Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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295. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and post-primary schools that utilise personal digital devices such as laptops or tablets purchased directly by the parent or guardian. [26201/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The decision to use digital devices is a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Where the introduction of new technology is planned, there should be consultation with members of the school community including parents, and such policies should be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Guidance is available to schools on planning for the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning. An advice sheet on the adoption of devices in schools is available on the PDST-Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) website, detailing what such devices can offer a school, including educational considerations, purchasing considerations and software.

The Department does not gather information on the policies of schools as to digital devices. 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 atwww.erc.ie/documents/ict_cencus2013_summaryreport.pdf.

The new Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, will advance the embedding of digital technologies across teaching, learning and assessment, building on the work under previous strategies. 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 new Strategy will help school communities to further embed digital technology across teaching and learning, and will provide ongoing investment to build technology in schools.

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