massive amount of information available at their fingertips – to determine what’s credible, what’s relevant, and when its useful to reference.” – Anna Sabramowicz

#5j16, #edchatie, #ict

Notes for Virtual Environment

Lecture 2 : Day 2: Enda Donlon

What does the term virtual environment mean to you?

• simulation
• using more than the light  switch with tech in the class

Specific contexts and learning:

A virtual learning environment is a set of teaching and learning tools integrated into one system, which is designed to enhance the students’

defining characteristic:

• designed info space
• social space: educational interactions occur
• virtual space is explicitly represented
• integrate heterogeneous technologies and multiple pedagogical approaches

 

Examples

• Moodle + Edmodo
• blackboard

VLE:

• content creation
• communication
• collaboration
• assessment and marking
• management
• differential access

 

1916 Breakdown for students

The Irish Proclamation 1916

The Irish Proclamation was mainly written by Padraig Pearse, who read it out under the portico of the GPO just before noon on Easter Monday 1916, the Proclamation declared Ireland as a sovereign independent Republic.  Copies of the proclamation were then pasted on buildings around Dublin city centre.

1000 copies of the proclamation had been printed in secret at Liberty Hall on the night before and morning of Easter Monday 1916, in time for the start of the Rising. Added to the very tight deadline for printing, there were problems with the design and layout of the original document, which the typesetters and printers did well to overcome considering the tension and danger they were in.  Three typesetters were used, Willie O’Brien, Michael Molloy and Christopher Brady, all had difficulty with the supply of type letters and lack of same size or font, which resulted in the text of the final document being mismatched.  The document had to be printed in two halves due to the lack of type set, the top half of the document was printed first and then the bottom section was printed on the same paper.  The document measured 20 x 30” (a popular theatre poster size of the time), white in colour with a greyish tinge.  The paper used was actually quite a poor quality, it was thin and easily tore, supplied by the Swift Brook Paper Mill in Saggart, Co Dublin, who had a reputation for quality paper, but the paper provided in 1916 was poorer to the Mill’s normal quality as the linen normally used in the production of paper was used for bandages during the Great War, which meant all paper produced at the time was a poorer quality.

It is thought there are about 30 to 50 of the original 1000 copies still in existence.  The actual original signed Irish Proclamation was never found and was more than likely destroyed during the surrender or soon after. Seán T O’Kelly, who participated in the 1916 Rising and who became President of Ireland, presented his copy to the Irish parliament building and is on display in Leinster House.  Other original copies of the Irish Proclamation can be seen in the National Print Museum in Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, National Museum of Ireland in Dublin and in the GPO Museum. Every year on Easter Sunday, as part of the 1916 Rising commemorations, an officer of the Irish Defence Forces reads the Irish Proclamation outside the GPO.

 

Signatories to the Irish Proclamation 1916

Thomas James Clarke

• First signatory of the Irish Proclamation due to his seniority.
• Born on the Isle of Wight, 1857.
• Father was a soldier in the British army.
• Spent time in America as a young man where he joined Clann na nGael, later to return to America his connection to Clann na nGael brought him to a strong position in the revolutionary movement in Ireland.
• Served a 15 year prison term for his part in a bombing campaign in London, 1883-1898.
• Treasurer of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and a member of the Supreme Council from 1915.
• Easter Rising, occupied the GPO.
• Executed 3^rd May 1916.

 

Seán MacDiarmada

• Born in Leitrim, 1884.
• Emigrated to Glasgow in 1900, then to Belfast in 1902.
• Member of the Gaelic League.
• Joined Republic Brotherhood in 1906 when in Belfast.
• Moved to Dublin in 1908.
• Became manager of IRB’s newspaper ‘Irish Freedom’ in 1910.
• Afflicted with polio in 1912.
• Drafted onto military committee of IRB I 1915.
• Easter Rising, occupied the GPO.
• Executed 12^th May 1916.

 

Padraig Pearse

• Born in Dublin, 1879.
• Interested in Irish culture since a teenager.
• 1896 became a member of the Executive Committee of the Gaelic League.
• Graduated from the Royal University 1901, degree in Arts & Law.
• Published extensively in both Irish and English.
• Became editor of the newspaper of the Gaelic League ‘An Claidheamh Soluis’.
• Founder member of the Irish Volunteers and the author of the Proclamation of Independence.
• Present in the GPO during the Rising, Commander in Chief of the Irish forces.
• Executed on 3^rd May 1916.

 

James Connolly

• Born in Edinburgh in 1868.
• Was a member of the British army, stint in Ireland.
• Returned to Scotland and the strong Irish presence in Edinburgh developed Connelly’s interest in Irish politics in  the mid 1890s.
• Emigrated to Dublin in 1896.
• Founded the Irish Socialist Republication Party.
• Spent time in America before returning to Ireland to campaign for worker’s rights with James Larkin.
• Also campaigned against religious bigotry.
• Co-founder of  the Irish Citizen Army in 1913.
• Easter Rising, appointed Commandant-General of the Dublin forces, leader of the group who occupied the GPO. Wounded during their Easter Rising.
• Executed sitting in a chair as unable to stand due to his wounds, 12 May 1916. Last of the leaders to be executed.

 

Thomas McDonagh

• Born in Tipperary, 1878.
• Moved to Dublin to study, became a teacher and founded St. Enda’s school with Padraig Pearse.
• Position at the English Department, University College Dublin
• Wrote play ‘When the Dawn is Come’, produced at the Abbey.
• Appointed director of training for the Irish Volunteers in 1914.
• Appointed to the IRB military committee in 1916
• Easter Rising, Commander of the Second Battalion of Volunteers, occupied Jacob’s biscuit factory.
• Executed 3^rd May 1916

 

Éamonn Ceannt 

• Born in Galway, 1891
• Employed by the Dublin Corporation
• Co-founder of the Irish Volunteers, involved in the Howth gun-running operation in 1914
• Interest in Irish culture, Irish language and history
• Played the Uileann Pipes
• Easter Rising, Commander of the Fourth Battalion of Irish Volunteers, taking possession of the South Dublin Union (now St. James’ Hospital)
• Executed on 8^th May 1916.

 

Joseph Mary Plunkett

• Born in Dublin, 1887.
• Son of a papal count, educated in England, returned to Ireland and graduated from U.C.D. in 1909.
• Travelled for two years before returning to Dublin in 1911.
• Love of literature and became editor of the Irish Review.  With MacDonagh and Edward Martyn he established an Irish National Theatre.
• Joined  the Irish Volunteers in 1913.
• Became a member of the IRB in 1914.
• Travelled to Germany to meet Roger Casement in 1915.
• Appointed Director of Military Operations during the Rising, with overall responsibility for military strategy.
• Easter Rising, occupied the GPO.
• While imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol following the surrender he married Grace Gifford.
• Executed on 4^th May 1916

Drugs and Alcohol. SPHE / RE topics

A very important aspect to education is warning signs for the variety of drugs available to the genera public and allow them to understand the key distinctions between the different types and overall understand that a drug is simply any substance other than food which changes the way the body or mind functions.

Recently I started the module with my third years about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol irresponsibly. So far the students have co-operated well with the module and have asked a lot of questions contributed greatly to the lessons. I found that there was a colossal amount of resources on this topic so it made lesson planning very easy in comparison to some other social topics.

One Power point I  found was on the various drugs types and the category each one falls under. However, as I always say, a PowerPoint is only as good as the teacher who is using it. To begin the series of lesson,s start with the lesson of what is a drug?

Secondly, inform them of what qualifies as a drug, e.g. caffeine, and what it is categorized under;

Carry on the lesson appropriately that suits you class understanding and ability. Have the pupils read from slides and incorporate higher and lower order questions and using a variety of methodologies that permits students participation and discussion.

The various PowerPoint and worksheets on resources websites like TES.co.uk, are so effective and once examined properly they can be incorporated into the lesson effectively. Drugs and alcohol is of course an important and arguably difficult topic to teach especially since the frequent things that adolescents are exposed to in modern society. So like many social topics, you have to teach it from an outside perspective, not judging those who have or have not taken any form of drug that effect their body whether it is for medical or recreational purposes and of course making no presumptions or putting any pressure on students in the class. A ‘Say no to drugs’ rant maybe very irrational, but instead ensure it is an illustration of their effects and how the consequences can be dangerous. Know the difference between informing and lecturing.

In addition to the PowerPoint, there is a documentary you can show parts of at the end of each lesson that is perfectly divided to allow you to show different parts on different lessons. The documentary : What drugs do in your body,  illustrates what several different drugs effects drugs have on the body and the mind. The documentary is just over 40 minutes but shows how intoxicated people react to the different everyday and emergency situations under the influence of narcotics. If you divide the video to 3 lessons based on the 3 scenarios that take place in the video.The documentary is engaging in many ways as it shows how people react to under the influence and while they are sober. The idea is not to put a shock value for the pupils but to provide them with the heads up as to what is out there and whats ahead of them.

Assessment can be tricky with this section. The topic is an important but not a mandatory lesson for the Junior or Leaving certificate. This is ideal, as the lessons should not require a need for examination. However, if in an exam subject it still has its benefits, for religious education it can be used to illustrate the choices in morality and ideally can used as an example of respecting yourself and moral codes. For S.P.H.E. its very relevant for obvious reasons, drugs are very relative to peer pressure, a common issue for teens. It is also appropriate for seniors under social ed or non-exam RE as maturity is important. Avoid the topic with first years and second years as instead the maturity of the topic requires the pupils to be more aware about the world and themselves.

The topic can cross over with science and P.E. for effects of drugs on the body and even C.S.P.E. with importance of raising awareness of the dangerous impact abusing drugs can have on both the users and those around them. It is an important topic to inform the pupils on this area and although not a polite area to teach, holds a lot of necessity for their social and mental development throughout their school days. Most importantly from, it appropriately incorporates the key skills of the NCCA. Communication through class discussion, managing information through breaking down the types of drugs, critical thinking for the striking factors that are raised, working with others for pair discussion etc.

Its an important and mature topic, Don’t be afraid to answer controversial questions or listen to students inputs. However, for any inappropriate comments from students you may have, promote a disclaimer prior to beginning the lessons. Inform the pupils that their opinions can be respected as long as they are appropriate and do not offend any other pupil in the classroom. If pupils do not co-operate maybe disallow them from contributing in discussions. You do not know what issues students sitting in front have that may relate to drink or drugs. Again don’t let this put you off, but ensure respect is maintained from your part too. Remind the students that if they feel uncomfortable in any shape or form about the class they are welcome to address it privately afterwards, and in case you are worried the students are too shy to say talk about their concern, the post it method for class reflection works wonders. It can provide yourself with a decent reflection on how the lesson went and realize if there is any concerns from the students.

 

#5j16, #alcohol, #classroom-ideas, #communication, #discussion, #drugs, #edchatie, #education, #key-skills, #reflection, #religious-education, #teaching-resources-2

Teaching Reflection tasks

Encouraging students to reflect on their experiences throughout second level. this is important for a variety of reasons. Reflecting on work they have done ( with a checklist) allows them to realise how much content they have covered since beginning.

the checklist can be done at the end of each term and is a good way to show students they have finished another chapter in their school.

Reflecting through meditation. Bringing the students to a retreat location such as an oratory or even just swapping chairs around in the classroom. Give a spoken meditation  after settling the students and getting their ‘zen’ on, have them think about how far they have come since they began in education and even how far they have come socially. Reminding them about new and old friends and the new relationships they have or haven’t started had in their current lives. Meditation is a great and relaxing lesson for the class.

Journal work. Having the students keep their own reflecting journal is not an easy task to encourage the pupils to do. There is a necessity that we appreciate their privacy here but if we were to provide the pupils with a series of questions about what they have achieved and have them keep it on a word document so it it is electronically saved for them (possibly a great blog if your class are involved with some of the great blogging websites).

Overall reflection is a vital aspect of social and personal development that can help them overcome stress and understand how to amend their previous mistakes.

#5j16, #class-activities, #edchatie, #education, #reflection, #religious-education, #teaching-resources-2

Inspirational Quotes, ICT

The following are a series of quotes relative to ICT and teaching:

Albert Einstein;

“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.”

Bill Gates;

“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.”

‘I think it’s fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we’ve ever created. They’re tools of communication, they’re tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.’