Introduction
There is a clear and ever increasing need on the part of teachers to avail of opportunities that will enhance their skills and teaching competencies in the emerging technological age. The University of Limerick has been committed since the introduction of IT 2000 to ensure that teachers knowledge enhancement is recognised and formally awarded. As the State's only college of teacher education the University ensures that these skills achievements are achieved and delivered according to the specific needs of teachers in the application of these skills in teaching and learning.
Objectives
The main objectives of the programme are to enable participants to:
- Locate ICT in the context of national and international policy in education;
- Learn and apply relevant knowledge of ICT to their teaching in the classroom;
- Critically evaluate their own understanding and attitudes in relation to their own curriculum areas in the context of ICT;
- Develop professionally through experiential learning;
- Conduct research on ICT in teaching and learning;
- Experience learning by means of the latest groupware products;
- Acquire the skills and knowledge to enable them to act as an ICT resource person in schools.
Programme Content
Year 1 Graduate Diploma
Semester 1
Computer Languages and Programming, Re-conceptualising teaching and learning in the Context of ICT, Research Methods 1.
Semester 2
Application of ICT to teaching and learning, ICT in the School, Management of a Local Area Network (LAN) in schools, Project.
Semester 3
Principles and Practices of Research, Dissertation.
Careers
This programme is aimed at qualified teachers as the course structure is specifically targeted towards the application of ICT in teaching and learning.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must be qualified teachers and will be required to have personal access to the Internet. A distinct feature of the programme is the recognition of prior learning. With this feature the University of Limerick will award credits on the production of verifiable information in relation to in service courses/programmes already undertaken in the area of ICT. It is intended that the course team authenticate such credits at the commencement of the programme.
Contact
Department: Education and Professional Studies
Course director: Dr Oliver McGarr
Tel: 353-61-202934
Email: oliver.mcgarr@ul.ie
Website: /education/
