uLead 2016

The widespread adoption and deployment of Mobile Technologies in second-level schools in Ireland, as in many other countries over the past three years shows no sign of abating. Indeed, it could be argued that it is one of the most significant changes in educational practice in schools in recent years.  Mobile Technology has the potential to significantly change practice in classrooms by reshaping how, when and where learning takes place. Initial teacher education can play a central role in the integration of this technology within teaching and learning in the classroom. The Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (Professional Masters in Education), is a two year, Irish medium, second level, initial teacher education programme in Ireland. Use of an iPad is a course requirement for all student teachers accepting a place on the programme, making it the first initial teacher education programme in Ireland to adopt iPad 1:1. Mobility and the use of iPad to facilitate active teaching methodologies is embedded across all modules of the programme.  During the course of the programme student teachers learn a variety of strategies on how to use iPad in their teaching and a significant emphasis is placed on digital multimedia content creation.This presentation will outline the affordances of mobility as experienced on the MGO programme.