Luttrellstown students go digital

STUDENTS at Luttrellstown Community College are going hi-teec after receiving

‘digital’ schoolbags as part of the Wriggle 1:1 mobile learning programme.

The Dublin 15 college is the 100th school to join the Wriggle 1:1 programme under which students use mobile devices and digital books in place of traditional textbooks.

There are now over 7,000 students across the country in the programme and Príomhoide at Luttrellstown Community College, Fionnuala Ní Chaisi, says it’s a step forward for the school.

“As a learning community, we already use IT as a key tool in teaching and learning and so the next logical step was to introduce individual tablets to students,

? she added.

“The enhanced learning opportunities this will provide for students of all learning styles and abilities is what makes this initiative so worthwhile. I believe that eBooks are necessary to encourage independent learning and enhance standards of homework.

“Teachers will continue to create their own material and resources, which can be made available to students through Gmail.

“Parents will also find it easier to support their son or daughter’s learning, with all resources available on the tablet and easier communication with the school through email.

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Tánaiste, Minister for Social Protection and Dublin West TD, Joan Burton, congratulated Ms Ni Chaisil and her team in the school on helping their first-year students to go digital.

“Last year, the College moved into a fantastic new school building, and this latest initiative is another very significant and welcome step,

? she said.

“The digital revolution will bring a tidal wave of change to the classrooms, making a very practical and positive difference to the everyday lives of students. They will now have at their fingertips cutting-edge educational technologies which should be of immense benefit to them.

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Director of Education at Wriggle, Beryl Furlong, said the organisation was delighted to reach the 100th school mark for its programme at Luttrellstown.

“The response to Wriggle continues to be very positive as we prepare to work with more than 7,000 students this year,

? she continued.

“We live in a digital age and school leaders, teachers and parents are quickly realising the benefits of integrating technology into teaching and learning.

“It is particularly important now in light of the new JCSA curriculum which will place significant emphasis on digital technology.

“The advantages are numerous: interactive, up-to-date content to engage students and increase attainment; the ability to cater to different learning styles and rates of progression; greater collaboration; and instant feedback to foster important life skills.

“Essentially 1:1 mobile learning allows students to acquire and develop what have become essential skills for the modern workplace and community.

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Wriggle was founded in 2012 as the digital learning arm of Irish IT services firm Typetec following over 20 years as a trusted partner to the education sector.

Under the 1:1 programme Wriggle has created a package to provide schools with everything needed to make the move to digital textbooks on mobile devices.