Minister announces massive investment in digital technology for schools

THE Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan was visiting the Southside this afternoon where she announced a €210m investment in digital technology in schools.

The largest ever such investment will drive the five year Digital Strategy for Schools which the minister launched today at the Mercy Secondary School in Inchicore.

The publication of the strategy represents the completion of another important Programme for Government commitment, the minister’s office stated.

 Speaking at the launch Minister O’Sullivan said:  “Giving our students the opportunity to develop 21^st century skills is a priority.  Technology is embedded in all aspects of our lives, and is bringing our society new advantages and solutions every day.

“This five year strategy will achieve our goal of allowing all students to develop 21^st century skills.  The strategy is backed by the most substantial funding ever made available in this area to make that goal a reality.  The strategy is a comprehensive and coherent roadmap to prepare schools, teachers and students to take advantage of the vital role that technology will play in the years and decades ahead.”

The Minister added:  “I want to encourage all teachers to use technology in the classroom to bring learning to life for students; to give learners the tools to collaborate and to examine engaging problems; to research and analyse information; and to use digital resources to communicate their ideas and to share what they create with others beyond the walls of their classroom or school.”

 The strategy is the result of extensive national and international research and involved extensive consultation and reflects the views of education stakeholders including those of students.  It has been developed around four key themes: Teaching, Learning and Assessment using ICT, Teacher Professional Learning, Leadership, Research and Policy and ICT Infrastructure.