This project blends mythology with the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to support the development, transfer, implementation and dissemination of innovative practices in the teaching of literacy. ICT will serve both as an innovative means of presenting material and also as a tool for collaborative work in the creation of curriculum resources. Through collaboration and exchange students and teachers will experience the myths and legends of the 5 partner countries Ireland, Italy, Poland, Spain and Turkey. The project will result in the creation of a curriculum resource featuring 25 myths and legends presented using a variety of ICT tools and accompanied by a range of resources and activities to further develop oral skills, comprehension and students writing skills. Students and teachers will engage with colleagues and peers from the partner countries and gain deeper meaning and appreciation of the legends and myths that make up part of their respective cultures. The work will be published on a dedicated website which will serve as a resource in the teaching of literacy both nationally and on a broader European and international level.
Context/Background: International test results and governmental policy have identified literacy development as a priority in the primary school sector. Studies have also clearly identified that a key factor in developing literacy is the students’ interest and engagement with the reading material. This project focused on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the development of literacy, using myths and legends as the core curricular content. Similarly the use of ICT as the medium of instruction, means of communication/collaboration and in the creation of resources helped develop basic and transversal digital skills. This integration of mythology and ICT was used to develop oral language skills, reading and comprehension skills, as well as skills in the area of writing. The use of myths and legends offered a clear connection with the pupils’ culture and interest in mythological figures. Similarly the innovative use of ICT allowed for the creation of multi-media resources with a broader appeal and a richer learning experience for students. Objectives: There were 3 main objectives to the project: 1. To support the development, transfer, implementation and dissemination of innovative practices in the teaching of literacy. 2. To focus on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) both as an innovative means of presenting material and also as a tool for collaborative work in the creation of curriculum resources. 3. To advance students’ knowledge of the diversity and richness of cultures and languages of Europe by selecting myths and legends from different parts of Europe as the shared curriculum content. Participants: There were 5 participants in the project St. Mary's Parish Primary School, Drogheda, Ireland (Co-ordinator) ISTITUTO COMPRENSIVO "ROCCO MONTANO", Stigliano, italy Zespol Szkolno-Przedszkolny nr 2 w Brodnicy, Brodnica, Poland Eryaman Turkkent Ilkokulu, Ankara, Turkey Salesianos Inspectoria de San Juan Bosco Comunidad Nuestra Señora Del Pilar, Soto de real, Madrid, Spain Results and Impact The project resulted in the compilation of 25 myths and legends selected from the partner countries which were presented in a variety of technologies. These were then supplemented with additional literacy resources developed by the students in the participating schools. The project impacted across 3 broad levels: 1. An increased knowledge of local mythology as well as learning about the myths and legends of the partner schools 2. A dramatic increase in the use of ICT among students and teachers. 3. A greater awareness of European identity among students. While the immediate project has concluded, the activities completed and ICT skills gained have seen longer lasting results from 2. and 3. listed above.