Learning Paths
What is a Learning Path?
A Learning Path is a feature on Scoilnet that enables teachers to select and organise resources from the Scoilnet site into a sequence or collection and share it with their peers or pupils.
This sequence or collection is numbered and may include resources which are grouped by theme, subject, class, topic or whatever the teacher chooses.
As part of creating the Learning Path, the teacher may describe how it is to be used, for example for planning, lesson development, homework provision and so on.
Each Learning Path generates a unique url that can be easily shared or posted on the school website or blog. Learning Paths are also available as PDF.
What do I use Learning Paths for?
Learning Paths may be used to create and organise collections of resources found on the Scoilnet site. You may decide on the number of resources in each Learning Path and the purpose of each resource or path. The following presents a list of scenarios for creating a Learning Path.
Homework Provision - A Learning Path may contain a numbered list of online and offline activities across various subjects which are intended as homework.
In-class activities - A Learning Path might include an online story to read via ipad and then a related online multiple choice quiz to complete.
Lesson progression and development - Teachers may use a Learning Path to bookmark relevant sites from Scoilnet with a view to using them to illustrate concepts or provide a stimulus to introduce a particular lesson or multiple lessons. For example, video based resources and animations may be grouped to cater for a number of lessons on magnets whereby resource 1 in the Path focuses on their discovery, resource 2 focuses on the concept of repelling and attracting, resource three focuses on creating a magnetic field and so on.
Differentiation - Online and offline activities or resources may be grouped according to different levels of ability. For example, a Learning Path may contain support material for teaching nouns whereby resources 1-3 focus on common nouns and targets most of the class. Resource 4 focuses on the identification of pronouns and compound nouns and is aimed at some more able children or early finishers.
Assessment: The Learning Path may contain different forms of assessment that inlcude online self-assessment tools, activities for peer assessment or worksheets.
Are there examples of Learning Paths created by teachers?
Yes, since their release in late January 2015 there has been a few created and we are keen to show off their potential.
Although Scoilnet is not intending on maintaining a comprehensive list of Learning Paths created by teachers we will publish a selection from time to time depending on the context or as needs arise.
We do, however, invite you to submit your Learning Path to be considered for a Learning Path of the Month award.
See examples -
Spring has Sprung by Mark Boggins
Demand and Supply by Patrick Coffey
Sight Vocabulary by Sharon Mc Donald
Capacity for 4th Class by Ann Moran
How do I create a Learning Path?
Creating a learning path is a simple intuitive process once you are signed in with your Scoilnet Account. (Teachers may register for a Scoilnet Account by clicking here)
- Search for a resource, say magnets.
- Click on the Add to Learning Path function to the right of the resource.
- Choose Add to New Learning Path if it's your first one. (Choose Add to Existing Learning Path otherwise)
- Give the Learning Path and name and state how to use it.
- Choose either to edit it or view the learning path.
- Repeat steps depending on number of resources to be added.
How do I share my Learning Path?
Once signed in to Scoilnet with your Scoilnet account you can share your Learning Path by copying and pasting its url and sending it via your email.
You can do this from within your Dashboard by clicking on the View All button beside your Learning Paths.
Then select the Share the Learning Path link to the right of your chosen Learning Path.
Can I edit my Learning Path?
Yes. You may delete and add resources as you wish. You may also re-order the resources within your Learning Path in addition to editing the title and description.
To do this simply go to your Dashboard and click on Edit within the My Latest Learning Paths section and do one or all of the following:
- Select the Remove Resource from Learning Path
- Drag and drop the resource to re-order it
- Click on the text to be edited.
How do I find other teachers' Learning Paths?
Scoilnet will promote teachers' Learning Paths from time to time particularly if they are topical and if they have been given a Learning Path of the Month Award.
Otherwise if you are aware of a teacher that has created a Learning Path or indeed uploaded resources you may also search for their name in the Search Function.
For example if you type Michael OReilly or Siobhan OSullivan you will find all the resources they have uploaded. If you click on their name which is displayed as part of the resource metadata (Contributor: Michael OReilly) you will be able to view their user profile in addition to the Learning Paths they've created.
