Learning Innovation
In the 21st century the nature of learning is rapidly changing. A shift in thinking and understanding about learning is occurring – from learning as scientific expertise, knowing the facts, and providing content – to learning as helping people define their own possibilities and solutions.
The learner is no longer a passive recipient but an active participant. New digital technology and the Internet offer the potential for anyone to learn in any place, at any time. However, there is a risk of people being left behind with a digital divide opening up between those who have access and those who do not have access to digital media.
Education is a key enabler in overcoming social and economic disadvantage. It is a human right and the means for realising and accessing other rights. Yet, a significant number in our society and in our world do not benefit from the education system.
What we are doing
iScoil
Presentation Ireland is developing an innovative on line learning initiative: iScoil is a learning community that welcomes a range of young people (13-16 years) whose needs are not being met by the education system. (www.iscoil.ie)
Acceptance onto iScoil is based on what is in the best interest of the young person. Referrals usually come through the National Educational Welfare Board.
This begun as a pilot programme called Notschool run in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway with the assistance of the Inclusion Trust UK. (http://www.notschool.net)
How does iScoil work?
The learning community is made up of young people (40 and growing) and adults who assist with learning called mentors, all of whom are qualified teachers.
Each young person is assigned a mentor who develops a learning plan with the student based on what they are interested in.
Young people log on daily to a secure website where there are creative learning materials and project ideas to support their learning. They can also chat safely to each other on line. Young people receive an Apple Mac computer and secure broadband.
For further information contact: info@notschoolireland.net
Lifelong Learning and Outreach
Learning Together: lifelong learning and outreach is a report that presents the findings from 7 pilot learning and outreach initiatives run over a three year period in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Tralee, Drogheda, Tipperary.
It focuses on bringing people and organisations together to learn: in intergenerational learning, in integrated approaches to learning provision and in outreach to connect with new learners.
The report was launched in the Dept of Education and Science by Minister of State Sean Haughey who said: “… it provides us with vital new insights and challenges with regard to these policy objectives on social inclusion…”
To download the report click here (PDF, 2.35MB).