Clare student joins panel to discuss education of the future
A CLARE student took to a stage of panelists at an annual education conference, which focused on many aspects including ‘the school of the future’.
Sixth year student Gráinne Scullane, from St. Anne's Community College in Killaloe featured on a panel at this year’s Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) annual education conference in Cork City Hall.
As well as this, Youth Officer at Limerick and Clare ETB, Cora Foley, was a featured speaker at the conference. The panel discussed topics such as demographic changes and reconfiguration, the Ukraine response, senior cycle reform and ‘the school of the future’.
The theme for this year’s conference ‘The ETB of the Future’ explored key topics such as the role of AI and technology in education, the importance of inclusion and diversity, and what learners want for the class of 2033.
“As we reflect on 10 years of ETBs in Ireland, it’s time for us now to look to the future and focus on what lies ahead for our sector - Ireland is changing, and it’s important that we move to adapt with it,” said General Secretary of ETBI, Paddy Lavelle.
“Limerick and Clare ETB and Education and Training Boards across Ireland are already providing multi-denominational, co-educational and equality-based education and training services, so are well placed to expand on this delivery and meet potential increased demand.
“The learners of the future are tech-savvy, culturally diverse, environmentally conscious, and adaptable. It is our responsibility now to ensure that the classroom of the future evolves to support them on their learning journey.”
The event brought together over 300 representatives from across the sector and featured a line-up of over 40 speakers.
Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Niall Collins TD opened the conference giving the official Ministerial conference address.
The conference took place over two days, with a full line-up of keynote speakers and panel discussions, including: Joanne O'Riordan, disability activist, writer and broadcaster, John Lonergan, writer and former governor of Mountjoy Prison and Anna Artemyeva, Head of Google for Education, UK & Ireland.