Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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59. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of secondary schools that are using tablets alone for school work; if these schemes are deemed to be a success; the number of secondary schools that were using tablets but have reverted to text books; the reason this happened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16544/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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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. Guidance is available to schools on planning for the introduction of new technology for teaching and learning. An advice sheet on the adoption of tablets in schools is available on the PDST-Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) website, detailing what tablets can offer a school, educational considerations, purchasing considerations and software.

The Department does not gather information on the usage of tablet devices in schools. The 2013 ICT Census in Schools undertaken by the ERC on behalf of the Department, may contain some information of relevance in this area. This is available at .

The new Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 (Enhancing Teaching, Learning & Assessment), launched in October 2015, 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.

In implementing the Digital Strategy for Schools my Department will expand on the range advice and supports available to schools on the embedding of ICT in teaching and learning.