Similarities and DIfferences

Hello all-
So I'm studying in Ireland for the semester and have already noticed how different the education system is. To begin with, students don't have to pay college tuition which is a definite plus and the whole outlook on education is different. For so many more people, it's something that they WANT to do rather than something they feel is the next step in life. The structure at least at the college level is a bit different than what I'm used to. The classes are strictly lecture and the only assignments are a midterm paper and a final paper. A lot of research is to be done outside of class and there is never any homework. I'm not sure if this is better or worse than what I'm used to but it's definietly something that's going to take some getting used to.

As for technology, the level that is used in education is at a far lower level than I expected. In my classes so far, I have seen only one powerpoint and that was as simple as a piece of clip art and a phrase on each slide. In one of my lectures, the professor actually used the overhead and had overhead sheets with a few short phrases that he wanted us to take down. It would have been just as effective to write them up on the board during class rather than wasting the time and energy of creating the overhead sheets.

On the other hand, there are pieces of equipment on campus that are very "high-tech". To be admitted to the library you need to swipe your student card and even further to enter the sports arena you need to swipe your card and then provide your fingerprint. I'm not sure if these machines are extremely necessary but interesting none the less.

I'm hoping to get a chance to go out and at least observe some local primary schools to see what their education system is like and also their level of technology use. I have already noticed that information on teaching strategies that have been told to us again and again back home such as constructivism and student centered learning are still in the early phases here. I feel like I can offer a bit of insight and ideas that to people here is unheard of.