Initiatives
The core activity areas of the NCTE have traditionally been described as initiatives. Four central initiatives were devised to implement the Schools IT 2000 programme and these remain central to the current strategic plan for ICT and education.
Technology Integration (TII)
The Technology Integration Initiative (TII) comprises a number of programs which promote and support the integration of a high quality ICT infrastructure into learning and teaching for schools. The initiative provides relevant and up to date ICT advice and supports
to schools
on a range of technology related areas. The initiative also coordinates the Schools Broadband Programme, which provides broadband connectivity,
content filtering, webhosting, and
security services to all Primary and Post Primary schools.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
What good is technology if teachers and pupils don't know how to use it? This initiative has put in place a comprehensive training programme for teachers centred around a three phase approach ranging from basic skills, through professional skills to pedagogical skills development.
Digital Content
The Digital Content initiative focuses on the availability and provision of digital resources that are relevant to the Irish curriculum. This includes the evaluation of independently produced software products and extends to collaborations with partners to produce resources for key areas of the curriculum.
Scoilnet
The Scoilnet initiative is focused on the promotion and use of the Internet in education. At the core of this programme is the Scoilnet website which is an online resource providing curricular support and information to students, teachers and parents.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The special needs area of the NCTE strives to ensure that the needs of students with special educational needs, and their teachers, are integrated into all the main ICT initiatives. The development and dissemination of information and advice for teachers is the focus of this initiative.
Schools Integration Project (SIP)
This programme was set up to examine and pilot models of technology integration in schools. Some 80 different projects have been organised since 1998.
Projects
In addition to the core initiatives, the NCTE is also actively involved in collaborating on a number of "innovative projects". Among these is SAFT - a European initiative on Internet safety and Webwise, the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Node managed by the NCTE.
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