Chalk Talk St Oliver's Special: Current crop blast into the past

AISHLING MONAGHAN

Looking back to 1976, pupils showed great awareness of how different school life was. Many noted that classrooms used blackboards instead of whiteboards and had far less technology.

One pupil pointed out that televisions had to be wheeled into classrooms on a trolley when teachers wanted to show a film.

They also recognised that more children walked to school at the time, as there were fewer cars. Some pupils even knew that children often went home for lunch, with one pupil sharing that her mum, a past pupil, did exactly that.

A few pupils even wondered if there might have been dinosaurs around back then - showing just how far back in time 1976 can feel!

What Will the Future Be Like in St Oliver’s in 2076?

When asked to imagine what school life might be like in 2076 they had some great visions for the future. Paudie O’Donnell suggested that teachers might one day be replaced by robots, while Isabelle O’Brien felt principals would still be needed because of the amount of work involved in running a school.

Technology was a big theme, with pupils like Katie imagining a future where today’s Chromebooks are replaced by more advanced devices with bigger screens. She also pictured a much more modern school building - larger in size, fully upgraded, and with three classes at each level, such as three Junior Infant classes etc.

There were plenty of practical and fun ideas too. Pupils suggested robotic cleaners to keep the school tidy.

They also imagined sensor lights that turn on when you enter a room, along with automatic taps, soap dispensers and tissue dispensers throughout the school..

Communication could change as well, with a “FaceTime-style” intercom where the principal or secretary appears on the whiteboard to make announcements.

When it comes to school life, pupils are hoping for improvements in the small things too; like better lunches, with one pupil wishing for tasty chicken tenders and a drink included. They also suggested new activities, including sports like golf and volleyball.

Looking ahead, pupils also imagined more advanced learning methods, including virtual reality lessons, hologram teachers and fully personalised learning.

Despite all the changes they predicted, pupils agreed on one important thing: no matter how much technology improves, school will always be about children learning, playing and spending time together.

A big thank you to St Oliver’s Student Council for taking the time to meet and share such imaginative and thoughtful ideas.