DESPITE last week’s figures telling us that dropout rates were rising across third-level science and technology courses, there are many primary and secondary schools plus individual educators that care passionately about technology in the classroom and e-learning.
We are not naïve enough to hope that educational blogging promises to deliver highly skilled science graduates of the future, but it acts as a good starting point.
Think for Yourself
Noel Cunningham is a physics teacher and a member of the
International Edu Bloggers Directory. In this blog, he waxes educational on physics for Junior and Leaving Cert students, ranging from exam tips to discussing recent topical science-related news.
The enthusiasm that bubbles through his blog posts gives you the impression that a physics class with Cunningham would inspire any student to consider taking it to third level in some capacity.
An Increasingly Digital Life
John Hegarty is a Kildare-based network administrator who has been a mentor with TeachNet.ie and also carried out work for Scoilnet.ie.
His interest lies in streamlining IT in schools while getting teachers on board in terms of mixing in new technologies in the teaching process.
This blog charts issues such as better remote web access for teachers filling out forms and parents checking on their children’s progress, as well as documenting
Hegarty’s quest to keep on learning, including his attendance at a recent
Apple Teacher Institute (ATI) event in the UK.
Askea Boys National School Blog
http://askeabns.wordpress.com/
There are many primary schools around Ireland that blog, but too many to list, so I’ve picked a good example: the Askea Boys National School Blog from Carlow.
From art and GAA to science and outdoor activities, all are documented with plenty of pictures of busy students having fun.
This is a great way for parents and relatives to keep up to date on their childrens’ progress, as well as being a showcase for proud students.
Seomra Ranga
Seomra Ranga is a resources blog for primary school teachers that has been running for almost two years and offers downloadable materials to help other teachers as well as encourage them to share their own resources.
There is a particularly helpful post on the blogging process that many teachers may do well to read if they are interested in starting their own blog.
By Marie Boran
