NCTE (National Centre for Technology in Education)

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Volume 11 - September 2010

Welcome to the first NCTE email newsletter of the school year.

Our newsletter aims to provide ICT news and information to Principals, ICT Coordinating teachers, teachers and all those involved in education.

NCTE: new Content Filtering levels

young people image Four additional filtering levels offer extra flexibility for schools in terms of access to Youtube, "social networking", "personal" and "games" sites. Schools wishing to change their filtering level can download and return the Content Filtering Changes form.

NCTE Courses

typing image There is a wide range of courses which have been developed for primary and post primary teachers focussing on the integration of ICT into learning and teaching. All courses are fully funded / free for teachers attending. You can see the full list by clicking here . Check out the Course Schedule on our website to see which courses are available through your local Education Centre.

New course: ICT and Language in the Primary Classroom

typing image This two x 2.5 hour course focuses on practical skills and ideas for using ICT in the teaching and learning of languages. The skills covered can be used in the teaching of Gaeilge, English, EAL and modern languages. The course also features various types of software/websites and their uses in the language lesson.

Two new short courses:
Starting your School’s e-Learning Plan

The aim of this 2.5 hour course is to help schools start the process of developing their e-Learning Plan. The course explains key resources available and advice is provided on how to use them effectively in your school.

Using Scoilnet and Online Encyclopaedias

encyclopaedia image This short 2.5 hour course provides the skills required to find and use educational resources on Scoilnet as well as using the Britannica online and World Book online encyclopaedias, which are now available to all schools via Scoilnet and the NCTE’s School’s Broadband Network.

NCTE: e-Links

elinks image e-Links is NCTE’s online Community of Practice for post primary ICT co-ordinating teachers across the country. Most ICT co-ordinating teachers who logged in last year accessed NCTE materials and read discussions and news in the fora. Some used it to organise CPD through their local Education Centre.

Home Access to Encyclopaedias now available for Teachers

encyclopaedia image Scoilnet is pleased to announce that teachers can now log-in to access World Book and Encyclopaedia Britannica from locations outside of school (e.g., home).

Encyclopaedia Britannica Webinar

The next Encyclopaedia Britannica webinar is on Tuesday 21st September 2010 at 15.15. A comprehensive overview of the features of Britannica Online's School Edition is given. You will also get ideas and tips on how you can integrate it into your daily classroom activities. Users must register in advance.

Scoilnet on Twitter

Following Scoilnet on Twitter as a great way to keep in touch with daily updates on what’s new on the site. Links to curricular resources, educational articles and interesting uses of ICT in learning and teaching will also be featured.

Also have a look at the new Scoilnet Music in the classroom & Ancient Romans Theme Pages!

NCTE: Technology Integration Initiative

Purchasing ICT equipment for your school

twitter image For schools looking to purchase ICT equipment NCTE has a range of advice and information on purchasing frameworks. These frameworks are used every day to purchase equipment such as computers, notebooks/laptops, short throw digital projectors and laser printers. There is also a range of 'Advice Sheets' covering visualisers, interactive whiteboards, wireless networks and other topics.

Gifted Kids webinar

Giftedkids.ie, the voluntary advocacy and support website for exceptionally able and twice exceptional children, continue their online webinar series this autumn with three scheduled live events. Supported by NCTE.

Junior Spider Awards

The eircom Junior Spider Awards, established in 2009 for students at primary and post primary school level, are designed to recognise digital excellence in schools. NCTE is a partner of the Awards.

Irish Teaching and Learning Festival

The Irish Teaching and Learning Festival is Ireland’s first interactive conference and exhibition focused on the future of education in Ireland. It takes place on October 15th and 16th. Supported by NCTE.

CESI Meet

cesi meet icon The next CESI Meet takes place on Friday, September 17th in the Skellig Hotel, Dingle, Co Kerry. CESI have also organised a Moodle workshop and Interactive Whiteboard presentation for the following morning in Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne.

International News

international news icon Find out about eTwinning, their Learning Events and their project kits for teachers. Details of a video course in Leuven, Belgium. Get information about the e-Learning Awards 2010. Also: Fifteen country reports on ICT in education (2009/2010 series) are now published on Insight.

Competition News

competition news icon Information about U4energy, European Day of Languages, F1 in Schools Technology Challenge, BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, Graduate.ie and Poetry Aloud.

Useful Weblinks

technical news icon Details of the World Youth News journalism project, the Windows 7 Irish Language Interface pack and the Science Gallery Exhibition "Biorhytm: Music & the Body".

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About Us

The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) is an Irish Government agency established to provide advice, support and information on the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in education.

NCTE: new Content Filtering levels