Hundreds of pupils from primary, secondary and special schools across Northern Ireland came together during the last week of February for a week-long C2k Videoconferencing Festival. This inaugural event celebrated the important contribution that videoconferencing makes to education in Northern Ireland.
Around 40 schools took part in total and St. Mary's PS (Lisbuoy), Carland, was chosen to represent the Southern Education and Library Board (Primary Sector) for a special project on the theme of 'Endangered Animals'.
Through the C2k Videoconferencing Festival, St. Mary's PS pupils - along with pupils from four other schools - were given the opportunity to 'travel' virtually outside their classroom in a link up with Belfast Zoo. Using real-life examples of animal species that are rapidly decreasing in numbers, John Fisher, Belfast Zoo Education Officer, used video conferencing technology to deliver a special presentation to the schools highlighting the plight of endangered animals. Pupils then collaborated in a discussion and an 'Ask the Expert' Q & A session.
