James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports for increased digital supports and teaching in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34985/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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There is an extensive range of supports available for schools in relation to supporting the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment, in terms of both financial and professional learning and other resources.   

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in April 2022 and builds on the achievements of the previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020.  It aims to further support the school system so that all students across our schools have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an ever-evolving digital world successfully. The strategy was developed following an extensive consultation process with all relevant stakeholders including students, parents/guardians, teachers and industry and sets out the various supports and resources available to schools in this important area.

The strategy is underpinned by an overall investment of €200m, €50m of which has already issued directly to schools. In addition, €50m in grant funding was issued in November 2021 as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) to address the needs of learners at risk of the digital divide.  Again this builds on the overall investment of €210m under the previous strategy.

A further €13m is invested on an annual basis in the Schools Broadband Programme. Through continued investment all schools, regardless of location, will be provided with appropriate broadband connectivity. In addition, NRRP funding of €13.5m is being used to help ensure that all primary schools will be provided with high speed connectivity through the Schools Broadband Programme by early 2023.

The high level objectives of the strategy are set out under three pillars, which aim to ensure that the school system is prepared for and continues to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment.  Each pillar contains overarching objectives, which will be supported by a more detailed Implementation Plan.  The first Implementation Plan will run from 2022-2024. Towards the end of this phase a mid-term review will be carried out to inform the next Implementation Plan from 2025-2027. Work is now underway to develop the first Implementation Plan, which will set out in more detail how schools and teachers will be further supported in this area.

The upskilling of teachers continues to be a key priority for the Department in the promotion of digital technologies in teaching and learning. The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) offers professional learning opportunities to teachers and school leaders in a range of pedagogical, curricular and educational areas.   Its dedicated Technology in Education Team, together with its ICT Team of Advisors, continue to design, develop and deliver a comprehensive range of CPD programmes for teachers and school leaders. 

The Digital Learning Framework provides schools and teachers with a structure to support them in embedding digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment and guidance in developing a Digital Learning Plan.  A broad range of blended CPD programmes and resources continue to be made available to assist schools to implement the DLF and to effectively use digital technologies in teaching and learning practices. This CPD includes quality assured exemplars of effective and highly effective practices. Scoilnet, managed by the PDST, is a central repository of digital content containing in excess of 23,000 curriculum tagged digital resources for use in teaching and learning. 

Online safety and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies is a key component of the new strategy and work will continue to ensure learners have the opportunities to develop their digital skills so that they can navigate the digital world in a confident and competent manner.  Webwise, managed by the PDST, promotes the autonomous, effective and safer use of the internet by young people through a sustained information and awareness strategy with dedicated online hubs for both teachers/school, students and parents.