S2 Episode Seven: Dr. Michael Hallissy Digital Education – Trusting teachers to make informed decisions to best meet the needs of their learners

Michael is a former primary school teacher who has over 25 years’ experience working in the field of digital education. He developed his interest in digital education in the early 1980s as an undergraduate student teacher in Marino by experimenting with the college’s newly acquired Apple Macintosh computer. His first research project focused on the use of a BBC Micro in Irish primary schools in the mid-1980s. He later pursued a Masters in Education Technology in Boston College, where he also focused on the area of digital assessment. During his time in Boston he also worked in the Newton Public School System, one of the most progressive education systems in the US and he had the privilege of working on numerous innovative digital education projects. On returning to Ireland in 1994, after 5 years in Boston, he returned to classroom teaching and was instrumental in introducing Apple Macintosh computers into the school and in partnership with his H2 business partner, John Hurley, created the first school website in Ireland. Working closely with Ireland On-line, the largest internet service provider in Ireland at the time, he and John created a school’s portal for Irish schools, a booklet on using the Web in Irish schools and the first course for teachers on using the Web. John and Michael created a company, EdNet, to spearhead this work and eventually their work was recognised by the European Commission and the Irish Department of Education. This busy period between 1995 and 1996 eventually led to Michael being seconded into the Department of Education to work with staff to develop Ireland’s first digital strategy, IT2000. In 1998 he joined the newly formed National Centre for Technology in Education where he worked as a National Coordinator for Interactive Software in the Curriculum till 2002. He also had responsibility for digital education research activities at this time and worked with colleagues on a number of innovative research projects. In this episode we discuss Michaels’ contributions to digital education policies in Ireland and Europe, including working with the Department of Education, the NCCA, and the European Commission. He addresses the challenges of implementing digital education policies, including the need for investment in infrastructure and professional development for teachers and the importance of formative and summative assessment in digital education and the need for new models of education to meet the needs of all students. We discuss the importance of equity and access in digital education, both for students and teachers and the need for schools to provide digital devices and support for students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Michael emphasizes the role of digital technology in preparing students for their future education and careers and the importance of involving families in the use of digital technology to support their children's education. In discussing the use of generative AI in education, including interviews with teacher educators, teachers, and students, Michael emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and understanding the consequences of using AI tools. While acknowledging the need for informed discussions and mediation in schools to ensure the responsible use of AI, Michael also highlights the potential of AI to enhance learning experiences and the importance of teachers being equipped to use these tools effectively. He believes that digital education needs to be embedded in all aspects of education, including initial teacher education and professional development. Michael concludes by reflecting on the current crossroads in digital education and the need for a positive narrative about the use of technology. A really informative episode!