Cutting-edge technology in education was the highlight at Finn Valley College in Stranorlar on Wednesday as the school hosted the inaugural #ElevatED Donegal event in collaboration with Google and Wriggle Learning.
This CPD (Continuing Professional Development) event marked a milestone as the first of its kind to be held outside of Google Headquarters.
Teachers from 13 schools across Donegal participated in an interactive afternoon filled with presentations, workshops, and discussions.
The event celebrated the integration of digital tools in education, organised on the school’s behalf by Holly Murray, a History and Geography teacher at Finn Valley College and a Wriggle Connect Ambassador. Holly is dedicated to using technology to enhance accessibility and inclusion within the classroom.
Wriggle Learning team members Brian Collins, Grace Coughlan, Seán Glynn and Barry McGinn, with FVC Digital Learning Co-Ordinator Holly Murray and Principal Séan McFadden. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Wriggle Learning, a major partner of Google, was represented by Chief Learning Officer Seán Glynn and his team, who provided valuable insights on leveraging technology to help educators save time and focus more on supporting their students’ learning journeys.
The event also featured keynotes from Anna Artemyeva, Head of Google for Education for Ireland and the UK, along with Grace Kelly, Head of Customer Success for Google. They joined virtually to discuss the significance of human connection in the digital age and how AI can facilitate deeper learning experiences.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore the latest innovations in educational technology provided by Google, including practical sessions for primary school educators with LEGO® education systems aimed at enhancing STEAM learning.
Seán Glynn, Wriggle Learning, leads a LEGO breakout session for primary educators. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
LEGO breakout session for primary educators. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Seán Glynn, Chief Learning Officer at Wriggle Learning addresses attendees at the #ElevatED Donegal CPD event
Discussions during a breakout session as part of #ElevatED Donegal in association with Google for Education. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
A significant highlight of the day was the student perspective, with three pupils from Finn Valley College participating in a fireside chat alongside parent representative Emma Herron. They discussed the impact of technology on their learning experiences, covering topics like the rapid advancement of AI, learning apps, social skills development, access to technology, and the safe use of mobile phones and social media.
Fireside chat, with Emma Herron, Parents Representative on the Board of Management, Seán Glynn, Chief Learning Officer at Wriggle, and FVC students Sophie Thomas, Kylie Gallinagh and Brooke Stewart. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Principal Séan McFadden remarked, “This event marks the first of its kind for Donegal, and we were delighted to share valuable insights and foster collaboration in the realm of education. We hope this could become an annual fixture in our calendars.”
He added, “Finn Valley College, under the auspices of Donegal ETB, has been a pioneer in embedding Google for Education applications in our schools for many years. This approach aims to enhance learning in our classrooms while developing essential digital skills that prepare our students for their futures.
“We extend our gratitude to all the leaders, educators, and personnel from Donegal ETB who participated in this unique occasion. Special thanks to our students Brooke Stewart, Kylie Gallinagh and Sophie Thomas and parent representative, Emma Herron, for sharing their valuable insights, which contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the impact of technology in education. Together, we are committed to fostering an enriched learning environment that empowers our students to thrive in a digital world.”
Holly Murray stated “It was an absolute honour to host this event in my own school. Having local events like this in Donegal is crucial to support teachers in their digital journeys and to assist them with the implementation of digital tools for teaching, learning, and assessments.”
Finn Valley College hosts #ElevatED Donegal in association with Google for Education. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Students of Finn Valley College assist with welcoming #ElevatED Donegal attendees. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
A musical welcome for #ElevatED Donegal attendees. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Ms Holly Murray, Shannon Gillen, Jamie McGonigle, Alanna Bradley and Kylie Gallinagh
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