23 October, 2006 - Ireland wins top prize for ICT based project at Asia-Europe Classroom Network

Ireland has won the top prize for an ICT based project at an international conference held in Serres, Greece.

The Asia-Europe Classroom Network established in 1998 organises and facilitates ICT based projects between schools in Europe and Asia.  The Irish project, entitled 'Local Traditions and Ceremonies', was co-ordinated by a group from the Education Department of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth and was supported by the Department of Education and Science and the National Centre for Technology in Education. The project involved 13 schools from 11 countries - five Asian and six European. 

Ireland was represented in the project by Transition Year students and two of their teachers from Sligo Grammar School.  Local Traditions and Ceremonies provided students with opportunities to learn about the traditions and ceremonies that are a part of the culture and heritage of the participating countries. 

The students from Sligo Grammar School researched local customs in their area which included those associated with Croagh Patrick, Ballintubber Abbey, and Knock in Mayo.

Speaking today Minister Hanafin said "I would like to congratulate all who have worked so hard on this project and contributed to Ireland being awarded this prestigious prize. In particular, I would like to pay tribute to the students and teachers of Sligo Grammar School who represented us in this project - it is an outstanding achievement and one that they can justifiably be very proud of. 

Participation in networks such as the Asia-Europe Classroom provides vital links for teachers and students alike to exchange ideas and share expertise. This Government is committed to the continued development of ICT in schools and projects such as this demonstrates the potential of ICT not only to support teaching and learning in Irish classrooms but also to develop the concept of the global classroom."

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