Digital Learning at St. Brigid's G.N.S.
Digital Infrastructure:
At present in St Brigid's G.N.S., we have a computer suite with 10 desktop computers, to which all classes have access, on a timetabled basis. In October 2019, we invested in 16 Apple i-Pads for classroom use and 4 Apple i-Pads, for use within our Special Education Department. We also purchased 12 Bee-Bots (programmable robots for children). In June 2020, we purchased 16 touchscreen Chromebooks that include a built in 360 degree hinge. In June 2021, we purchased an additional 16 Chromebooks. In December 2022, we purchased an additional 16 iPads for classroom use. In December 2023, we purchased 4 Chromebooks for use within our Special Education Department.
Our Vision:
At St. Brigid’s G.N.S., we endeavour to emphasize the integration of Digital Learning across the curriculum, in order to enrich the quality of teaching and learning, to make the learners’ experience more engaging and to foster deeper learning. As a school, we do not view Digital Learning as a subject or a curriculum in its own right. We recognize that digital technologies can play a central role in transforming learning, teaching and assessment practices for pupils in a high quality 21st century education system. We recognize that Digital Learning can assist in building the leadership capacity of our learners while also assisting them in assuming control over their learning.
We are educating children who live in a technological age. Pedagogically, Digital Learning can be highly motivating for all learners and particularly for those children who find the more traditional methodologies of the school setting constraining. In that light, we strive to maximize the potential for children’s learning using digital technology, where appropriate. We recognize that Digital Learning supports collaborative, child-led learning, which provides opportunities for reaching the depth of learning by having pupils mentor and support each other throughout the process of engagement. We also recognise the importance of being mindful of the well-being of our children when using digital technologies.
Supporting Policies:
Please read our Digital Learning Plan, Acceptable Usage Policy and our Data Protection Policy for further information.
At present in St Brigid's G.N.S., we have a computer suite with 10 desktop computers, to which all classes have access, on a timetabled basis. In October 2019, we invested in 16 Apple i-Pads for classroom use and 4 Apple i-Pads, for use within our Special Education Department. We also purchased 12 Bee-Bots (programmable robots for children). In June 2020, we purchased 16 touchscreen Chromebooks that include a built in 360 degree hinge. In June 2021, we purchased an additional 16 Chromebooks. In December 2022, we purchased an additional 16 iPads for classroom use. In December 2023, we purchased 4 Chromebooks for use within our Special Education Department.
Our Vision:
At St. Brigid’s G.N.S., we endeavour to emphasize the integration of Digital Learning across the curriculum, in order to enrich the quality of teaching and learning, to make the learners’ experience more engaging and to foster deeper learning. As a school, we do not view Digital Learning as a subject or a curriculum in its own right. We recognize that digital technologies can play a central role in transforming learning, teaching and assessment practices for pupils in a high quality 21st century education system. We recognize that Digital Learning can assist in building the leadership capacity of our learners while also assisting them in assuming control over their learning.
We are educating children who live in a technological age. Pedagogically, Digital Learning can be highly motivating for all learners and particularly for those children who find the more traditional methodologies of the school setting constraining. In that light, we strive to maximize the potential for children’s learning using digital technology, where appropriate. We recognize that Digital Learning supports collaborative, child-led learning, which provides opportunities for reaching the depth of learning by having pupils mentor and support each other throughout the process of engagement. We also recognise the importance of being mindful of the well-being of our children when using digital technologies.
Supporting Policies:
Please read our Digital Learning Plan, Acceptable Usage Policy and our Data Protection Policy for further information.
Online Platforms
|
|
SeeSaw
Seesaw is our platform of choice for teachers and students from Junior Infants to Second Class. The platform is used to record and share what's happening in the classroom and also for the purpose of online learning. Seesaw gives our students a place to document their learning, be creative and learn how to use technology. Each student gets their own journal. The journal contains samples of learning. Click on the links below to view the supportive instructional guides for using SeeSaw: Logging Into SeeSaw SeeSaw Interface Completing an Activity on SeeSaw Various SeeSaw Tools 
| ||
|
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is our platform of choice for teachers and students from Third Class to Sixth Class. Google Classroom is a class-organisation platform that incorporates Google's core G Suite (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, and other Google products) so students can access everything they need for a class, including homework assignments, group projects, files, and even Google Hangouts to chat with the teacher or the entire class. Click on the links below to view the supportive instructional guides for using Google Classroom: Logging into Google Classroom The Class Stream Classwork Section of Google Classroom Turning in an Assignment Submitting an Assignment Using a Template That you Have Created Yourself Managing Google Drive
| ||
Our Devices
|
|
Apple i-Pads
All 32 Apple i-Pads are scheduled and accessible to all classes on a weekly basis. As part of our Digital Learning Plan, we are focusing on developing constructors of digital learning as well as consumers. To this end, a broad range of methodologies and platforms are used. Digital Learning is taught alongside other curricular areas. The 4 Apple i-Pads that have been purchased for our Special Education Department are used for one to one and small group interventions. The apps, that have been selected for downloading, assist in targeting the learning needs of all children. Bee-Bots The Bee-Bots have been purchased for Junior Infant - Second classes. A Bee-Bot is an exciting robot designed specifically for use by young children. It is a programming resource which teaches children the Bee-Bot keypad functionality and enables children to improve their skills in directional language and programming. This colourful, easy-to-operate and friendly little robot is a perfect tool for integrating into the teaching and learning across the curriculum. Examples include sequencing, estimation, problem-solving and letter sounds, but to name a few. We have also purchased mats for the Bee-Bots which include the topics of 2-D Shapes, Number, Alphabet Letters and The Village but to name a few. Chromebooks In June 2020, we purchased 16 Asus C214 Chromebooks for classroom use. The Chromebooks have a versatile touchscreen display and built-in stylus. There is also a 360 degree hinge and a world-facing camera. ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 has classroom-ready durability to reassure teachers and students alike, with an all-round rubber bumper, spill-resistant keyboard and ultra tough hinge. In June 2021, we purchased an additional 16 Asus C214 Chromebooks for classroom use. In December 2023, we purchased 4 Asus C214 Chromebooks for use within our Special Education Department. We look forward to progressing our Google Classroom skills using our new Chromebooks. |
Coding
|
|
What is Scratch:
Scratch is a block-based visual programming language and online community . It is a free object-oriented software development kit that allows children to create animations, interactive stories and games which can be interlinked with other curricular areas. Scratch facilitates higher order thinking skills, problem-solving, metacognition, creative thinking and reasoning. How we Approach the Teaching of Scratch: All children receive a block of 8 weeks in the computer suite where they work alongside Ms. Moran and their class teacher to explore all of the tools and features that Scratch has to offer. The children from Junior Infants through to second class use Scratch Junior. The children from third class through to sixth class use the regular Scratch. Learning Opportunities Explored by the Children: When creating their interactive stories/animations, the children explore using different backgrounds, sprites, script areas, block palettes, using operators block, sensing and broadcasting. |
