| The
NOF ICT Training Programme is a voluntary programme offered
to teachers and librarians in all schools. In the southern
board, over 4,300 teachers and librarians have registered
for training, a figure that represents over 99% of teachers
in SELB nursery, primary, post primary and special schools.
The training focuses on the knowledge, understanding and skills
needed to make effective use of ICT to enrich teaching and
learning. The training is school-based to ensure relevance
and minimise disruption and embraces a range of training styles,
including online and distance learning, as well as traditional
face-to-face training. Approved training providers selected
by the school deliver training. The SELB Curriculum Advisory
and Support Service and Schools Library Service provided training
in partnership with the Learning Schools Programme, and is
the major training provider for schools in the SELB area.
This includes all post primary schools.
St Joseph's Vice Principal Hugh Mallon commented, "ICT
training needs were identified by each member of staff and
core professional tasks were undertaken within a subject context.
St Joseph's staff supported each other throughout the training:
departmental sessions and basic skills training became integral
parts of the Learning Schools Programme", he continued
"The staff of St Joseph's have gained much from their
involvement in this training programme".
Each teacher participating in training must complete a series
of core tasks using Internet, email and electronic conferencing.
They must also plan, teach and evaluate a series of lessons
incorporating the use of ICT. On completion of training, which
lasts on average between 1-2 school terms, each teacher is
awarded an individual certificate. A certificate is awarded
to the school when all teachers have completed training.
St Joseph's High School was closely followed by Drumcree College
Portadown, which completed training just over a week later.
The School Certificate was also presented today to Principal
Mr Seamus O'Neill and School Organizer Peter Higgins by Mike
Donaghy and Ciaran McCrumlish, SELB Advisory Teacher for ICT.
The NOF ICT Training Programme was initiated by the UK Government
in 1999 to assist teachers with developing the skills necessary
to integrate ICT into classroom teaching. The Programme is
a three-year programme funded by the New Opportunities Fund,
the central government agency set up to allocate UK Lottery
funds. In total, £238m has been allocated for the training
of 500,000 teachers and school librarians throughout UK. £11m
of this funding was allocated for the training of teachers
and school librarians in N Ireland. The programme was launched
in September 1999 and training is due to be completed by March
2003. . |
