Eager teachers sign up for ground-breaking EPICT ICT in the classroom programme

EAGER teachers across the nation are signing up for a new ICT programme which makes them even more ‘computer-savvy’ and thus, helps pupils glean core skills and competence needed in our digital age.

From the start of the new term in two weeks time, teachers eager to further integrate ICT in the classroom and the curriculum will begin the ground-breaking European Pedagogical ICT Licence, EPICT. It’s the equivalent of the ECDL for teachers, but with a focus on classroom practice rather than just IT skills. An imminent report for Government by ICT bosses hits out at the need for better teacher training in ICT as well as greater integration of ICT infrastructure in classrooms.

Already, over a dozen INTO members and a similar number of teachers working with Mary Immaculate College in Limerick have come through a programme for course tutors in preparation for the rollout of EPICT.

It is anticipated that thousands more will complete the EPICT licence in stages, training which will be a massive boost to their pupils from primary school to Junior Certificate level. Teachers too will benefit as the chance to up-skill will also offer them the potential to earn extra cash by tutoring their peers down the line.

Areas covered will include locating resources on the Web, presentation technologies, communication and collaboration on the Internet, using digital images, spreadsheets, web and desktop publishing, databases and datalogging.

The courses will be run during the school term and will be delivered on-line through a virtual learning platform as well as facilitator-led face to face sessions.

EPICT is a comprehensive, flexible and effective in-service training programme, introducing a European quality standard to the on-going professional development of teachers in the integration of ICT in education, according to EPICT’s John Eccleston.

“Pupils and teachers alike will benefit from this new initiative. We’ve listened to what teachers have been telling us about their skills gap and have tailored this programme to meet their needs and the Irish curriculum. The EPICT syllabus for Ireland is also mapped to the NCCA ICT Framework and supports teachers in embedding ICT in their teaching across curriculum subjects.

 “EPICT is a European programme that is well-documented, tested, evaluated and in operation in seven European countries. It is without parallel in the area of in-service teacher training and professional development in pedagogical ICT integration. Each national version is localised to reflect regional differences in curriculum and assessment.

“The EPICT licence was specifically designed for the needs of teaching. It is professional development for teachers, designed by leading educators within educational training institutions.  During the licence training/instruction, participants are exposed to many and varied learning technologies. Expert practitioners and advisory groups ensure that the licence is responsive to the latest classroom developments,” he added.

The course will be available at different levels, among them Bronze, Silver and Gold. The programme features four compulsory modules and four optional modules. The entire course will take between 50 and 120 hours to complete, depending on the level of experience and will cost from   €300, but may vary from provider to provider.

An imminent and partly-leaked report by IT experts for the Department of Education and Science says that a higher standard of reliable technology must be deployed effectively to all schools. Among its many recommendations are better teacher training at the core of an investment plan for ICT integration in schools. EPICT is designed to meet such needs.

At the moment, usage of computers in Irish schools falls well below the EU average and Ireland ranks at the very bottom in Europe when it comes to teachers' satisfaction with ICT infrastructure in schools.  The National Development Plan had proposed spending €252m on ICT in schools but so far this has not materialised.