Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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411. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available to schools to implement the revised Junior Cycle digital literacy curriculum, including staff training and infrastructure grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25140/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The 2015 Framework for Junior Cycle aims to support the provision of quality, inclusive and relevant education which meets the needs of Junior Cycle students, now and in the future. Programme design is guided by eight underpinning principles, twenty-four statements of learning and the eight key skills of Junior Cycle. Digital literacy features across the Framework and is evident in the Statements of Learning and in Key skills.

A key aspect of the Framework is that it provides flexibility for schools to design programmes that are suited to their particular contexts and the needs of their students. Schools decide on the combination of subjects, short courses, and priority learning units (PLUs) offered to students. The inclusion of short courses in a Junior Cycle programme enables schools to broaden the learning experiences for students, respond to student interests and provide access to areas of learning not covered by the combination of curricular subjects available in the school.

Digital Media Literacy (DML), which was developed in response to the growing use of digital media by young people, is one of the six short courses developed by the NCCA for Junior Cycle. The aim of the DML short course is to extend and refine students’ ability to use digital technology, communication tools, and the internet creatively, critically and safely, in support of their development, learning and capacity to participate effectively in social and community life.

The specification was published in 2016, and an early enactment review was conducted in 2023, with the report on the review published in June 2024. Following this review, the specifications were updated, and this update is due to be published in due course ahead of its implementation in schools from September 2026.

With regards to resources provided for teaching digital skills, Oide, the professional development support service for teachers, provides a variety of professional learning to teachers that places the learner at the centre of the learning experience providing school-based supports, workshops, specific resources and training. Its dedicated Technology in Education Team design, develop and deliver a comprehensive range of teacher professional learning (TPL) programmes to support the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment. This includes enhancing the skills development of teachers and school leaders to ensure a digitally competent and confident education system, which will in turn foster the development of digital skills, knowledge and understanding in our student population as provided for in the curriculum. Oide are currently examining requirements to support the revised DML short course.

Separately, the Connected Programme, created by Webwise, is a targeted resource designed to support teachers who are teaching the Junior Cycle DML short course. It focuses on key thematic areas, including Online Wellbeing, News, Information and the Challenges of Misinformation, Big Data and the Data Economy, and Online Rights. This resource is structured around an introductory lesson followed by five interconnected core modules. Each lesson and module clearly outline the relevant learning outcomes from the DML short course strands. Additionally, the programme is responsive, with recent lessons added on topics such as persuasive design and facial recognition. Beyond its specific focus, the programme aims to support the development of all eight key skills outlined in the Junior Cycle, making it a comprehensive resource for fostering digital literacy. The overarching aim of the programme is to empower students to become confident, autonomous, and safe users of digital technologies and online media. It encourages critical thinking, resilience, and a commitment to responsible digital citizenship. By the end of the programme, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of digital technologies, enabling them to engage with digital media in a responsible, ethical, and informed manner. The Connected resource will be updated to reflect the updated Junior Cycle DML short course in due course. Webwise will also be developing an information hub for teachers on Webwise.ie directing educators to all relevant resources that support the updated short course.

The effective use of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment will continue to be an integral part of all Department funded TPL programmes and supports under the Digital Strategy for Schools. Further funding, resources, and guidance are available through the Digital Strategy for Schools, ICT grant funding, Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy, and the Department of Education’s STEM policy.