A new network called NI EdTech has launched a suite of free resources and software trials to help local schools and families maintain education digitally throughout COVID-19.
Comprised of over 12 education technology and media companies from across Northern Ireland, the group was established with support from economic growth agency Invest NI through its Collaborative Growth Programme.
Speaking on behalf of the network, Frank McGonagle of Wholeschool Software said “it’s been really heartening to see so much hard work - from teachers, parents and students themselves - going into maintaining student learning at a very difficult time.
“Working in education we all know how quickly everyone has had to adapt and it’s certainly not easy. So we wanted to help by giving local schools and families special access to some of our products, services and resources.”
RELATED: Belfast edtech helps families globally learn maths from home
NI EdTech has also released a short video on the “Top Ten Tips for Children Learning at Home”. The video was produced by network member Learning Mole and addresses challenges like balancing screen time, keeping physically active and creating a schedule for young learners.
A full list of available resources released by the group is available online here and the network said this will be regularly updated.
ACADEMY FOR INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND RESEARCH (AISR)
AISR is offering a free two-week taster course for its online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities in Behaviour Management, Assessing Achievement, Food Safety and Catering and Manual Handling.
BOTTLETOP MEDIA
To help schools and teachers communicate with parents, Bottletop Media are offering free use of their iClass mobile app for one year to “help schools eliminate SMS costs, reduce paperwork, manage homework plans and improve communication with parents.
Contact: offer@bottletopmedia.com
EARLY YEARS APP
Early Years App provides schools with software to record, review and report on child development milestones. They are currently offering schools a free Child Emotional Development module to provide support to children, teachers, and parents.
Contact: eugene@earlyyearsapp.com
EDMIN SOFTWARE
To help NI Special Education Needs Coordinators access up to date information and resources to support students with additional needs, Edmin Software is offering free access to its DSA Portal until September 2020.
Contact: michael@edminsoftware.com
BOOP BOOP
Boop Boop is offering NI mainstream schools free access to its Special Needs Learning and Support Platform, for up to 12 students per school, so teachers can provide structure and consistency for those students and families who require additional levels of support over the coming weeks and months. The offer is subject to availability.
Contact: info@limejar.co.uk
IZAK9
The Izak9 Maths Team is providing access to its online user area with free content for teachers and families via their Twitter and Facebook channels.
Contact: info@izak9.com
JETPACK LEARNING
Jetpack Learning is offering NI schools free access to its “Game Changer” platform which enables teachers to create personalised educational games for their students.
LEARNINGMOLE
Learning Mole has over 250 free videos on its YouTube channel and website to support home learning and children's development.
Contact: michelle@learningmole.com
MAKEMATIC
Makematic has teamed up with Concern Worldwide and “social network for social good” Horyou to launch the free #17DaystoLearn challenge. The challenge includes daily “at home” activities and dozens of family-friendly educational animations linked to the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals.
TAKETEN
TakeTen is offering their school mindfulness programme free of charge to help schools manage pupils' stress and anxiety - as well as a free trial of its new stress management app for smartphones to help teenagers, teachers and parents during Covid- 19.
Contact: info@letstaketen.com
WHOLESCHOOL SOFTWARE
Wholeschool is offering a free home-schooling audit to help schools understand how teachers, pupils and parents are adjusting to remote learning and gain insight into tools and practices that work.
Contact: info@whole.school
RELATED: NI's Further Education colleges help in COVID-19 frontline battle
Source: Written from press release
