NCTE (National Centre for Technology in Education)

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Volume 11 - December 2010

Welcome to the NCTE email newsletter.

Our newsletter aims to provide ICT news and information to Principals, ICT Coordinating teachers, teachers and all those involved in education.

NCTE: Beannachtaí na Nollag

Christmas image The Director and staff of the NCTE wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Guíonn Stiúrthóir agus foireann an NCTE Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise oraibh go léir.

NCTE: Further grants for high-tech classrooms (Post Primary)

projector image Post primary schools have received a further €23 million in ICT grants. This is the second phase of funding for post primary schools and is on top of the recently received €20.75 million in ICT grants.

12 Days of Christmas

elinks image As the community of practice for ICT Coordinating teachers in post primary schools, starting this Saturday 11th December, a special seasonal e-Links "12 Days of Christmas" area will be open. This will contain links to recommended web resources/tools that ICT Coordinating teachers could find useful for both themselves and other teachers in their schools. There will be one resource/tool made available each day for 12 days.

Visit e-Links

NCTE: Technology Integration Initiative

Purchasing ICT Equipment (Post Primary Schools)

advice image There are a number of updates (FAQs) in relation to ICT purchases using the ICT infrastructure Post Primary Grant Scheme. Schools should review this advice, as it will further assist them in their purchasing decisions.

Remember our other important related ICT advice and procurement framework links.

NCTE: Continuing Professional Development

Web 2.0 for Learning (Blogs, Podcasts and Wikis)

web2.0 image This course consists of three modules and is aimed at primary and post primary teachers who are interested in integrating blogs, podcasts and wikis into learning and teaching. It includes an introduction to web 2.0 tools and their uses in education as well as hands-on training in blogging (using Scoilnet Blogs) and creating podcasts. It also covers internet safety and copyright considerations.

Creating your School’s Website using Scoilnet Blogs

teacher image This course provides you with the skills to both easily set up your school’s website or blog, using NCTE’s blogging service for schools, Scoilnet Blogs. It’s aimed at primary and post primary ICT co-ordinating teachers, or any other teachers who are interested in administering their school’s website. The Scoilnet blogging service provides schools with a centrally hosted, free online environment and tools to create and host a dynamic and vibrant school website which can be contributed to by all teachers.

Christmas Themepage

Scoilnet's Christmas themepage is a great place to get the children to start preparing for Christmas with reviewed reading, colouring/crafts activities, e-cards, quizzes and games.

Site of the Week

sow image Europeana is this week's Scoilnet Site of the Week (December 6th). The website is a digital library of 14million objects from Europe's libraries, art-galleries etc. It contains books, maps, paintings, newspapers, photographs, film fragments and music clips.

Read Review

Also remember to follow us on Twitter!

NCTE: Innovate

qr image Have you heard of QR (Quick Response) code? You definitely have seen it! This strange black and white code image is becoming more popular. Learn about it, and how it can be used in education.

Webwise

New computers, laptops or smartphones are often popular gifts at this time of year. It is therefore vital to highlight the importance of Internet Safety to both parents and young people. Webwise is a great place to start.

Visit Webwise

Other News

useful weblinks icon Be sure to check online for our International News and Competition News. Read about the latest CESI DigiTeach as well.

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About Us

The National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) is an Irish Government agency established to provide advice, support and information on the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in education.