Mr. Steven Daly:

The key thing to note is that we are discussing two sides of technology, the use of it and the ability to use it. That involves two sets of skills. The skills to use technology are key and including subjects such as computer science in the curriculum is also key. That involves different skills, such as the ability to sit down in front of a computer or phone and know what it is and how to use it. There is an additional layer, which is the real power of technology in education, namely, technology as a tool to facilitate the development of 21st century learning skills.

There are two layers of skills. One is the base of literacy, numeracy, writing, arithmetic and maths, which is key and core, something nobody would dispute. There is then an extra layer of skills on top of that which young people going out into the world of work now need. They need communication, collaboration, critical thinking and the ability to work in groups and to solve problems. If we are not giving our young people those skills, we are failing them. Technology is a key tool to facilitate them in developing those skills.