We’re at a critical moment in education. New research and emerging technologies, such as Generative AI, have the potential to reshape how we teach and learn. With decades of leadership in education technology, Dell Technologies is supporting schools in this transformation – equipping students and educators with tools and programs designed for the AI era, ensuring they are prepared for the opportunities ahead.
This commitment is reflected in Dell’s expanded education portfolio – including new Dell Pro Education and Dell Chromebook devices – alongside programs that help prepare students for the future. These new PCs are purpose-built for modern learning environments: durable enough to withstand the school day, serviceable enough to maximize institutional investment and powerful enough to support the curricula.
Expanding the Portfolio: New Purpose-Built Devices for Education
Dell is expanding its education portfolio with new devices designed to meet the diverse needs of modern learning environments.
These PCs are engineered for the realities of student life – ruggedized to military standards (MIL-STD 810H) with reinforced corners, spill-resistant keyboards and 180-degree lay-flat hinges tested to withstand tens of thousands of cycles. Powered by Intel N-Series processors, they deliver all-school day battery life and the performance modern curricula demand.
Serviceability is built in from the start, with customer-replaceable batteries, shared parts across models and up to five years of warranty coverage to maximize investments and reduce e-waste. Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, built-in security and robust device management give IT teams the tools they need to deploy and support technology at scale, while Dell’s Managed IT Services offer schools 24/7 monitoring, proactive issue resolution and dedicated support options.
The lineup includes:
Dell Pro Education 11 Laptop & 2-in-1 (Windows OS): Compact and lightweight with optional touch capability, ideal for younger students.
Dell Pro Education 14 Laptop (Windows OS) and Dell Chromebook 14 Laptop (Chrome OS): New 14-inch additions to the portfolio offer larger screen real estate for multitasking, well suited for high school students. Schools can choose the operating system that best fits their environment and curriculum needs.
This expanded portfolio joins the Dell Chromebook 11, launched late last year, giving schools more choice in how they equip their students and staff.
Shaping the Future Through Education Programs & Partnerships
Beyond technology solutions, Dell has focused on making lasting impact through collaboration with educators, non-profits, and community leaders to foster critical skills for the digital era. Recent examples include:
Student TechCrew (U.S.): A program that helps schools create a student-led helpdesk, teaching 9th -12th graders about technology and repair while supporting peers and school staff with tech issues. Learn how to start a Student TechCrew chapter at your school here.
Girls Who Game (U.S./Global): Fosters early interest in STEM fields while building leadership and critical thinking skills. This program was developed in partnership with Microsoft and Intel. Learn more about Girls Who Game here.
Tech Career Circuit (Global): In partnership with Discovery Education, this initiative equips students in grades 6-12 with complementary hands-on resources, digital skills and AI-focused learning to prepare for in-demand IT careers. Access the Tech Career Circuit resources here.
Data Dunkers (Canada): A program that uses basketball statistics to teach students in grades 5-12 data science and AI skills, fostering critical thinking and career exploration. Learn more about how to bring Data Dunkers to your school here.
U.S. Presidential AI Challenge (U.S.): Dell is the technology partner to the U.S. Presidential AI Challenge, expanding access to free, on-demand training for K-12 students focused on tech literacy and workforce readiness. Learn more about the Presidential AI Challenge and access resources here.
A Legacy of Leadership in Education
“Dell’s leadership in education is rooted in a deep understanding of how learning evolves alongside the students and teachers who shape it,” said Kevin Terwilliger, head of product, Client Devices, Dell Technologies. “When we design technology for the classroom, we look beyond utility to create tools that foster resilience, spark curiosity, and enable meaningful connections. Our expanded portfolio of purpose-built education devices reflects this commitment—offering durable, high-performing solutions that meet the real-world demands of students and educators alike.”
Availability and Pricing
The new Dell Pro Education and Dell Chromebook devices will be available for order in February 2026. Dell Chromebook 11 is already available at Dell.com.
Finding the best teaching resources for Irish primary schools means balancing curriculum alignment, practical classroom application, and genuine engagement. Irish teachers need materials that work with the Primary School Curriculum’s spiral approach, support differentiated learning across mixed-ability classrooms, and save precious preparation time. This guide examines the most effective teaching resources available to Irish educators, from digital platforms to traditional materials, with a focus on what actually works in Irish classrooms.
The Irish education system serves over 570,000 primary students across diverse settings—from large urban schools in Dublin and Cork to small rural schools in Donegal and Kerry. Each setting demands teaching resources that adapt to different class sizes, technological infrastructure, and community contexts. Ireland’s digital education transformation has accelerated demand for high-quality digital materials, yet teachers consistently report that finding curriculum-appropriate resources remains their biggest challenge.
What Makes Teaching Resources Effective for Irish Classrooms
Effective teaching resources for Irish primary schools share several characteristics that distinguish them from generic international materials. The Irish curriculum emphasises integration across subject areas, child-led inquiry, and development through play in early years—requiring resources designed with these principles in mind.
Resources must align with the Primary School Curriculum framework and its staged approach to learning. Materials that work for Year 3 students in England may not suit Third Class pupils in Ireland, where curriculum expectations and terminology differ. Irish teachers need resources that use familiar language: “sums” rather than “math problems,” references to euro rather than pounds, and examples drawn from Irish life and culture.
The best teaching resources also account for the Irish school calendar, with its specific term dates, mid-term breaks, and preparation periods for standardised tests. Resources that align with these rhythms help teachers plan more effectively and reduce last-minute scrambling for appropriate materials.
Digital Teaching Resource Platforms
Digital platforms offer Irish teachers immediate access to thousands of curriculum-aligned materials. The best platforms combine comprehensive coverage with practical organisation, making it easy to find exactly what you need for tomorrow’s lesson.
LearningMole stands out as a leading teaching resource platform for primary educators. The platform offers over 3,300 free educational resources alongside premium video content covering maths, English, science, geography, history, and special educational needs. For Irish teachers, the curriculum-aligned approach means materials transfer readily to Irish classroom contexts, with video content particularly effective for visual learners and mixed-ability groups.
“Quality teaching resources should reduce teacher workload while improving student outcomes,” notes Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole and former teacher with over 15 years of classroom experience. “Teachers shouldn’t spend hours adapting materials—resources should work straight away in real classrooms.”
Scoilnet, operated by the Department of Education, provides Irish-specific resources created by and for Irish teachers. The platform excels for Irish language materials and resources specifically mapped to the Irish curriculum. While coverage varies by subject area, Scoilnet remains an essential first stop for Irish educators seeking locally-relevant content.
Twinkl offers extensive differentiated resources with Irish curriculum-specific materials. The platform’s strength lies in its printable worksheets and display materials, with resources available at multiple ability levels. Irish teachers appreciate the growing collection of materials using Irish terminology and contexts.
Video-Based Learning Resources
Video resources have become increasingly central to Irish primary education. Visual content supports diverse learning styles, provides consistent explanations for difficult concepts, and allows teachers to focus on facilitation rather than direct instruction for certain topics.
Educational video platforms work particularly well for Irish schools because they address a persistent challenge: ensuring consistent quality instruction across all subjects, even when teachers are working outside their specialisation. A teacher confident in literacy instruction but less certain about teaching fractions can use high-quality video explanations to supplement their direct teaching.
The most effective video resources share certain qualities: clear explanations pitched at the right level, engaging presentation that maintains attention, and content structured to support rather than replace teacher instruction. Videos work best when integrated into lessons rather than used as standalone entertainment.
For Irish schools with limited broadband—still a reality in some rural areas—downloadable video content offers flexibility. Teachers can prepare materials at home or during planning time, ensuring lessons proceed smoothly regardless of connectivity issues on the day.
Maths Teaching Resources for Irish Primary Schools
Maths resources form the backbone of most teachers’ resource collections. Irish primary maths teaching follows a concrete-pictorial-abstract progression, meaning effective resources support hands-on manipulation before moving to visual representations and finally abstract notation.
The best maths teaching resources for Irish classrooms include manipulative-based activities that translate well across ability levels. Base-ten blocks, fraction tiles, and number lines remain classroom staples, but digital equivalents allow whole-class demonstration and individual practice without physical resource limitations.
Place value resources deserve particular attention in Irish primary maths teaching. Students frequently struggle with the transition from two-digit to three-digit numbers, and later with decimal place value. Resources that explicitly address these transition points, with plenty of practice opportunities, support smoother progression through the maths curriculum.
Problem-solving resources have gained prominence as the Irish curriculum emphasises mathematical reasoning alongside computational fluency. Word problems set in Irish contexts—involving euro amounts, Irish place names, and familiar scenarios—help students connect mathematical thinking to real-world applications.
Times tables resources remain perpetually popular, with Irish teachers seeking materials that balance memorisation with understanding. The most effective approaches combine regular practice with pattern recognition, helping students develop both recall speed and mathematical insight.
English and Literacy Teaching Resources
English teaching resources for Irish primary schools must balance the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The best resources integrate these strands rather than treating them in isolation.
Phonics resources aligned with systematic synthetic phonics approaches support early reading instruction. Irish teachers increasingly adopt structured phonics programmes, requiring resources that progress logically through phoneme-grapheme correspondences. Materials should include both decodable readers and engaging texts that reward growing reading skills.
Reading comprehension resources work best when they offer texts at multiple reading levels, allowing teachers to differentiate within mixed-ability classes. Irish teachers value resources that include both fiction and non-fiction texts, preparing students for the range of reading they’ll encounter in standardised assessments and daily life.
Writing resources that provide scaffolding without constraining creativity help students develop their voices while mastering technical skills. Graphic organisers, success criteria, and model texts support structured approaches to teaching different text types.
Spelling resources benefit from a combination of pattern-based instruction and regular practice. Irish English spelling follows British conventions, so teachers need resources that reflect these standards rather than American alternatives.
Science Teaching Resources
Science teaching resources for Irish primary schools support inquiry-based learning while ensuring curriculum coverage. The best resources combine hands-on investigation with clear explanations of underlying concepts.
Practical science resources—experiment guides, observation worksheets, and investigation planners—help teachers structure hands-on learning. Resources should specify commonly-available materials, avoiding experiments that require specialist equipment most Irish schools don’t possess.
Video demonstrations prove particularly valuable for science teaching, allowing students to observe processes that are too dangerous, too slow, or too expensive for classroom replication. Time-lapse videos of plant growth, animations of the water cycle, and demonstrations of chemical reactions extend what’s possible in primary science.
Living things resources connect well with the Irish primary science curriculum’s emphasis on environmental awareness. Materials that encourage outdoor learning and local habitat exploration resonate with Irish teachers’ commitment to connecting students with their natural environment.
History and Geography Resources
History and geography resources for Irish primary schools require careful attention to local context. Irish history teaching must address complex topics sensitively while building genuine historical understanding.
Irish history resources work best when they present multiple perspectives and encourage critical thinking about sources. Primary source materials—photographs, documents, and artefacts—help students engage directly with historical evidence rather than simply absorbing narratives.
Local history resources enable teachers to connect broader historical themes to students’ own communities. Materials that support local study projects, including guidance on conducting oral history interviews and interpreting local landmarks, extend learning beyond the classroom.
Geography resources for Irish schools should include materials about Ireland alongside global perspectives. Students benefit from understanding their own country’s physical and human geography before exploring worldwide patterns.
Map skills resources support progressive development from simple picture maps to Ordnance Survey Ireland maps. Irish teachers need resources that use OSI conventions and include practice with Irish grid references and place names.
Irish Language Teaching Resources
Irish language resources present unique challenges and opportunities. The best resources support both Gaeltacht schools, where Irish is the medium of instruction, and English-medium schools teaching Irish as a subject.
Oral language resources form the foundation of effective Irish teaching. Materials that emphasise speaking and listening before reading and writing align with how children naturally acquire language. Games, songs, and conversation activities build confidence and fluency.
Reading resources in Irish range from early readers using controlled vocabulary to authentic texts for more advanced learners. The best resources include audio support, helping students connect written Irish with correct pronunciation.
Grammar resources work most effectively when embedded in meaningful contexts rather than presented as isolated rules. Irish grammar differs significantly from English, and resources that explicitly address common difficulties help students build accurate language skills.
Special Educational Needs Resources
Teaching resources for students with special educational needs must offer flexibility and multiple access points. Irish primary schools include students with a wide range of learning needs, and effective resources support inclusive classroom practice.
Differentiated resources that offer the same content at multiple complexity levels allow teachers to include all students in shared learning experiences. The best SEN resources maintain high expectations while providing appropriate scaffolding.
Visual support resources—including visual timetables, social stories, and communication aids—help students with autism and communication difficulties access the curriculum. Irish teachers increasingly seek resources that integrate visual supports into mainstream materials.
Multi-sensory resources support students who learn best through combination of visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic input. Materials that offer multiple pathways to the same learning objectives benefit diverse learners.
Dyslexia-friendly resources use appropriate fonts, spacing, and colour combinations to support reading access. Irish teachers value resources that apply these principles consistently across subject areas.
Assessment and Planning Resources
Assessment resources help Irish teachers track student progress and plan appropriate next steps. The best assessment materials align with curriculum expectations while remaining manageable within busy classroom schedules.
Formative assessment resources—including questioning techniques, exit tickets, and self-assessment tools—support responsive teaching. Materials that help teachers gather evidence of learning during lessons enable timely intervention and adjustment.
Standardised test preparation resources help students approach assessments confidently. While teaching to the test is inappropriate, familiarising students with test formats and question types reduces anxiety and enables accurate demonstration of their knowledge.
Planning templates and schemes of work save teachers time while ensuring curriculum coverage. Irish teachers value planning resources that account for the specific structure of the Irish school year.
Choosing the Right Teaching Resources
Selecting teaching resources requires balancing multiple factors: curriculum alignment, practical usability, cost, and accessibility. Irish teachers benefit from systematic approaches to resource evaluation.
Trial periods and free samples allow teachers to assess resources before committing. Most digital platforms offer some free content, enabling teachers to evaluate quality and suitability before purchasing subscriptions.
Colleague recommendations provide valuable insight into how resources perform in real Irish classrooms. Staffroom conversations and online teacher communities share experiences with different platforms and materials.
Cost-effectiveness calculations should account for time savings alongside direct prices. Resources that reduce planning time or enable more effective teaching may justify higher costs through improved efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free teaching resources for Irish primary schools? Scoilnet offers extensive free resources specifically designed for the Irish curriculum. LearningMole provides over 3,300 free educational resources alongside premium content. Many publishers also offer free sample materials that supplement purchased resources.
How can I find teaching resources aligned with the Irish primary curriculum? Start with Irish-specific platforms like Scoilnet, which maps resources directly to curriculum objectives. When using international resources, check terminology matches Irish conventions and content aligns with Irish curriculum expectations for each class level.
What teaching resources work best for mixed-ability primary classrooms? Resources offering differentiated versions of the same content enable inclusive teaching. Digital platforms with multiple difficulty levels, and printable materials available at different reading ages, support mixed-ability classroom management.
Are video-based teaching resources effective for primary-aged children? Video resources prove highly effective when integrated thoughtfully into lessons. They work best for introducing new concepts, demonstrating processes, and providing consistent explanations. Video should supplement rather than replace direct teacher instruction and hands-on learning.
How do I evaluate whether teaching resources are worth the cost? Consider time savings alongside direct educational value. Calculate how many hours of planning time resources save, and assess whether they enable teaching approaches that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Free trials help determine practical value before purchasing.
What resources help with teaching Irish as a subject in English-medium schools? Oral language resources emphasising speaking and listening build foundation skills. Audio-supported reading materials help students connect written Irish with pronunciation. Games and songs increase engagement and support natural language acquisition.
Making the Most of Teaching Resources
The best teaching resources for Irish primary schools combine curriculum alignment, practical usability, and genuine educational value. Digital platforms offer unprecedented access to quality materials, while traditional resources retain their place for hands-on learning.
Success with teaching resources depends not just on the materials themselves but on how teachers integrate them into coherent learning experiences. Resources work best when selected purposefully, adapted thoughtfully, and combined to create engaging sequences of lessons that move students toward clear learning objectives.
Irish primary teachers face significant demands on their time and energy. Quality teaching resources reduce the burden of material preparation, enabling teachers to focus on what matters most: understanding their students, responding to learning needs, and creating classroom environments where children thrive.
A new national survey commissioned by STEM South West, the not-for-profit organisation promoting STEM education and careers, shows there is strong public support for preparing the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in a changing world.
Three-quarters of adults believe coding and AI literacy should be taught in schools, with junior secondary (12-15 years) seen as the ideal stage. Young adults strongly favour early AI education, while older adults and lower-income groups are more likely to prefer optional learning.
These results come on the back of the STEM South West Awards 2025, held last night at Cork County Hall, which celebrated excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (See Winners list below). The awards recognise individuals and organisations whose achievements drive innovation, education, and community engagement in the STEM sector across the South West region, which collectively employs over 75,000 people in STEM-related industries.
Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, commented, “This latest research shows that AI is at the forefront of our times, and there is strong demand for adoption in school. There’s a recognition that young people must be equipped with the skills to thrive in this new digital landscape. Tonight’s awards showcase the people and organisations who are already leading the way in preparing our next generation for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ms. Good added,
“This evening is all about celebration and recognition. It is also a time for us to reflect on what we have achieved in the past year and embrace the many opportunities of the future, while recognising the rapidly evolving global landscape and its challenges. Our AI & Future skills survey throws a focus on the opportunity for growth in education across Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths as we prepare and adapt to changing demands in the workplace.”
Reflecting on both the survey findings and the achievements recognised at the STEM South West Awards, Mary Good added:
“These results show that the adoption and education of our students with AI skills is critical. It’s a call to action for educators, policymakers, and industry to work together to future-proof Ireland’s workforce.”
Key insights from the STEM South West AI & Future Skills survey:
Support for AI education cuts across demographics, with 75% of adults overall backing the introduction of coding and AI literacy in schools, even among groups most worried about changing job descriptions as a result of AI progression.
Younger adults show a pragmatic outlook, with 79% of 18-24-year-olds concerned about job security with advances in AI, yet a strong majority supporting the teaching of coding and AI skills in schools, particularly at junior secondary level (12-15 years).
STEM South West Awards 2025 Winners
STEM in Industry: Company of the Year
The award celebrates organisations creating a proactive, inclusive, and supportive environment for STEM, both internally and through outreach initiatives:
Small/Startup (up to 50 Employees): CompuCal Calibration Solutions
Small to Medium (50 – 249 Employees): MACOM
Large (250+ Employees): Analog Devices
STEM in Education: Educational Initiative of the Year
Recognises educational institutes, departments, and classroom-led initiatives that foster inclusive STEM learning:
Primary Level: Firies National School, Killarney
Secondary Level: Coláiste Muire Crosshaven
Third Level: STEM Teacher Internship Programme
STEM in the Community:
Best Expo Exhibitor (Large): Johnson & Johnson
Best Expo Exhibitor (Small): Reliance
Inspirational STEM Volunteer of the Year: Shane Ruddle, Gilead
STEM Initiative of the Year Award: Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Cork
STEM Person of the Year: Michael Loftus, MTU
Patrick Doyle, South West Regional Manager, IDA and member of the judging panel, said: “Congratulations to STEM South West and all of the finalists and winners for their commitment of time, expertise, and resources in support of STEM skills development and education. Their efforts will provide opportunity for the next generation and future-proof the talent pipeline to sustain the long-term success of STEM industries across the South West region.”
Ireland’s education system stands at a fascinating crossroads where traditional excellence meets digital innovation. With the government’s Digital Strategy for Schools pushing significant investment into educational technology, Irish classrooms are transforming rapidly. This shift isn’t merely about adding tablets and interactive whiteboards; it’s about fundamentally reimagining how teaching resources can enhance learning outcomes for Ireland’s 570,000 primary and 370,000 secondary students.
The recent OECD reports position Ireland above the European average for digital literacy, yet our teachers consistently report needing better resources to maintain this advantage. The challenge isn’t accessing technology—it’s finding quality educational materials that align with the Irish curriculum whilst leveraging digital capabilities effectively. From Dublin’s tech-forward schools to rural communities in Donegal, educators are discovering that the right blend of digital teaching resources and traditional Irish pedagogical strengths creates exceptional learning environments.
The Irish Curriculum Meets Digital Innovation
The Irish education system’s unique features—including the emphasis on critical thinking in the Leaving Certificate and the integrated approach of Aistear for early years—require specialised resources that generic international platforms often miss. Irish teachers need materials that respect our educational philosophy whilst embracing technological possibilities. LearningMole, developed by educators who understand these nuances, demonstrates how teaching resources can bridge traditional Irish educational values with modern digital engagement, offering curriculum-aligned content that works seamlessly in Irish classrooms.
The Primary School Curriculum’s spiral approach, where concepts are revisited with increasing complexity, demands resources that can adapt across year levels. Digital platforms excel here, allowing teachers to access differentiated materials instantly. For instance, when teaching Irish history, educators can combine interactive timelines, primary source documents, and video content to bring events like the Easter Rising or the Great Famine to life in ways that static textbooks never could. These multi-modal approaches particularly benefit Ireland’s growing population of EAL (English as Additional Language) students, now representing over 12% of primary enrolments.
Ireland faces specific educational challenges that technology-enhanced resources can help address. The teacher shortage, particularly acute in STEM subjects, means schools need resources that can support less experienced teachers or those teaching outside their specialisation. Geographic disparities between urban and rural schools create different resource needs—whilst Dublin schools might focus on coding and robotics, schools in the Gaeltacht regions need resources supporting Irish language immersion.
The integration of technology in Irish schools has accelerated dramatically since 2020, with the Department of Education investing over €210 million in digital infrastructure. However, infrastructure alone doesn’t improve education. Teachers report that finding quality, curriculum-appropriate digital resources remains their biggest challenge. Video-based learning platforms that offer structured, curriculum-mapped content help teachers maximise their technology investments whilst ensuring consistent educational quality across all classrooms.
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) schools, serving Ireland’s most disadvantaged communities, particularly benefit from comprehensive digital resources. These schools often struggle with resource budgets, making subscription-based platforms that provide unlimited access to quality materials particularly valuable. When every student can access the same high-quality resources regardless of their family’s economic situation, it helps level Ireland’s educational playing field.
The Celtic Tiger’s Cubs: Preparing Ireland’s Digital Generation
Today’s Irish students—the children and grandchildren of the Celtic Tiger era—inhabit a fundamentally different world than previous generations. Tech companies employ over 200,000 people in Ireland, making digital literacy not just educational enrichment but economic necessity. Schools must prepare students for careers in companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple, all with significant Irish operations, whilst also maintaining Ireland’s renowned strengths in literature, arts, and humanities.
This balance requires teaching resources that integrate technology naturally rather than treating it as separate from traditional subjects. When studying Yeats, students might create digital presentations exploring his influence on Irish identity. Mathematics lessons can incorporate coding exercises that demonstrate practical applications. Science experiments can be documented through video, developing both scientific method understanding and digital communication skills.
“Educational technology should enhance rather than replace traditional teaching strengths,” notes Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole and former teacher with over 15 years of classroom experience. This philosophy resonates particularly strongly in Ireland, where educational traditions run deep whilst innovation drives the economy forward.
Supporting Irish Language Education Through Technology
The preservation and promotion of Irish language education remains a national priority, with technology offering new possibilities for engagement. Digital resources can make Irish more accessible and relevant to students who might otherwise struggle with traditional teaching methods. Interactive games, video content with native speakers, and virtual connections with Gaeltacht schools help bring the language alive.
Resource platforms supporting bilingual education help teachers seamlessly integrate Irish across the curriculum, not just in dedicated Irish lessons. This integrated approach aligns with the government’s 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language, which emphasises making Irish a living language in schools rather than merely an academic subject.
Measuring Success: Ireland’s Educational Metrics
Irish schools excel in international assessments, consistently ranking among Europe’s top performers in literacy and above average in numeracy. However, maintaining this position requires continuous resource investment and innovation. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) emphasises the importance of formative assessment and student-centred learning—approaches that quality teaching resources must support.
Digital resources offering built-in assessment tools help teachers track progress more effectively than traditional methods. Real-time data about student understanding allows for immediate intervention, preventing small gaps from becoming significant problems. This data-driven approach particularly benefits preparing students for standardised tests whilst maintaining Ireland’s broader educational values.
The Path Forward for Irish Education
As Ireland continues developing its knowledge economy, educational resources must evolve accordingly. The integration of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and adaptive learning technologies presents opportunities that Irish schools are beginning to explore. However, successful implementation requires careful selection of resources that align with Irish educational values whilst pushing boundaries appropriately.
Schools report that professional development around resource utilisation significantly impacts success. When teachers understand how to integrate digital resources effectively, student engagement and outcomes improve markedly. This investment in teacher training, coupled with quality resources, positions Irish education to maintain its international reputation whilst preparing students for futures we can barely imagine.
Practical Implementation for Irish Schools
Irish schools implementing comprehensive digital resource strategies should consider several factors specific to our educational context. Budget allocations through capitation grants mean careful resource selection is crucial. Subscription models that serve entire schools often provide better value than individual resource purchases. Resources must work reliably on the infrastructure available—not all Irish schools have high-speed broadband despite ongoing improvements.
The collaborative culture in Irish education means resources supporting teacher sharing and adaptation prove particularly valuable. When teachers can modify materials for their specific contexts whilst sharing improvements with colleagues, the entire system benefits.
Ireland’s education system stands poised to lead Europe in demonstrating how traditional educational excellence and digital innovation can work together. The key lies not in choosing between traditional and digital approaches but in selecting resources that honour Irish educational values whilst embracing technological possibilities. As Irish schools continue this digital transformation, the focus must remain on what matters most: improving outcomes for every student across our island.
Success requires continued investment, thoughtful resource selection, and commitment to maintaining Ireland’s educational strengths whilst building new capabilities. With the right teaching resources and support, Irish schools can prepare students who are equally comfortable discussing Joyce and JavaScript, who understand both Celtic mythology and machine learning, and who carry forward Ireland’s educational excellence into the digital age.
For more information about curriculum-aligned teaching resources that support Irish educators, visit LearningMole at https://www.learningmole.com
Galway County Council’s innovative StoryMaps project, which has digitised the heritage of communities across County Galway into interactive online experiences, has been named a category winner at the 2025 Ireland eGovernment Awards.
The project received the Open Data Award, having been shortlisted alongside the National Cancer Registry of Ireland.
Galway County Council’s Heritage and GIS sections, working in conjunction with community groups and academia, have so far created over 40 town and village StoryMaps showcasing the rich heritage of the County’s towns, villages, and townlands.
In addition, historical information relating to 1,000 townlands has been digitised, providing a valuable resource for communities, schools, heritage groups, Tidy Towns committees, academia, and the public.
By integrating mapping technology with text, images, and multimedia content, StoryMaps delivers location-based stories that can be accessed on any internet-enabled device, from desktop computers to tablets and phones.
Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County, said, “This project showcases and promotes knowledge of, and pride in, the rich heritage of our townlands, villages, towns, and other aspects of our heritage. It presents this heritage to local, national, and international audiences and serves as an extremely valuable resource.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, added, “This project is a fantastic example of how local history can be preserved and shared using modern technology and innovative research techniques. The partnership approach to developing StoryMaps shows how collaboration is central to preserving and sharing our local history.”
Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services for Planning and Economic Development, said the project places a strong emphasis on community engagement, presenting local heritage in a way that is easily accessible to the public, the Irish diaspora, and scholars at home and abroad.
Led by Galway County Council’s Heritage Office and GIS Department, the project was developed in collaboration with the Galway County Community Archaeology Project, University of Galway, Atlantic Technology University (ATU) Galway, ICAN (Irish Community Archive Network) Galway, Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council, and local Tidy Towns, heritage and community groups.
Bridin Feeney, GIS Analyst in Galway County Council’s ICT Department, said the project is about unearthing stories, local lore, and forgotten histories and presenting them in an engaging digital format.
Outlining the background to the project, she added, “Several community groups approached us wanting to develop a digital platform to showcase the heritage and history of their local areas but lacked the capacity or resources to do so. Working with these groups, our GIS team and Heritage Officer developed a framework to create StoryMaps for their heritage trails and townland research. Some communities had the knowledge but not the digital expertise, so we worked with them and trained them on the possibilities of StoryMaps and how they could reach their target audiences.”
Heritage Officer Marie Mannion said the primary goal of StoryMaps is to make heritage accessible to everyone.
“We initially expected to train local communities and students on how to create StoryMaps and make this information available as open-source data. It has turned out to be much more than that,” she explained. “It has given people confidence in their skills and fostered a strong sense of pride in their communities. The StoryMaps are used by local residents, schools, academics, the diaspora, and many others. They have a myriad of uses, and we are only now discovering additional applications, including their use in ATU Galway’s Heritage Studies course.”
The Ireland eGovernment Awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and creativity in Ireland’s public sector and are recognised as the benchmark for digital government services. This year’s awards were presented by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD at O’Reilly Hall, UCD.
Giles Newsome, CEO of iConnect101 and a member of this year’s judging panel, said, “This submission proved very much the value of using GIS, open-source mapping data to deliver something very valuable from Galway County Council to the people of Galway and beyond. What has been done here is the creation and curation of very valuable content on interactive maps about places of interest, historic monuments, historic sites right across County Galway. A fantastic smart use of mapping technology.”
The Ireland Esports Collegiate Series is proud to announce Red Bull as an Official Partner and Official Energy Drink for the 2025/26 season. This exciting collaboration marks a huge step forward for collegiate esports in Ireland, bringing one of the world’s most iconic brands into the island’s leading student esports competition.
First launched in 1987, Red Bull is the world’s best-selling energy drink, with over 12 billion cans sold in 2023.
Their influence in sport and esports is unmatched, and in Ireland they have already proven themselves as strong supporters of collegiate gaming. With initiatives like the Red Bull Gaming Hub at South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford and their growing support for a new gaming hub at Queens University Belfast, Red Bull has firmly established itself as a driving force behind student esports development.
Now, as a partner of the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series, Red Bull will play a pivotal role in amplifying the competition experience for both players and fans.
The Series has experienced record-breaking growth over the past three years. More than 800 students from 16 universities and colleges competed across eight different titles in the 2024/25 season, making it the largest and most diverse esports competition on the island to date. Participation has nearly doubled since 2021, reflecting the growing appetite for esports at third-level institutions and cementing the Series as a key part of the student experience in Ireland.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Red Bull as a partner of the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series,” said Kurt Pittman, Founder of Nativz Gaming. “This is a massively exciting moment for Irish esports. Red Bull’s commitment to collegiate gaming is second to none, and their involvement in our Series will take the experience for students and fans to an entirely new level. With their backing, the 2025/26 season is set to be the biggest and best yet.”
The Ireland Esports Leagues encompass schools, universities and companies, with the Collegiate Series as its flagship student competition. Together, these leagues provide a pathway for young people to connect through esports, develop valuable skills and progress toward careers in gaming, technology and beyond.
Spellings for Me, a personalised spelling programme has successfully rolled out Version 2 of its platform, marking a significant milestone in its mission to transform spelling education worldwide. The upgraded platform, developed in collaboration with TEKenable is using Artificial Intelligence to improve success through a personalised learning experience automatically tailored to each pupil’s needs.
Originally designed for primary schools in Ireland, Spellings for Me quickly gained international traction as teachers relocated and continued using the tool abroad. However, the platform’s initial design revealed limitations, including Irish-accented audio files, lack of advanced reporting tools, and scalability issues. To address these challenges, TEKenable has evolved the platform into a robust, future-proof solution.Version 2 offers 10 proofed accents allowing each school chose the voice that best suits their learners. All AI generated and more can be added with ease.
Over 90,000 pupils per year are enjoying Spellings for Me, with steady annual growth. “The international growth potential of this platform has been greatly enhanced by TEKenable’s use of AI to enable regionalisation resulting in sign-ups from International schools in 25 countries since the launch of the revamped platform,” states Paddy.
The rollout of Version 2 has been met with resounding success, with schools across multiple countries adopting the platform,” says Paddy. “Many of the Version 2 adopters teach English as an Additional Language, and Spellings for Me is now live in international schools across Spain, Finland, Greece, China (Wuhan), Hong Kong, France, Germany, Portugal, Japan, India, Jordan, UAE, Sweden, Egypt, Ghana, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Chile, Uruguay, Turkmenistan, and more. Wherever pupils are learning English, Spellings for Me, with its multi-accent support and research-backed content, continues to meet learners’ diverse needs in classrooms around the world”.
A new homeschool version has also been introduced, allowing parents to purchase the programme directly.
“Spellings for Me supports students worldwide, including EAL learners and international schools, with a tailored spelling programme designed for diverse learning needs,” adds Paddy. “It allows teachers and parents to monitor their growth over time, building confidence and motivation.”
Spellings for Me is currently collaborating with TEKenable’s AI division on a built-in AI reporting engine. Soon, teachers and parents will see an “AI-Insight” button beside each student with the inclusion of AI to recognise patterns that may suggest the pupil has learning differences e.g. early flags for potential learning differences (e.g. dyslexia risk) not a formal diagnosis, but a prompt for further assessment. This will help ensure no child ever slips through the net for dyslexia.
“When we set the Spellings for Me challenge, TEKenable always exceeded our expectations. No problem is too big. They have never let us down, they’re just so competent.” concludes Paddy.
The project’s impact was further recognised when Spellings for Me was selected as the Tipperary representative for the National Enterprise Awards 2025.
Today, SocialTies, a new free digital platform co-founded by three-time All-Ireland winner Walter Walsh, has officially launched. Built for community groups, such as schools, and grassroots organisations, SocialTies brings everything – from fixtures and results to ticketing, training resources, messaging, and exclusive content – into one unified, branded space. Designed around the real needs of today’s communities, the platform puts connection, identity, and community impact at its core.
Walter and his team have addressed a common frustration faced by organisations, relying on multiple disconnected tools to manage day-to-day communication and operations. Instead of navigating between group chats, outdated websites and scattered emails, SocialTies brings everything into one streamlined, purpose-built environment, finally offering a digital solution tailored to how real communities work.
“We built SocialTies because communities deserve better,” said Walter Walsh, CEO and Co-Founder of SocialTies, “For too long, they’ve been expected to make do with outdated websites, scattered group chats, and platforms that were never built for them. This isn’t about adding more noise, it’s about giving community groups, schools and grassroots organisations the digital infrastructure to connect, grow, and take ownership of their space online.”
Walter Walsh Launches New Digital Platform SocialTies – techbuzzireland
SocialTies is built on a new advertising model that delivers value to both communities and businesses. The platform is completely free to use both for individual users and the organisations themselves, with revenue generated through its Community Shared Advertising Model. Businesses gain targeted access to engaged, local audiences in a trusted environment, while 50% of all ad revenue is returned directly to the organisations and communities using the platform.
Brendan Kavanagh, Co-Founder of SocialTies, said: “Too many community platforms fail because they rely on goodwill, not good models. With SocialTies, we set out to create something that’s commercially robust and genuinely useful – it is a platform where local advertisers can reach engaged audiences in a meaningful way, while directly funding the communities they care about. It’s digital advertising that delivers real ROI.”
The first live platform built on SocialTies is Kilkenny Cats Social, created in partnership with Kilkenny GAA. As the pilot rollout, it demonstrates how the platform can be adapted to reflect the identity and structure of any organisation, in this case, one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting communities. Beyond content and communication, the partnership highlights SocialTie’s mission of community engagement at all levels – 50% of all advertising revenue generated on the app goes directly back to Kilkenny GAA, supporting grassroots development and major projects like the new Centre of Excellence.
Walsh, a former Kilkenny Senior hurler added “Kilkenny has given me so much, on and off the pitch, so launching our flagship product here means a huge amount to me. We built Kilkenny Cats Social to reflect everything this county stands for: pride, purpose, and community. I’m proud that we’re starting in Kilkenny, and even prouder that every tap, every ad, and every message on the platform gives something back to the place that shaped me.”
IFA Berlin, the world’s largest event for home & consumer tech, has officially opened the ticket sale for private visitors for its 2025 edition: ifaberlin.seetickets.com. The event will take place from 5 to 9 September 2025 at MesseBerlin.
This year’s ticketing model introduces new access times and an adjusted price structure – with a clear focus on comfort, inclusivity and value to enhance the visitor experience across all audience groups. Furthermore, select exhibition halls are under renovation during the event, and the updated entry structure is designed to ensure better crowd management and smoother operations.
New ticketing structure. Same WOW.
IFA 2025 places greater emphasis on accessibility, comfort, and value. The updated ticketing model reflects how most guests plan their time at the event, while enabling more focused access to exhibits, activations and features.
Families, school groups & visitors with disabilities: Daily, 5–9 September: 10:00–18:00
Trade visitors, professionals & media: Early entry with access to the Trade Visitor Lounge from 08:00 via “Messe Süd” entrance, exhibition access from 09:30.
These adjustments ensure a safer, more relaxed and comfortable experience during peak times – particularly on Friday mornings, which continue to be reserved for political, media and business delegations as well as for families, school groups and visitors with disabilities. To avoid missed moments, major public programming will start after 12:00 on Friday.
Fair pricing that prioritises experience
Following the special pricing during IFA’s 2024 centenary, ticket prices have been adjusted for 2025 to reflect a fair balance of access and experience. Visitors who book in advance online save up to 22%:
Adults: €19.50 advance / €25.00 on site
Students: €12.00 advance / €14.00 on site
People with disabilities: €12.00 advance / €14.00 on site (free companion ticket)
Kids: Free admission for children aged 15 and under
School Group: €39.00 (2 teachers + up to 33 students)
Family: €39.00 advanced / €50.00 on site (2 adults + up to 3 children)
Meanwhile, the IFA Sommergarten will once again host concerts and live programming, with separate tickets available for all IFA visitors. Each IFA Sommergarten ticket includes same-day admission to IFA.
Join them in Berlin from 5 to 9 September 2025 – where inspiration, entertainment and next-gen tech come together. More information at ifa-berlin.com.
