Focus on Remote Learning

This January newsletter is a special issue containing information and reminders about specific supports that are in place to assist teachers and schools engaged in distance learning.

It includes information on our Teaching Online for Primary and Post Primary Teachers online course, Scoilnet resources for teachers, Webwise guidance for remote teaching, Technology supports, our specific Online Learning section, and also the dedicated Distance Learning webpage and tutorials, as well as an article, 10 Tips for Teaching Online, and much, much more.

Please take the initiative to pass this newsletter on to your teacher colleagues, especially those who might not already have subscribed to it.

The PDST Digital Technologies team set up this page in March 2020, and it continues to be updated with the latest tools and resources for teaching and learning remotely, as well as a specific YouTube channel of video tutorials for teachers.

Written during school closures in 2020, this is a good starting point for teachers who need a reminder of some useful approaches for teaching online as well as where to find resources and supports.

Many of these tips are from teachers themselves who shared them in our online courses.

‘Teaching Online for Primary and Post Primary Teachers’ was designed specifically to help teachers as they continue to teach and support their students' learning online during school closures due to Covid-19. It is useful either as an introduction/starting point or as a refresher for those who already engaged with it last year.

Select the link below to access the course.

Why not plan to engage in an online course this term? Short (1-3 hour) courses are enrolling from January 18th and are available to complete in your own time, 24/7, via TeacherCPD.ie until their closing date.
 
While most courses are very relevant to both remote learning and in-person teaching scenarios, of particular relevance at this time are courses on (1) using and creating videos/video-based resources (primary or post primary), and (2) Assessment Feedback and Digital Technologies (primary or post primary). See the course schedule for the full list.

Scoilnet's Learning Path tool can assist teachers connect with students. Teachers can select and organise resources from the Scoilnet website into a sequence or collection that can be shared with students.

Our colleagues in PDST have created over 100 Learning Paths for all levels of Primary Maths.

The online encyclopaedia, with all its multimedia content, is a great support for teachers and parents looking for reliable, trustworthy and educational material.

World Book Online has multiple user levels and is completely free and open through Scoilnet within the Republic of Ireland.

The annual Scoilnet Year in Review is here for 2020 and it contains some gems.

Check out what resources went viral for a number of given subject areas and what were the most popular resources each month from January to December.

With learning and education once again moving online, here is a reminder of some key considerations that schools should factor into their plans to ensure a safe learning experience for students and teachers.

Along with technical considerations, safeguarding children should form a part of the planning stages of any changes/updates to learning environments.

Safer Internet Day 2021 will take place on Tuesday, February 9th. While we know that activities will look a little different this year, we hope that you will join in the celebrations to promote internet safety.

There are lots of easy ways to mark #SID2021, and here are some simple steps to get started.

There may be an understandable disruption to family life, with children and young people spending more time than usual at home and online. While all families have their own unique circumstances, many parents have similar concerns when it comes to their child’s use of technology.

Here are useful tips to help manage online safety in the home.

Our Online Learning section contains, amongst other things, information about learning platforms.

Some of the most popular learning platforms and tools being used by schools in Ireland are Google G Suite for Education (including Google Classroom) or Microsoft Office 365/Teams. Apple, Aladdin, Schoology, Edmodo, Schoolwise, Khan Academy, Zoom, IrishHomework, ClassDojo, and Seesaw are other online tools / learning platforms used by schools. RTE's Home School Hub is also great resource for schools and parents.

Find out more via the link below.

The PDST Technology in Education Broadband Service Desk is the single point to contact for schools for all broadband related issues, providing information, advice and support to schools.

This service is still in operation during this time of school closures.

The 2021 annual conference of the Computers in Education Society of Ireland (CESI) will take place online on February 27th, 2021. The title this year is 'Adapting Digitally to a Changing Reality'.

2020 presented educators across the sectors with numerous challenges, and many have adapted to this changing reality by adopting a variety of new and innovative digital teaching and learning practices.