Introduction
IT teaching and training is a thriving profession. There is a high level demand for re-training and updating ICT skills in line with developing technologies.
The aim of this course is to give students the ICT skills and expert knowledge required to teach and train others. Online learning is now used to enhance traditional ways of teaching, therefore, incorporated in the core elements of this course is a module on eLearning.
Successful graduates will gain internationally recognised qualifications certified by the Education Development International (EDI) and the Joint Examining Body (JEB).
A FETAC Train the Trainer (Level 6) award is offered in addition to the EDI/JEB IT Teacher Training qualification.
Career Opportunities
Graduates joining the teaching profession will greatly enhance their employability with the EDI/JEB qualification. This certification provides graduates who already hold a degree with additional teaching subjects in Information Technology (IT).
Graduates who hold only EDI/JEB qualifications may currently be employed as unqualified part-time day teachers or as part-time adult education/night class teachers.
Many degree holders aspire to careers in business, industry, commerce, and the public service. By achieving EDI/JEB qualifications, graduates develop proficiency in specialist computer skills, which will enhance their career prospects.
Opportunities exist in companies as in-house trainers or as external consultants.
With the proliferation in the use of computers in homes and businesses, there is great scope for self-employment.
Course Structure
This course will prepare students for internationally recognised qualifications, certified by Education Development International (EDI) formerly called the Joint Examining Board (JEB). Students gain an in-depth knowledge of software packages as well as the expertise to teach and train others.
Core Elements (EDI/JEB IT Teacher Training)
Word Processing (MS Office 2010)
Applications: Access, Excel, PowerPoint (MS Office 2010)
Education Principles & Practices
Applied Principles of Teaching (Lesson Plans and Schemes of Work)
Micro-Teaching
IT Theory
eLearning:Moodle (plan, prepare and deliver learning on-line)
Teaching Practice
Teaching practice is a mandatory part of this course. Students are required to undertake 4 hours of teaching practice for the EDI awards. The cost is borne by the College, however, teaching practice is provided only for students who meet specified attendance and performance criteria, as determined by the College.
| Course Code | TTD |
| Duration | 1 year – full time September to May |
| Number of places | 24 |
| Number of contact hours per week | 20 |
| Timetable contact | This course is timetabled over 5 mornings. |
Support Elements
- Study Skills
- Career Advice and CV Preparation
- Enterprise Workshop
A careers forum is held each year to which representatives of IT training organisations from industry, teachers from the public service and TTD graduates speak of their experiences.
Assessment and Certification
- Assessment is based on a combination of work submitted during the year and exams.
- This course is certified by EDI/JEB and FETAC. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be awarded a:
EDI/JEB Certificate in Teaching ICT Skills
EDI/JEB Certificate in Principles of Teaching and Learning*
EDI/JEB Certificate in Using a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) in Teaching and Learning
The Train the Trainer (Level 6) award is certified by FETAC
EDI/JEB awards its own Diploma to those who successfully complete the Certificate in Education Practice ICT Skills and the Certificate in Education Principles and Practice.
*Candidates who hold a teaching qualification (e.g. H Dip or BEd) may be eligible, subject to certain conditions, for an exemption from the Certificate in Principles of Teaching and Learning.
Progression
Career
Many careers in the teaching profession and training industries are available to graduates.
Education/Training
Graduates may opt for further training in SCD or elsewhere. Further training in IT specialist areas will open up valuable opportunities. Graduates may wish to consider progressing to the Advanced Computer Applications course in SCD. This course introduces students to advanced Microsoft Applications and Web Design.
Entry Requirements
- Candidates must be at least 20 years of age by the June following the commencement of the course.
- Applicants must have a prior IT computing qualification such as FETAC, ECDL, City & Guilds eQuals Level 1 and Level 2 etc or have relevant IT work experience. While keyboarding skills will be taught as part of the WP course, prior experience will be a distinct advantage.
- Applicants must have a good command of both spoken and written English. Candidates must have sufficient proficiency in English to follow the course, complete assessment materials, take examinations and teach through the English language.
Applications are accepted from graduates, with or without the HDip Ed.
Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)
Mature persons with a high standard of general education and proven motivation may apply.
All applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Applicants will also be advised on course costs and registration details.
Fees
There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, €200 PLC Government Levy (unless exempt), a Student Services fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.