Andrew Donnelly

The Best Use of IT when Pupils Return to School

Rathmore Grammar School

Rathmore Grammar School is a co-educational grammar school in Belfast. It has 1,280 pupils aged 11 to 18 years of age.

Andrew Donnelly is the Head of Technology in Rathmore teaching Technology to A Level and he also supports staff in the development of their IT skills.

In this video clip Andrew tells us about pre remote learning he had used Surface Pro and other devices and how these will be ideal when pupils return to the classroom.

Key learning

  • Using IT to improve learning and teaching

        1. Sharing pupil work to promote excellence and stimulate debate

        2. Better management of practical demonstrations with pupils

  • Sharing of good practice

        1. Other departments using the technology in different ways and working collaboratively to share these skills

        2. Simple connection method so training is not considered difficult and is easily accessible to colleagues who would be traditionally intimidated by IT

  • Great for staff who have to move rooms regularly

        1. No need to log in/off PC

        2. Can connect to the Microsoft Wireless Display quickly (less class time wasted)

        3. Student teachers can easily present/deliver lessons

        4. Fantastic during Covid restrictions with teachers moving to various bubbles

Points to consider:

  • Purchase of a Microsoft Wireless Display is relatively cheap (sub £40)

  • Easily connected as it works in a similar way to Chromecast

  • No need for an expensive laptop as all Window’s devices connect

  • Excellent range and stability of connection