Belturbet school leads way in ICT

St. Bricin's College in Belturbet is leading the way when it comes to using the best in modern technology to enhancing learning for students at the secondary school. Last Friday, Minister Brendan Smith, officially launched an innovative new education project at the college, which sees laptop computers being made available to first years at the school. The initiative is being led by Cavan VEC and supported by the government to develop ICT skills in young people. The Belturbet school is one of the first secondary schools in Ireland to embark on developing an ICT school. It is trying to move towards what it calls 'e-maturity' and develop 21st century learning skills with its pupils and teachers. This small secondary school is no stranger to innovation, having recently been selected as one of ten schools throughout Ireland to engage in a pilot project on inclusive education Framework. Commenting on the initiative, Minister Smith said: "It's a matter of great pride for St. Bricin's that it's leading the way in the use of technology and was now a model for other schools to emulate." He continued: "I am particularly impressed with the detailed IT plan prepared by the school. It is an extremely impressive strategy which will allow the students to harness the benefits of e-learning as a means of interacting with the educational process they undertake on a daily basis. The students entering first year in this school have been presented with a wonderful opportunity which will enhance their learning experience and they are very privileged to be part of such a progressive and innovative educational establishment." According to principal Mary Sheridan: "The laptop computers have the potential to transform the learning experience for pupils to a more meaningful, personalised self-directed and exciting one. The aim of the project is to provide pupils and teachers with a 'palette' of technological options. These laptops will be used by students to access on-line text books, gain FETAC qualifications in touch typing, access course materials, teachers notes and video clips, across the college network." This initiative is part of a "Transforming Teaching and Learning ICT Plan 2010 - 2015" developed by St. Bricin's College, a five-year plan launched last January and will see considerable investment over the next five years, equipping every student from first year to leaving certificate with a laptop. "The teaching staff have collaborated on creative and innovative solutions to positively change the way their students learn using technology. The educators shared best practices and information in putting together the school ICT Plan," said Ms. Sheridan. Staff have learned about new technologies on courses, such as podcasting and video-editing, through Co Cavan VEC's Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Inservice. CEO of Co Cavan VEC, Colm McEvoy, commented: "Despite stringent budgetary cuts, we continue as a county education service to give the very best quality education possible to our students. In fact, if anything, there is an increase in commitment and greater personal investment than ever." This is a first for a second level school in the county and it is envisaged to expand to distance learning, using video conferencing, where the school, will team up with a larger VEC schools for links facilitating an extended subject options for Leaving Certificate students. It is one of the benefits of highspeed broadband, which allows students participate in a class via video.