Computers influence our lives in every conceivable way. Sites like Skype, Facebook and Myspace have reconfigured the way the world communicates and interacts; it’s no great shock that education should also be affected by this global evolution. As technology continually surprises itself with the speed at which it reinvents and improves itself it is vital for education providers to stay at the forefront of these developments; this will ensure that teachers are able to relate to their students and connect with them. The benefits of being computer savvy in the classroom are huge (think respect Dangerous Minds style)…

The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) was established by the Department of Education and Science in 1998 to monitor and support the use and provision of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) in education in Ireland. One of the main aims of the centre is to design and implement ICT training programmes for teachers; courses are researched and re-evaluated on a consistent basis meaning that the content is up-to-date and reflective of the needs and demands of the current environment.

Certain core areas are given special concentration. An example of one of these would be the Teaching Skills Initiative (TSI) which was instigated in the hopes of introducing a comprehensive training programme for teachers to cope with the ever changing face of technology and the effects it can have on the classroom.

NCTE offers a wide range of ICT professional development courses throughout the country that can be accessed at any of its 20 full time centres and around 10 of its part-time bases. The ultimate aim of any of them is to enhance the school curriculum and the skill of a specific teacher; catering for everyone from beginners to those with the most advanced level of computer proficiency. Primary teachers with little computer experience could consider the Using ICT as a Teaching & Learning Resource course which runs over 20 hours and requires only the most basic knowledge such as saving and opening files. The course seeks to teach primary teachers how to use technology in the most beneficial way.

For those with less time available the Introduction to Digital Media option might be one to look at which will, in the same time as a bad romantic comedy, teach you how to become Mr/Mrs Digital boasting impressive capabilities with scanners and cameras. Or for those of you who have aspirations of being the go-to person in your staff room pick from one of the Technical courses which will train you in how to solve the most basic computer and software problems and show you how to maintain a computer network. Or if you feel like your classes are suffering from a lack of that certain something perhaps involving yourself in a Digital Media & Technology course could do the trick as you learn how to enhance your methods with the use of digital media in the form of cameras, recordings and images.

A recent report showed that 1 in 5 school girls have been victims of cyber bullying; downsides of the advent of social networking sites. If you still think Bebo is one of your pupil’s dogs then it’s time to take action to remedy your ignorance; NCTE runs Bebo workshops which in the short time of two hours will help you to understand it and also show you how to incorporate it into your classes in an advantageous way.

NCTE seeks to support and provide training for those who are dealing with special needs children; the various courses are targeted at all teachers who are in contact and responsible for special needs children and will coach them in using ICT to develop independent student needs.

For post-primary teachers there are subject specific classes available such as ICT & Geography and ICT & History which will instruct teachers on how to better their teaching styles through the inclusion of things like maps, images and slides.

For some of the aforementioned courses a certain skill level is required however there is no fixed progression path and so potential applicants should contact NCTE for advice on which option will best serve your individual needs and ability.