Creating innovative learning in schools
Trinity Access 21 is a multidisciplinary project run by Trinity College Dublin. In 2013, Google funding helped Trinity College to design and launch a new Postgraduate Certificate for practicing teachers in Ireland – including workshops in computer science education. Thanks to these professional development options, teachers can now take courses in beginner, intermediate and advanced level computer programming and computer systems pedagogy, which are complemented by modules in change management and leadership. All of the sessions are hands-on and are delivered using a team-based learning model. A teacher in one of the partner schools said, “The educational model, co-funded by Google, allowed peer teaching to occur naturally, and helped to consolidate groups of professionals working together and to promote skills.” The course improves educators’ technical skills and confidence in planning lessons for their students in digital media production, computer programming and computational thinking. With Google’s support, over 200 teachers have completed, or are taking, modules on the Postgraduate Certificate, with more than 30 teachers progressing to Masters and PhD-level studies since 2014. Another 300 teachers have attended one-day CS education workshops, many of which have been delivered at the Google office in Dublin.
The educational model, co-funded by Google, allowed peer teaching to occur naturally, and helped to consolidate groups of professionals working together and to promote skills.