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In conjunction with the UK Safer Internet Centre, NEELB TV and the Safeguarding Board NI, St Mary’s University College Belfast ran two separate videoconferencing sessions for primary and post-primary schools, with the aim of creating a better internet for education.
Two third-year St Mary's students, Emma Campbell and Noel Bradley-Johnston, took on the role of TV presenters in two live, streamed Internet broadcasts to 120 schools, helping to spread the message of staying safe online to over 3,000 pupils.
The students interviewed Alan Earl from the UK Safer Internet Centre; Sharon Beattie, the Director of the NI Safeguarding Board; and David Wright, Director of the aforementioned Safer Internet Centre. They also took questions from school children via an online videoconference through the C2K-hosted Collaborate system, which provides video streaming as well as Internet chat. The programmes were also streamed live by NEELB TV, and recordings are available on the broadcaster’s website:
Speaking at the event, C2k Curriculum Consultant Eamon McAteer said:
“C2k are proud to be supporting Safer Internet Day 2015. C2k recognise the unparalleled opportunities the Internet offers and actively encourage its positive use for social, leisure, economic and educational advancement. I want to thank St Mary’s University College for supporting the venture today by providing us with two excellent presenters. Student teachers were the natural choice, as the school pupils relate well to them, and they are digital natives themselves, using technology and social media on a daily basis.”
Mr Gerry Trainor from St Mary’s added:
“This is another good example of the ongoing close collaboration that takes place between C2K and the Initial Teacher Education institutions through the UCETNI C2K Liaison Group. This follows on from the success of last year’s Fronter competition where student teachers created online teaching ‘rooms’ which were shared with teachers through the C2K Equella system. We see students as having an important role in helping to embed new technologies in schools, often acting as agents of change.”
Peter Simpson, the Manager of NEELB TV, said: “We have worked frequently with professional presenters, and these two students are up there with the best. They are a credit to their College and, I am sure, will make great teachers. On the other hand, if they ever want a job in presenting ....”
Well done, Emma and Noel!
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