Specialist teacher training in coding offers benefits to schools
By Aisling Mahon
ADAMSTOWN College and Kishoge Community College in Lucan are among the first schools in Ireland to benefit from specialist teacher training in coding.
Aided by the donation of development boards by computing innovation world leader Intel, teachers from the local colleges will be one of the first to teach the new Junior Cycle short course in Coding as well as receiving a day exploring the subject at the Intel Ireland Campus in Leixlip.
“Intel Ireland are delighted to give students an insight into technology, and allow the development of both logical and digital skills in a fun, collaborative, and innovative learning environment,” said Paul Phelan, Public Affairs Operations Manager, Intel.
There are 19 schools participating, including Adams-town and Kishoge. They were chosen from over 120 entries from post-primary schools nationwide. Teachers involved received two days of training and further online and regional support.
Intel has also made a donation of 900 Galileo Gen 2 Boards and teacher kits to the 19 schools taking part.
“This donation will support schools in this innovative and exciting Coding project, which we hope will produce Ireland’s innovators of the future,” said Paul Phelan.
The training day and donation are part of a collaborative innovative between Intel Ireland, Lero, The Irish Software Research Centre and Junior Cycle for Teachers (JTC). The project has been designed to support schools and teachers explore the Coding short course that is now available under the framework for the Junior Cycle.
Students will engage in technology and design-related activities with the use of these state-of-the-art resources.
“A career in computing can be interesting and creative. This project will allow students to take the first steps in exploring this potential.
“We are very happy to help build capacity in schools to provide inventive short courses like Coding to their students,” said Clare McInerney, who is Education and Outreach Manager in Lero.
Participating teachers enjoyed specific training at the event to support their exploration of this new learning area in their schools. Both Intel Ireland at Lero support the JCT in this project.
Further information on this initiative can be found at the JCT website www.jct.ie
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