Alexandra Learning & Teaching Initiative

The College has worked closely with Apple for a number of years and training has been provided for staff by Apple Distinguished Educators (ADEs). The ADE program recognises 2nd and 3rd level professionals possessing an identified expertise in educational technology leadership. In fact, Alexandra College now counts a number of ADEs among its staff  in a number of departments including ICT, English, Music and Modern Languages.

From podcasting and online interviews in Leaving Certificate Irish and Modern Languages, to Videography and Web Design in Transition Year and music editing and recording in 1st year, as well as programming and game design in second year, ICT is ubiquitous in the College.

From 1st year, students are immersed in technology and are encouraged to investigate and develop their interests in ICT.

College staff and students use Moodle as a teaching and learning platform. All staff and students have access to Moodle, which allows teachers to provide access to notes, exercises and homework which can be accessed from any connected device. Moodle allows staff to create a true One-to-One learning environment for classes as students are enabled to work at their own pace and to extend their knowledge independently outside of the classroom.

The College database allows parents and guardians to have full, transparent access to their daughters’ school records. Using this website, parents and guardians can view class records, absenteeism information, book lists, the College calendar and all student reports.  As of September 2008, all reports are completed by teachers and accessed by parents online.  As well as providing a more efficient reporting process, this has also improved the College’s green credentials – an issue of great interest to both students and staff.

Alexandra College has four computer labs. The main computer lab contains 32 iMacs with Windows XP dual boot. Most ICT classes take place in this room. The College Library has 14 iMacs, the Videography room has eight iMacs and the Science computer lab has 14 PCs with Windows XP.

All 4th, 5th and 6th year students, as well as all teachers, have Macbooks and every classroom is fitted with a data projector and wireless Internet access.

Internet access is filtered using OpenDNS, which provides students and staff with wide but safe access.

The ICT department constantly strives to adapt new technologies.  For example:

• In 2009/2010, we moved to Google Apps for Education
• Modern Languages have started using Sonru for oral practice.
• We are also currently rolling out a podcast server for all students and staff and a number of teachers have been eager to use this at both senior and junior level.
• We are currently investigating the possibility of students and staff using iPads in class
• In August 2010, the ICT department will host the first Apple Teachers Institute in Ireland.

From 1st year, students are actively encouraged to become involved in the ICT department in practical and meaningful ways. For example, students are entirely responsible for the design and content of the Alexandran (the College yearbook); students take most of the photographs that appear on the website and in the Alexandran; students in all years are encouraged to submit articles for and make design suggestions for the College website; and the Computer Club encourages those interested to develop their skills in programming, 3D design, web design etc.