Clare Classrooms To Benefit From 21st Century Technology

Monday, 23 August 2010 12:27

Written by Noel Cotter

An event highlighting the positive role played by Information Technology (IT) in primary school teaching will be held in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis on Wednesday 1st September from 5pm to 7pm.

The ‘Clare Schools IT Information Evening’, which is being hosted by Clare-based Tierney’s Office Automation, is aimed at informing local principals and Boards of Management of the benefits and common misconceptions associated with the use of modern technology in the classroom.

The information evening will feature guest speakers, access to technology specialists, and information on example schools that have incorporated modern technology as part of their teachings.

Andy Tierney of Tierney’s Office Automation explained: “The upcoming information evening is not designed to advise school principals and members of school Board of Management members regarding specific products but instead educate them on how to get best value for their money rather than obsessing over the cost of IT hardware, which is inexpensive when used to its potential.”

Mr. Tierney explained that one of the main failings of schools in the adoption of IT is the ‘fear’ factor. He said: “Many people fear that if a computer breaks it will cost thousands to fix and therefore is an unnecessary and expensive investment. This could not be further from the truth as the evidence from other European countries suggests that schools that have embraced the use of IT in the classroom have benefited greatly.”

He continued: By hosting this event we are trying to create some liked benefits to the teaching of IT in schools despite the fact that there currently is not a huge amount of empirical evidence regarding these benefits in the Irish education system. One of the best uses of technology is the use of interactive whiteboards, but teachers did not always embrace the technology. Increased awareness means that the use of such IT equipment is on the increase.”

The information evening will feature lectures by IT experts on a range of topics including IT policies covering schools in Ireland, IT trends in education, understanding the total cost of ownership (how to get the best value for your school, irrespective of size or location), model Schools IT systems, and using technology as a teaching aid (what you can expect, how to maximise benefits and utilise IT across all core subjects in schools).

According to Mr. Tierney: “Guest speakers from an accountancy practice will talk about investment, while suppliers of classroom technology will provide an insight into the functions and benefits of their products. Tierney’s will also be informing attendees on how best to work with service providers for the benefit of their school and pupils. We have written to County Clare’s primary schools teachers and principals, as well as members of boards of management who may appreciate the role of IT better. We hope they will take the opportunity to attend the upcoming event, which will help them discover some of the advantages associated with delivering education with the aid of 21st century technology”.

Event attendees will receive a complimentary information pack containing details on IT infrastructure for schools. Admission to the event is free, but prior booking is essential. For all enquiries, please contact Tierney’s Office Automation on 065-7079873.

With bases in Ennis, Dublin and Cork Tierney’s Office Automation Ltd. provides a complete range of IT products, support and consultancy services in Ireland. For more see www.tierneysautomation.ie