Information Technology
Since 2000 there have been major advances in the provision of computer facilities in the College. Information technology has become an integral part of the learning experience here. Pupils in the junior years have timetabled lessons in which they learn to use all of the Microsoft Office programs, and Transition Year pupils undertake a graphic design course using Adobe Photoshop. St. Columba's is also an accredited ECDL examining centre, and the ECDL qualification is available to those in years V and VI. The Computer Room, with 27 networked PC's and a digital projector, is also used for mainstream subjects, and during evening Prep for individual work. A wired and wireless network covers the campus, including classrooms and the boarding houses, and internet access is delivered via a high-speed broadband connection. Our staff have taken on the teaching and learning opportunities of this technology enthusiastically. All staff have access to digital projectors, enabling the use of a range of multimedia teaching resources.
Each boarding house has a minimum of one networked PC. Many subjects have created their own websites allowing pupils and staff to interact over the internet and allows pupils to access work from any computer with an internet connection, whether at home or at school.
Staff regularly undertake training days to ensure that the facilities available are used effectively in the classroom, enabling St. Columba's College to continue to set the standards for Information Technology in Irish schools.
