Community Links Programme - creating opportunity for all

DISC will be launching its annual iFestival at 12.00 on the 11th of June 2010!

iFestival, an exhibition showcasing the highly innovative ICT and multi-media projects carried out by pupils in primary and secondary schools in Dublin's inner city will take place in the Central Library, Ilac Centre from 11^th to 29^th June. It will be launched in the ILAC Centre on the 11^th June by Pat Carey, Minister for Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs.

Projects will include comic making, animation, robotic lego, podcasting and computer gaming. This year there will also be photo, short story and family history projects on show. This exhibition celebrates the outstanding achievements of the young pupils and teachers involved in DISC - the Dublin Inner-City Schools Computerisation programme, run by DIT Community Links Programme.

The iFestival exhibition showcases a high level of creativity and IT skills, combined with a demonstration of new media technologies. The 38 inner-city schools that participate in DISC were invited to submit projects under a number of categories, with prizes to be awarded for the best entry in each. This initiative encourages teachers to integrate ICT into the curriculum, to give the pupils an understanding and familiarity with the technologies, but also to enhance their learning experience and make learning fun and enjoyable.

During iFestival this year there will be a number of free short seminars on the educational benefits of using ICT in the classroom (Learning With Nintendo, Game Making With Microsoft Kodu, LEGO In Education) and an opportunity for classes to participate in LEGO workshops and meet children’s author Finbar O’Connor online. These can be booked online at www.ifestival.ie

According to Professor Tommy Cooke, DIT Community Links Programme, "Computers are a very powerful tool for learning. These innovative ICT projects are engaging and enjoyable and help the pupils’ academic and personal development. They help to develop self-esteem and confidence. They encourage creative and logical thinking as well as the development of problem solving skills. These can also improve a pupil's attendance at school, concentration, behaviour and motivation to learn."

Sponsored prizes will be awarded in each category and each school that submitted projects for iFestival 2010 has been entered into a draw. The first three schools drawn will win a trip to BETT International ICT in Education conference 2011 for the ICT Teacher Coordinator of that school.

For visitors to the exhibition there is a quiz to participate in and an opportunity to try out the new recently developed SMART interactive table for group work and special needs in primary schools. The exhibition will continue in the Central Library for the month of June and admission is free.

Contact DISC at disc(at)dit.ie for more information.