THE BRIGHT sparks at Gaelscoil Ceatharlach are leading the way!
A group of five pupils from the Carlow town school were chosen for a unique new pilot project, which was put together by Giftedkids.ie and Daynuv – a company which specialises in the creation of virtual worlds for immersive education.
The Gaelscoil children, along with their teacher Bríd Uí Mhaoluala, are the first group in Ireland to use 3D modeling software and programming tools, to teach part of the primary school curriculum in a learning support setting.
In February this year James Corbett of Daynuv created a dedicated Giftedkids.ie island on a 3D grid. This deserted island was quickly peopled with avatars and architectural structures, created by the five Gaelscoil pupils with the help of Ms Uí Mhaoluala.
The students can access the island both at home and at school and can interact via their avatars, with the virtual environment and with each other.
“I am fortunate that we have a very supportive principal and staff and that my learning support colleagues have worked with me to create some time for the exceptionally able children,” said Ms. Uí Mhaoluala.
“A special word of thanks must go to the parents of our five participants, who were more than willing to let their children get involved and to support them at home.”