Course Overview
Digital Transitions course allows practising teachers to draw breath and reflect on their experiences of using tech in the classroom. We look at how we have been using various tools to teach up to now, and what we can do to incorporate digital tools and virtual approaches into teaching and learning even more effectively.
Who is this course for?
Digital Transitions course is an intensive professional training course for teachers who want to get up to speed and stay ahead of the latest technology trends in education. You will be looking to gain a better understanding of active digital citizenship and digital literacy and be keen to learn how to incorporate these ideas into your teaching.
Format
This Digital Transitions course can be organised as either a one-week or two-week course and consists of 20 classroom-based sessions per week, plus an extensive cultural and social programme led by your teacher trainers.
Course Aims
By attending this Digital Transitions course you will:
- Gain practical strategies and skills for incorporating digital tools into your teaching
- Learn how to efficiently create engaging language resources
- Discover practical strategies for making the most of ChatGPT and other AI tools
- Develop an awareness of digital citizenship and how to promote that in your lessons
- Develop your own English language skills.
- Gain awareness of Irish culture and society through topical, interactive lessons.
- Establish contacts between teachers from a variety of education systems and facilitate future networking.
Course Dates
| Spring 2024 | Summer 2024 | Autumn 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 25th March – 6th April | 15th July – 27th July | 21st October – 2nd November |
| 12th August – 24th August | 9th October – 13th October |
Methodology
This is a practical course which uses real teaching and learning examples. Teachers completing the course will return home with immediate, practical ideas to implement in their own teaching practice.
- Participants are expected to actively participate in the workshops, reflecting on their own beliefs and practice, and sharing thoughts, ideas and expertise in pair work, small groups and with the class as a whole.
- During the course participants will also take part in a range of afternoon activities where they will be encouraged to develop their language skills in a more informal environment outside the classroom and further enhance their knowledge of contemporary Ireland.
Course Programme
| Week One (Sample) |
Session One 9am to 10.40am |
Session Two 11:10am to 12.50pm |
Afternoon Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Course Orientation.
Google Apps for Education: Exploring Google tools to enhance learning, project work, and creativity. |
Dublin’s Parks, Squares and Public Spaces | Orientation tour around the city |
| Tuesday | An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT in Education – What’s happening, where is it going, how does it affect teachers and learners, how can we use it? | Analysing a Digital Citizenship Lesson and Sharing Effective Teaching Practices 1: News & Media Literacy – Is it fake news? Can I trust Wikipedia | Trinity College and the Book of Kells |
| Wednesday | Working with Video and Images to promote more interaction. | Sustainable Cities – Dublin and Gentrification | The Liberties Walk and Talk Tour with teacher |
| Thursday | Analysing a Digital Citizenship Lesson and Sharing Effective Teaching Practices 2: Using Google Translate and Google Search Effectively – How can I be a Savvy Searcher? Alternatives to Google? Can I quote it? | Ireland – Brexit, The Border and a Border Poll | Visit to Kilmainham Gaol |
| Friday | Making the Most of Graded Readers: An Introduction to Padlet | Reflection on learning. Developing your Digital Toolkit and your Personal Learning Network (PLN) Looking ahead. End of course Irish Coffee. | Free afternoon
(Option: join our Film and Fluency Club) |
| Saturday | Full day excursion to Howth |
Price List
1 - week training course
- Programme includes materials, excursions and activities.
- Additional Fee: Residential Accommodation: €375 for one week in residence (single ensuite room, self-catering) + €65 placement fee + EUR30 ( summer supplement for accommodation bookings 17th Jun – 10th Sept)
2 - week training course
- Programme includes materials, excursions and activities.
- Additional Fee: Residential Accommodation: €750 for two weeks in residence (single ensuite room, self-catering) + €65 placement fee + EUR30 ( summer supplement for accommodation bookings 17th Jun – 10th Sept)