I.T.

We recognise the value and potential for students and staff to use the school electronic resources to enhance learning, and research. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) presents many opportunities but also creates challenges which can only be met through embracing a new sense of stewardship.

We are united in our willingness to evolve with and implement emerging new technologies. In providing students with a safe, inclusive and rich e-learning environment teachers aim to improve creativity, assist students in reaching their academic targets and provide them with the familiarity of digital technologies and software such that they are empowered to use these skills in their future career and make wise e-learning decisions.

The Form One I.T. curriculum consists of 3 modules:

1. Microsoft Office activities include students collecting real data and representing the data appropriately using Excel. All activities are cross curricular (where possible).
2. Digital Media  students are characters in their own creative story. Using digital devices such as smartphones and iPads students shoot their story and compile their photos into a comic. The software used is ComicLife.
3. Coding  students are taught the concept of coding using Scratch modules. On completion of the modules students design their own game.

Transition Year I.T. Programme:

As part of their Transition Year programme, students have the opportunity to take the updated European Computer Driving Licence (E.C.D.L.). This is an internationally recognised qualification and the Transition Year lends itself very well to this course, as students have the opportunity to apply their computer skills across the curriculum. While the platform maintains a degree of teacher led instruction, it leans towards encouraging each student to be self motivated. In doing so they achieve a strong sense of their own ability to successfully apply themselves to the challenges they will face as autonomous learners both at senior cycle and into third level. An intimate knowledge of ICT is assumed in this day and age. An ability to work both as part of a team and individually is a skill to which employers attach great value.  The modules studied are: Computer Essentials, Presentation, Spreadsheets, Online Collaboration, Word Processing, Online Essentials and I.T. Security.

This year (2014-2015) students will also be offered a new course in Computational Thinking.

Computer Club:

This year new Computer Club/Coder Dojo was launched. Our motivation for doing so is to provide a learning space in which students gain an appreciation of the hardware and software foundations on which the digital age is built and to provide a platform for developing advanced computer skills along the lines established by other Coder Dojos around the world. Coder Dojo directly addresses the specific desires of the ICT industry for skilled innovators. Coder Dojo works because it keeps pace with the most current technology and because it encourages our students to experiment and innovate using this technology. The computer club is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for our students to peer teach and to achieve success in developing web sites, programming in Python and Scratch, and in designing electronic circuits and programming them in C++ using the Arduino. The key to the success of our club lies in the skill and enthusiasm of its members. What motivates them is a keen interest in learning from each other, developing games and experimenting.