Máire O’Brien
Secondary school teacher and further education trainer
Specialising in blended online learning course development
for students with additional needs
Registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland
Máire has worked in the area of education and technology since 1995; working in further education as:
- a Special Class Teacher with pupils with a variety of additional needs from mild to severe and profound, and challenging behaviour (6 years)
- Self-employed trainer running an after-school programme in coding for children in primary schools using pocket computers (Raspberry Pis) and in community centres (4 years)
- Computer Centre Manager and Tutor in computer courses in a disadvantaged area of Dublin in a Community Education Centre promoting digital inclusiveness (3 years)
- Computer Course Coordinator for Students with Additional Needs in Further Education College, UK (5 years)
I specialise in integrating computers into education, helping students with additional learning needs get a good foundation in the core skills of computer literacy, English and maths in a fun way. They are encouraged to make computer games and projects, using professional online programmes, available in many languages.
One-to-one tuition can be provided via Whatsapp and Zoom.
Adults: I help adults learn Microsoft Office, the Google suite, and WordPress websites.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
I have completed two post-graduate courses in e-learning and education, and a further adult education teaching certificate.
Volunteer work:
Local politics: My proposal to Dun Laoghaire Co Co to ensure playgrounds are inclusive, so that children with additional needs can access them was agreed in 2021.
Environment: Am one of An Taisce Climate Ambassadors 2022 working with communities to make positive changes. Am working developing the circular economy locally with the Council by encouraging the development of reuse facilities.
