Digital Clusters
Our WWETB Office 365 cluster met for the first time in the Ferrycarrig Hotel on October 11th. The atmosphere was one of anticipation and excitement as we gathered for the first of a number of training/meeting days during the coming year.
Representing our 12 ETB post-primary schools, 22 teachers gathered for some useful Microsoft training and a very informative discussion around some of the mechanisms for integrating and embedding digital tools into Teaching and Learning.
These teachers will be available as digital champions in their schools and are already providing assessment solutions and O365 updates to colleagues in their respective schools. It is envisaged that over time this peer-to-peer approach will be of benefit to all teachers and will provide an accessible and inclusive culture of digital support within the schools.
The following week the Pobal Ceoil (Music Teachers) digital cluster, who submitted a successful application to the Department’s School Excellence Funding - Digital Scheme, met to initiate the first of a 3 year cluster programme. Pobal Ceoil presented the very successful ‘In Harmony’ concert in Wexford Opera House in April of last year and this cluster is a fitting way for these dedicated and innovative teachers to continue their music collaboration and drive a culture of collaboration, peer support and learner engagement in their respective schools.
A note of thanks for the support of the CE, Kevin Lewis, the post-primary school Principals, the IT Department and especially the Director of Schools, Eilís Leddy and Joan Sutton. Getting these clusters off the ground provides the platform for some productive collaboration in the months coming months!