James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

107. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide new courses in State examinations to increase the information and communications technology skills of students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20244/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for a Partnership Government includes an undertaking to further accelerate the Digital and ICT agenda in schools by including a coding course for the Junior Cycle and introducing ICT/Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject.

The Programme for Government commits to a range of new subjects, and this is something I will be keen to expand on over the coming years.

The new Framework for Junior Cycle allows for the introduction of short courses. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has in this context developed short courses in Coding and Digital Media Literacy for use by schools. Transition Year students have access to a module called 'Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games' and, under the ICT Action Plan, this is being expanded nationally. I have also asked the NCCA to provide advice on the introduction of Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject.

The revision of Leaving Certificate Applied Maths is at an advanced stage and it is anticipated that computers will be used as a learning tool in aspects of the programme. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are also significant components in the syllabuses of Technology and Design and Communication Graphics. The focus in schools currently is on using ICT as a tool in learning guided by the ICT curriculum framework developed by the NCCA. This is supported by digital content on the Scoilnet website, by professional development programmes for teachers and by investment in ICT infrastructure. All post-primary schools are now connected to a 100Mbps broadband service, providing for improved integration of ICT in learning.

The development of skills is key to successful learning and this is highlighted in the new Framework for Junior Cycle. All of the 8 key skills in the Framework highlight the use of digital technology right across the junior cycle. The use of 'technology and digital media tools to learn, communicate, work and think collaboratively and creatively in a responsible and ethical manner' is one of the statements of learning that inform the programme being offered by schools. The use of ICT will permeate the experiences of all Junior Cycle students as the new Framework is implemented.