Projects & Initiatives

Digital Collaboratives

A key vision of the Department of Education under the Digital Strategy for Schools (2015-2020) was the creation of communities of practice or ‘collaboratives’ to consider and plan for the best practices in the implementation of the Digital Learning Framework. The creation and support of digital collaboratives is a key area of work for Oide / Oide TiE.

But what is a Community of Practice or Collaborative?

“A community of practice is not really a thing, but rather a process in which social learning occurs because the people who participate in this process have a common interest in some subject or problem and are willing to collaborate with others having the same interest over an extended period.

The product of this process is the sharing of ideas, the finding of solutions to common problems and the building of a repository (in the participants and in the group) of available and new expertise.”

Kirschner P & Lai K (2007)

The Oide Digital Technologies Professional Learning Leaders support digital collaboratives in developing their vision and actions, and with CPD where necessary. Within Phase 1 of this programme, 293 took part, forming 22 digital collaboratives at primary level and 13 at post-primary level. A geographical breakdown of our digital collaboratives can be seen below.

Some 293 teachers are involved, forming 22 digital collaboratives at primary level and 13 at post-primary level. A geographical breakdown of our digital collaboratives can be seen below.