A new learning management system which allows students to access subject resources online from home or anywhere they have internet access has been launched in Davitt College, Castlebar. The system was developed by Mark Jordan, ICT co-ordinator, and is seen as a further extension of the college’s commitment to the provision of the highest standard of learning supports for students.
As he provided guests at the launch with a live demonstration of the system, Mr Jordan explained that the subject specific resources provided by teachers in the classroom will now be available to students online for revision and further study at home. “Students access the material over the internet with a standard web browser. Resources are uploaded weekly by the teachers and as the years progress will form a database of readily available learning support and revision for the student all the way from first year to Leaving Certificate.”
He went on to point out that the system not only included an electronic testing system, it also allowed the student to communicate with the teacher by email in confidence for help and support.
Speaking afterwards Dr Katie Sweeney, CEO of Co Mayo VEC extended thanks to Mark Jordan, who has been one of the Learning Management System’s main proponents, and congratulated him on seeing this project to completion. She said the fact that the staff had availed of extensive and intensive training spoke volumes for the enthusiasm and dedication of the staff under the leadership of principal Bernie Rowland. Dr Sweeney was in no doubt that Davitt College would play a pivotal role in leading the other schools and centres in the VEC system in the implementation of the most modern ICT systems available to the teaching profession.
Davitt College principal Bernie Rowland stated that she was immensely proud of the skills and enthusiasm shown by her staff and particularly of Mark Jordan in developing the Learning Management System which she was sure would be of untold benefit to students at the college. She expressed appreciation to Emma Nestor and Veronica Morley, who devised and demonstrated maths and English inputs for the launch. Ms Rowland pointed out that ICT is not an alternative to effective teaching but it does enhance and enrich teaching and learning. It has long been the policy at Davitt College to provide the most modern and effective teaching supports for staff in order that students are provided with the best possible learning and educational resources, and the Learning Management System was another stage in this process. Live demonstrations of the Learning Management System will take place in Davitt College on its open night, Monday February 28, between 6pm and 9pm.
