Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to expand on information technology training and ongoing support provided to teachers using tablets in the classroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16545/17]

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

The decision to use tablet devices is a matter for the Board of Management of each school. Where the introduction of new technology is planned, there should be consultation with members of the school community including parents.

An advice sheet on the adoption of tablets in schools is available on the Professional Development Service for Teachers (Technology in Education - PDST TIE ) website detailing what tablets can offer a school, educational considerations, purchasing considerations and software.

The PDST TIE, which operates under the remit of my Department, provides a range of support services for schools on the effective use of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment. Details of its supports are available on its website www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie.

The new Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 (Enhancing Teaching, Learning & Assessment), sets out a clear vision for the role of ICT in teaching, learning and assessment in primary and post primary schools. The Strategy is focused on realising the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students by helping them become engaged thinkers, active learners, knowledge constructors and global citizens who participate fully in society and the economy.

As part of this Strategy my Department will:

- Develop a digital learning framework to provide schools with clarity on how to embed ICT in teaching, learning and assessment. The framework will assist the Department and its support services in providing appropriate support materials and services to principals and teachers on embedding ICT into their practice and will inform the design of all future teacher professional learning opportunities.

- Provide advice on ICT equipment and digital learning tools that are best-suited to support learning and teaching in schools supported by best practice videos and case studies.

- Enhance the access to and impact of CPD delivery formats to include online and blended learning programmes.

- Ensure consistency of approach in the embedding of ICT in CPD and other support services for schools.

- Update the eLearning Planning resource for schools (step by step guide to the development of the school’s e-Learning Plan).

- Enable schools to access high quality digital content and promote the sharing of digital resources and good practice among teachers.

The implementation of the strategy is currently underway. Funding of €210m for ICT Infrastructure is committed towards its implementation including €30m already distributed to schools in the current school year, rising to €50m annually towards the end of the Strategy.