Students’ learning outcomes and experiences were enhanced through teachers’ judicious use of digital learning technology (DLT) as a learning tool. In the lessons observed, students used DLT to assess their learning through the use of digital quizzes, to develop research skills and to support their understanding by watching apt video clips which had accompanying tasks. Students reported that the common approach adopted by their teachers in creating online digital subject folders has greatly supported them to easily store and access information. Whole School Evaluation 2024
At Sandymount Park ETSS, technology is an integral part of teaching and learning. Technology allows our students to collaborate, create, communicate and demonstrate their learning in a wide variety of ways while developing the digital skills needed for further education, employment and life.
Our approach is guided by a simple principle: technology should enhance learning, not replace great teaching.
We believe that the teacher remains the most important influence on a student’s learning. The iPad is a powerful tool that supports high-quality teaching by making learning engaging, interactive and accessible. Technology is used with purpose and intent to deepen understanding, provide timely feedback, personalise learning and encourage creativity and collaboration.
Students use Microsoft 365 as their digital learning platform, providing access to class materials, assignments, feedback and collaborative learning opportunities. Teachers use a range of digital tools to support explanation, modelling, assessment and retrieval, helping students to consolidate their learning and monitor their progress.
When the pandemic forced schools to close in 2020 and again in 2021, our embedded use of iPads and O365 allowed us to seamlessly transition to remote schooling with no interruption to learning. Technology played a critical role in enabling students and staff to stay connected, engaged and motivated.
Technology also enables students to demonstrate their understanding in different ways. Depending on the learning intention, students may create presentations, produce videos or podcasts, analyse data, collaborate on shared documents, record reflections, complete quizzes or use multimedia to communicate their ideas.
Developing digital literacy is an important part of our curriculum. Students learn how to use technology responsibly, think critically about information they encounter online, communicate respectfully in digital spaces and manage their digital wellbeing. These are essential life skills in an increasingly connected world.
Our digital learning programme is continually informed by educational research and our School Self-Evaluation process. We are committed to ensuring that technology is used thoughtfully and purposefully to improve learning outcomes while maintaining the positive relationships, high expectations and excellent teaching that define life at Sandymount Park ETSS.
Technology is not an end in itself. It is one of the many tools we use to help every student become a confident, capable and independent learner.
Students displayed very good strengths in communicating learning. All learners, according to their ability, demonstrated their understanding competently. They contributed confidently through verbal engagement and in writing, including handwritten and digital formats. Science Subject Inspection 2019