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The D.I.S.C Projects initiative was established in 2003 with the aim
of integrating the use of innovative technology in schools. As part
of this initiative schools receive the relevant software and in some
cases hardware required to run their projects. Appropriate training
is also part of the initiative.
DISC aims to engage as many
teachers as possible in small long term sustainable ICT
initiatives that link in with the national curriculum and the
work they are already doing in class
DISC projects are designed to help teachers meet the ICT
requirements of the Primary School Curriculum and provide an
added dimension to the use of ICT in secondary schools. The
projects range in difficulty but start at a level that does not
involve a steep learning curve for the teachers or students
involved.
Major benefits for students involved in the projects are an increase in ; ICT skills , Language skills, Social skills (ability to work well in groups), Problem solving abilities, Self confidence, Self esteem, Pride, and a desire to present their work to their peers.
Teachers involved
develop their ICT skills, increase their confidence in working with ICTs, show a marked desire to showcase children's work and developed a strong enthusiasm and sense of possibility for the use ICTs within the daily school curriculum.
The purpose of doing a project is to move the learning
experience on from simply exploring the functions of computer
programs and games to the point where the computer is used as a
tool to discover and learn, under the guidance of a teacher,
specific areas of the national curriculum.
The key benefits of doing an ICT project with a class are
emphasised at every opportunity. The benefits outlined are:
- Provide a different type of learning experience for children
that is both engaging and enjoyable
- Develop social skills through cooperative learning and
problem-solving
- It extends the range of learning experiences afforded to
children, offering opportunities to learn through visual, audio,
and kinaesthetic media, as well as through text.
- Give teachers different mediums of children’s work which may
be easily presented to parents on prize giving days or other
interested stakeholders at any time
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