Ballymore National School, Co. Donegal, was awarded €5,000, to collaborate with three schools* to utilise outdoor spaces. Digital technologies were used to create and improve effective learning spaces. Participating teachers engaged in workshops, peer collaboration, lesson study and delivery cycles to explore how digital tools can enrich teaching and learning in outdoor environments.
This project supported teachers in reimagining the school grounds as dynamic, technology-enhanced classrooms. This project aimed to develop teachers’ confidence and skills in integrating outdoor and digital learning to foster pupil engagement, creativity and environmental awareness.
*List of collaborating schools:
- Holy Trinity National School
- Creeslough National School
- Killygordon National School
School's reflection
Our project brought together 16 teachers from four primary schools in Donegal to explore how digital technologies can enhance outdoor learning. As a partnership we participated in workshops, peer observations and reflective discussions focused on using our school grounds as rich learning environments.
The professional learning was practical and highly collaborative. Teachers trialled activities such as biodiversity mapping, QR code trails, digital storytelling and environmental investigations using tablets, apps and other digital technology tools. Observing colleagues teach gave us the confidence to experiment with new approaches and methodologies and to see how technology could be used purposefully and meaningfully as a supportive learning aid, and not just as an add-on.
The impact on teachers was significant. We developed stronger digital skills, broadened our understanding of outdoor pedagogy and built a supportive professional learning community. The funding also provided time and resources that made this work possible.
Students were more engaged, creative and independent. They showed increased enthusiasm for science, literacy and problem-solving tasks and group work. Overall, the project transformed how we view our outdoor classrooms and demonstrated that meaningful professional collaboration leads directly to richer learning experiences for children.