The document discusses challenges facing the education system and calls for reforms, including: 1. A focus on STEM subjects, literacy, and numeracy in light of international test results and economic pressures. 2. Adapting teaching methods to younger students who learn differently with new technologies. 3. Moving away from an exam system that does not encourage critical thinking by implementing more continuous assessment and staggered exams. 4. Making greater use of technology like Moodle, digital content, and online learning in teaching to improve learning outcomes.

1. Some pointers forward Copyright Donal O’ Mahony Portmarnock Community School, Ireland Donal O Mahony (c)

2. Recession – calls for productivity PISA – literacy/numeracy, focus on STEM Younger children learn differently – “..is there an App for that?” Teaching is under pressure Donal O Mahony (c)

3. An exam system that does not encourage independent/critical thinking and a syllabus that does Currently calls for the use of technology from many sources especially the University Heads Donal O Mahony (c)

4. ...continuous assessment (accumulation of substantial e-portfolio ideally from Junior Cycle) School based, online tests for the appropriate elements of the desired learning outcomes Staggered examinations (phased in time throughout Senior Cycle; e.g. online submission of major essays in mid-way through sixth year). online learning and digital pedagogy (MacCraith DCU) Sunday Business Post 21/8/11 Donal O Mahony (c)

5. There has been an investment in technology Expectation of its use In PCS and other schools Donal O Mahony (c)

6. At its most basic we should all be using our data-projectors / white-board / sound capability in the classroom We should become familiar with digital content in our subject areas Scoilnet Allow students to use keyboard / mouse to manipulate content We should all try to do this as quickly as possible and as colleagues / subject departments support each other 1 Digital Content Donal O Mahony (c)

7. Use the subject department planning aspect of Moodle 2 Moodle organisation Donal O Mahony (c)

8. Consider using one of the teaching and learning features with Moodle this term Learn how to enrol a class in Moodle Set up the activity Explain it to the class Do it! And see what happens... Learning diaries, books, discussion fora, quizzes, video uploads, choice activities, homework... 3 Moodle for teaching Donal O Mahony (c)

9. Moving from Word documents to PowerPoints Google Apps Digital animation Higher end programming – Java Blogs and blogging Podcasting Drop-box Hot potatoes quizzes Besides Moodle - What else is happening? Donal O Mahony (c)

10. Leaving Certificate music – technology component Data-logging in science Solidworks in DCG Newsletter as PDF’s Dissolving Boundaries / Skype video Skype video in Learning Support ePublications Online books Music creation / Garageband Besides Moodle - What else is happening? Donal O Mahony (c)

11. Increasing knowledge of Apps to support your subject YouTube channel Video in PE Digital Photography Presentation software Elements in all of the above can be used in ePortfolios – our next area of exploration Besides Moodle - What else is happening? Donal O Mahony (c)

12. Camera Video camera Geotagging device Record sound files as MP3’s Word-processor eMail Scientific calculator Access to YouTube and all the Apps for education The power in the students pocket Donal O Mahony (c)

13. Training – there will be some formal training Moodle support on Mondays – voluntary – drop in and out Visit animation club any Friday There will be a session on blogging/websites later this term There are lots of people on the staff and students in the school to help Time! Donal O Mahony (c)