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Carn school may swap books for
iPads
10.10.11
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
AN Inishowen school could be set to become one of
the first in the country to dispense with
traditional school books in favour of the latest
pioneering digital technology.
Carndonagh Community School is currently exploring
the possibility of its students using electronic
tablet devices – such as the iPad – in the classroom
instead of textbooks.
The innovative project could see the end of pupils
here having to carry heavy bags of books to and from
school everyday.
Carn CS principal Paul Fiorentini revealed that the
groundbreaking plan is currently at a ‘research
stage’.
“It’s still very early and we need to look at a few
more things. We like the potential it offers but the
jury’s still out. If our research goes well and we
decide it’s a runner then there will be some sort of
trial, possibly next year,” he said.
“It’s a quantum leap and before we jump we need to
be certain that we have access to all the relevant
material in online book format. It is also harder to
read a book [on tablet devices] so there’s still a
fair bit of work to do.” |
Headmaster Fiorentini
revealed that the school has yet to decide on which
device it would adopt, if successfully trialled next
year. He revealed that the iPad, Android and Samsung
were among those being currently considered.
Fiorentini went on to explain the thinking behind a
possible move away from school books.
“There is an ongoing problem with school books; the
increased cost, the weight of them and the fact that
they are perpetually changing. It is very
frustrating for everyone involved – parents,
teachers and students.”
Two Irish schools are already using the
groundbreaking technology as an alternative to
traditional textbooks. |
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Paul Fiorentini. |
iPads have already been
phased into use since September at St. Coleman’s
College, Claremorris, Co. Mayo where all 90 first
year students have the option of using the Apple
device instead of a bag full of school books.
Each iPad will be furnished with a suite of learning
apps at an estimated cost of €700 for the full
package, with the price spread over a three-year
payment plan for parents.
Earlier this year St. Fintina’s Post Primary School
in Longwood, Co. Meath became the first in Ireland
to equip all first year students with a Fizzbook
Spin tablet style laptop, with a full range of
e-books installed.
Local parents and pupils are understood to be
positive about a similar move at Carn Community
School, where the first iPads are likely to be
rolled out next September. |
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