Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Education and Science

Computerisation Programme

10:00 am

Photo of Brendan KenneallyBrendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 646: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the level of whiteboard use in Waterford schools; and the way this compares with the level of use in other counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29442/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Interactive Whiteboards play an important part in the integration of ICT across the curriculum in schools. They offer opportunities for student participation and increased classroom interactivity. However, effective investment in this technology is dependent on an existing positive ICT culture in schools, teachers who are experienced in using ICT in the classroom and on an existing desirable level of ICT access throughout the school. The 2008 ICT Strategy recommends a baseline of a fixed digital projector and teaching computer for each classroom. The 2009 Smart Schools = Smart Economy Report supports this recommendation. My Department issued €22m in ICT grants to primary schools in 2009. Under this grant schools were required to purchase the recommended baseline equipment before the purchase of equipment such as interactive whiteboards.

Statistics in relation to the level of interactive whiteboards in use on a county basis is not currently available. A recent ICT survey of post primary schools indicated that the availability of interactive whiteboards is not an ICT priority at post primary level. A survey on the use of ICT in primary schools will take place in the autumn.

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