Dr. Cornelia Connolly:

It is a great question. Regarding leaving certificate reform, there is an opportunity to examine inquiry-based learning and project-based learning more and expanding those also in terms of assessment. For example, in the design of the leaving certificate computer science curriculum, one was restricted because the exam had to count for 30%, even though it is very much a hands-on subject. There are restrictions that require more flexibility. The digital divide is a problem but there is also a digital use divide. It is not sufficient to give the device to schools, communities or families. We must ensure they can use the device appropriately. I am conscious of the digital divide but the digital use divide is equally important.

Many universities have ongoing outreach projects. For example, the University of Galway is involved with Trinity and the University of Limerick in the CodePlus project, which targets DEIS schools, transition year students and young girls to introduce them to coding in communities where they would not usually get that opportunity. The CodePlus project has been ongoing in recent years. We are now examining it from a longitudinal point of view to see how it has affected girls' choices in subject and degree programme at university. Such projects are important. It is difficult for teachers to do everything within school hours, so opportunities like that are worthwhile.