St. Colmcille’s ‘booked in’ with Marita Conlon-McKenna

The hi-tech ‘meeting’ between the Ballymena pupils and writer Marita Conlon-McKenna was organised jointly by NEELB.tv, who provided and managed the technical facilities on site; C2k, who provide the ICT infrastructure to all schools; and National Museums Northern Ireland.

The event was supported by O’Brien Press. St. Colmcille’s pupils were able to watch and listen remotely as the event took place at the Ulster American Folk Park and enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the author about her book Under the Hawthorn Tree, the first instalment of her world-famous Children of the Famine Trilogy.

Avril Allen, C2k’s Services Delivery Manager, said: “All schools across Northern Ireland have access to videoconferencing technology through the Virtual Classroom videoconferencing service provided by C2k, which enables them to collaborate locally and internationally and encourages the pupils to broaden their horizons by developing new collaborative and digital skills.

“It is our aim to increase the awareness and usage of virtual learning through exciting interactive projects like this. A videoconference with the author of one of the most popular books taught in NI schools adds real value for the pupils and gives teachers a reason to use C2k’s videoconferencing technology. Our strong partnerships with NEELB.tv, National Museums Northern Ireland and O’Brien Press are key to the success of such opportunities.”

Peter Simpson from NEELB.tv added: “NEELB.tv have once again teamed up with C2k to bring this unique event to schools across the country.

“NEELB.tv provided the Outside Broadcast facilities at the Ulster American Folk Park through their Outside Broadcast truck and satellite service. This unique combination allows C2k to provide live and interactive events such as this from anywhere in Europe. This is the second combined event of its type provided by the two organisations from the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. We are indebted to our colleagues at the Folk Park and O’Brien press for their support in this venture.”