New Online Teachers Training course on how to bring the ocean into the classroom
10th June 2022: The Explorers Education Programme is delighted to announce the launch of a new online teaching course in collaboration with the Mayo Education Centre, that will enable teachers all over Ireland to learn about how to bring the ocean into the classroom.
Speaking about the launch of the new online course, Michael McKenzie, Director of the Mayo Education Centre, said, "we are delighted to work with the Explorers team this year to provide an online course for teachers as part of the summer courses approved by the Department of Education and Skills. The content that the Explorers team have developed helps make the ocean as accessible as possible for teachers."
The online course 'Exploring Ireland's Seashore through Science, Maths, Geography, English & Art' is approved for E.P.V (Extra Personal Vacation) certification by the Department of Education and will take approximately 20 hours to complete. The course runs from the 4th July to the 19th August. The early bird bookings for the course will cost €59 until the 30th June and from the 1st July the cost is €69. Further details and how to book can be found at the Mayo Education Centre website.
The online course aims to bring the ocean and seashore into the classroom via a range of specially recorded short videos with the Explorers team. The films and associated activities are designed to guide teachers through developing their ocean literacy, planning seashore trips, exploring marine biodiversity through the existing curriculum, as well as reflecting on 
human impacts on the ocean, and much more.
Ms Patricia Orme, Corporate Services Director, Marine Institute congratulated the Explorers team on the launch of this new online course, and the continued expansion of teachers training. "The provision of an online option makes learning about the ocean accessible to teachers right across Ireland. This collaboration also enables teachers to access the Explorers Programme excellent fit-for- purpose resource that can be used in the classroom as well as for outdoor education."
Further information about the Explorers teachers training is at explorers.ie (Explorers teachers training)
The Explorers Education Programme is funded by the Marine Institute, Ireland's state agency for marine research, technology development and innovation.
ENDS
Media contact:
Cushla Dromgool-Regan
Strategic Education and Communications Manager
(Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme)
Camden Education
Mobile: + 353 (0) 87 9185519
Email: cushla.dromgoolregan@thecamdentrust.org
Website: www.explorers.ie
Photo caption:
1. Dr Noirin Burke takes part in filming content on the seashore for the Explorers online teachers training course. Photo: Cushla Dromgool-Regan
2. The Explorers team take part in filming content on the seashore for the Explorers online teachers training course. LtoR Anna Quinn, Dr Noirin Burke, Padraic Creedon. Photo: Cushla Dromgool-Regan