Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the Coder Dojo project that was first launched in Cork last year; if he will investigate the feasibility and potential benefits in introducing a subject that incorporates, computer coding, websites development, app creating, programs, in primary and second level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10151/12]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to introduce a digital media component to transition year programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10152/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 106 together.

I have no plans to introduce Coder Dojo into the curriculum at present. The overall approach to ICT, based on the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is that ICT is not a subject, but rather a tool to be integrated into all aspects of teaching and learning. The Council has published a curriculum framework for ICT setting out the range of skills and learning outcomes which students should achieve. This work is supported by professional development for teachers, by digital content on the scoilnet website, and by investment in ICT infrastructure in schools.

My colleague, the Minster for Communication Energy and Natural Resources and I have committed to connecting all post primary schools to 100Mbps boradband service by the end of 2014. Reliable high speed broadband connections will allow for improved integration of ICT in learning through providing teachers and students with confidence in accessing and using media-rich educational resources hosted online.

Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games is a module on the NCCA website which has been developed for Transition Year by LERO, the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre. LERO brings together leading software engineering teams from universities and institutes of technology in a centre of excellence with a strong industry focus. Students learn to write their own programmes, animations and stories and develop computer programming and games skills using Scratch software. The lesson plans and materials needed to teach the module are available from LERO. Whether the module is offered is a matter for decision locally by schools.

To date the programme is being implemented in 50 schools and 150 have registered their interest in providing it in the future. Professional development for teachers is being provided by LERO with the support of the National Centre for Technology in Education.

The forthcoming reforms in junior cycle will allow for the introduction of school developed short courses of 100 hours duration as an option, building on examples developed by the NCCA. This will provide further opportunities for schools to progress the use of programmes such as Cojer Dodo if they wish to do so.