Digital Learning Plan

1. Introduction

This document outlines the Digital Learning Plan for St. Mary’s Primary School, Athlone, for the period 2025-2030. It builds on our previous digital learning initiatives and aligns with the Department of Education’s ‘Digital Strategy for Schools’ and ‘Circular 0001/2017.’ Our goal is to embed digital technologies into all aspects of teaching, learning, and school operations.

2. School Details

School Name: St. Mary’s Primary School Roll Number: 20073P
Location: Athlone, Co. Westmeath
School Type: Co-educational, DEIS Band 2 Current Enrolment: 600 students

Staff:

• Administrative Principal & Deputy Principal

• 1 HSCL Teacher

• 30 Mainstream Teachers

• 23 Special Education Teachers

• 4 Supply Panel Teachers

• 13 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)

  3. School Vision

  St. Mary’s Primary School aims to foster a supportive and innovative environment where digital learning enhances education. Our vision is to empower students and teachers with the necessary digital skills to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Students will:

• Become confident, creative, and responsible digital learners.

• Utilize digital tools to enhance their learning experiences.

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through technology.

  Teachers will:

• Integrate technology seamlessly into their teaching practices.

• Participate in continuous professional development related to digital learning.

• Foster an inclusive digital environment that supports all learners.

  4. Digital Technologies in the School

  Currently, our school has the following digital resources:

• Every class teacher has a desktop/laptop computer and an interactive whiteboard.

• 36 iPads and 8 Chromebooks available for shared use.

• Eight sets of Bee Bots (for early years coding and problem-solving activities).

• Five sets of Lego Spike Kits (for STEM and engineering projects).

• Networked computers with a main copier for printing and scanning needs.

• G-Suite accounts for all staff members.

• A well-maintained Wi-Fi network across the school.

  New Developments:

• Oide training as part of Croke Park CPD.

• Some staff members participating in Infuse Scratch and Microbit training with Ericsson Athlone.
4.1 Digital Technologies in the School Integration in Curriculum in St. Mary’s P.S.

Literacy and Numeracy

• Use of digital platforms to reinforce grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• Math applications that provide interactive problem-solving activities.

• Encouragement of digital storytelling as a means to improve writing skills.

• Incorporation of AI-based learning tools to personalize learning paths.

  STEM and Coding

• Introduction of basic coding in lower grades using visual programming tools.

• Integration of robotics and computational thinking into science lessons.

• Use of simulations and virtual experiments for physics and chemistry.

• Implementing AI and machine learning concepts in upper grades.

• Hands-on workshops on 3D modeling and printing. Creative and Critical Thinking

• Multimedia presentations to encourage student collaboration and creativity.

• Digital portfolios for students to track their learning progress.

• Online discussion forums to promote reflective learning.

• Using digital storytelling to enhance creative expression.

• Gamification strategies to boost engagement in problem-solving. Physical Education and Well-being

• Use of fitness tracking applications to monitor student activity levels.

• Digital mindfulness and mental health resources integrated into wellness programs.

• Virtual reality (VR) activities to simulate real-life sports techniques.

• Online nutrition and healthy lifestyle programs.

  Cultural and Language Learning

• Use of language learning apps to support bilingual education.

• Virtual exchange programs with international partner schools.

• Integration of digital storytelling for cultural projects.

  5. The focus of the current Digital Learning Plan: (findings from review)

  We undertook a digital learning evaluation in our school. We had staff Staff discussion groups – staff meetings, Digital Learning Team meetings, Teacher questionnaires, parental involvement, Reviewing digital technologies equipment in the school and its current use and we also took into consideration Student voice and we heard the pupils views on digital technologies in our school.

  We evaluated our progress using the following sources of evidence:

  • ●  Staff strengths in using ICT for teaching and learning

    • Confidence in using Microsoft Office and Google

    • Confidence in using basic computer skills

  • ●  Reflecting on what areas of ICT staff would like to improve

    • Use of school related websites such as Aladdin and Seesaw

    • In-class use of general ICT uses such as downloading and assessment

    • More whole school staff CPD re ICT

  • ●  Reflecting on what areas of ICT students would like to improve

• Get more iPads so there’s enough for a class and children don’t have to share

• Better plan in place so the iPads are always charged

• Guest speaker to show us new apps

• Use iPads more often

• ●  Current uses of ICT within the classroom environment

  • Google and G-Suite

  • Interactive whiteboard

  • Youtube

  • Educational programmes – Bua na Cainte, Grow in Love, Starlight, Planet Maths

  • General planning – G suite for shared drive

• ●  Development of ICT within the school throughout the 5-year plan

Key Focus 6.1 Teaching

Independent use of ICT by children for learning
Integration of appropriate educational apps and websites in class to promote teaching and learning Use of ICT for homework completion and submission
Education of general computer skills for all children
Upgrade of ICT infrastructure throughout the school for both teachers and students
Continue to add to iPad/Chromebook suite

Areas for 2025-2030

• Increase student engagement in digital content creation.

• Use digital technologies for research, communication, and problem-solving.

• Ensure that digital tools are integrated into cross-curricular activities.

  6.2 Professional Development

• All teachers to receive training on Bee Bots and Lego Spike Kits.

• Continuous upskilling through Oide training in cooperation with our Local Education Centre and Ericsson’s Infuse Scratch and Micro:bit program.

• Encourage peer mentoring and sharing of best practices. 6.3 Infrastructure & Resource Management

• Maintain and upgrade existing technology resources.

• Develop a structured plan for maintaining iPads and Chromebooks.

• Improve Wi-Fi capabilities and classroom connectivity.

  6.4 Digital Safety & Citizenship

• Ensure all students complete an annual digital literacy and safety module.

• Foster responsible use of technology and ethical digital practices.

• Educate parents and guardians about online safety.

  6.5 Targets

7. Digital Learning Action Plan

Domains, Standards, Statements, Targets (from Digital Learning Framework):

8. Implementation Plan Action

CPD in digital technologies for all staff

Bee Bot, Micro:bit, Scratch & Lego Spike Kit training

Increase iPad and Chromebook use

Timeline

Annually

2025- 2026

Ongoing

Responsibility

Principal, ICT Coordinator Staff, external trainers
All staff

Success Criteria

Increased confidence in integrating technology

Effective use in classrooms Regular integration into lessons

Digital safety workshops Annually

Enhance coding & STEM learning through Scratch 2024- and Microbit 2027

9. Evaluation & Monitoring

To ensure the success of this Digital Learning Plan, we will:

Evaluation Method Classroom observations

Parent feedback
Infrastructure audit
Student digital project showcase

Teachers, ICT Coordinator, Community Garda

Staff, Ericsson Athlone

Increased awareness among students

Active participation in coding projects

Responsible Party

School Leadership School Administration IT Support Team Teaching Staff

Frequency

Termly Annually Annually Annually

This Digital Learning Plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness in improving digital literacy and overall student learning outcomes. Adjustments and improvements will be made based on feedback from staff, students, and parents to ensure continued relevance and impact. The integration of emerging technologies and updated best practices will be a key focus in refining this plan further.

9. Success criteria

• Increased student engagement and performance in digital literacy assessments.

• Higher frequency of digital technology use in lesson delivery and student projects.

• Positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents regarding digital learning initiatives.

• Successful implementation of cyber safety awareness programs with improved online behaviour among students.

• Growth in teacher confidence and competence in using digital tools for instruction.

• Enhanced parental involvement through participation in digital literacy workshops.

• Effective integration of AI-based and coding activities in the curriculum.

• Improvement in school infrastructure to support seamless digital learning experiences.

• Increased participation in student-led tech initiatives and innovation projects

11. Conclusion

St. Mary’s Primary School, Athlone, is committed to fostering a dynamic and engaging digital learning environment. Through strategic planning, staff development, and the integration of modern technology, we aim to enhance student learning outcomes and prepare our pupils for the digital future.

12.Ratification by the Board of Management

• This Digital Learning Plan has been ratified by the Board of Management on: __________________________ Signed:

o Chairperson of the Board of Management: ________________ o Principal: ________________