The ASTI will host an education conference in November titled ‘Digital Education and Equity: Ensuring Fair Access in a Changing Senior Cycle’, which will examine the implications of increasing digitalisation in postprimary education, with a particular focus on equality of access, and the challenges facing students and schools.
The conference will explore the opportunities and challenges created by the growing use of digital devices in Irish post-primary education, including costs to families, access to digital infrastructure, and the increasing emphasis on digital access in project work associated with Additional Assessment Components (AACs) under Senior Cycle Redevelopment.
Guest speakers at the conference will include Prof. Selina McCoy from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), who will present on the hidden costs of digital education, and the role and impact of digital devices under Senior Cycle Redevelopment. Prof. Anne Mangen from the University of Stavanger will discuss the Stavanger Declaration on the Future of Reading and its research on how the medium of reading, digital or paper, can affect learning and comprehension. Dr Ryan Gallagher from the School of Education at University College Cork will present on the role of digital devices in carrying out the AAC research investigation at Leaving Certificate level. Robin Smith, first vice president of the Swedish Teachers’ Union, will speak on Swedish teachers’ experiences of the introduction and use of digital technologies in schools.
The conference will be moderated by Ingrid Miley.
A Q&A session with the speakers and an ASTI teacher on digital devices in schools, educational equity, affordability, access to resources, and the implications for teaching, learning and assessment, will give attendees the opportunity to ask questions and share their views.
Teachers interested in attending should seek information on how they can be nominated to attend from their branches. Branches are invited to nominate two delegates each to attend.
The conference will take place on Saturday, November 28, in Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, and will run from 10.30am-2.00pm.
