Digital strategy for schools
Deputy Lawless welcomed school technology funding but warned that without guidance and implementation it may not be used effectively. The Taoiseach said the Minister for Education and Skills would respond directly.
The programme for Government refers to a digital strategy for schools and commits to introducing new technology into classrooms. Last year, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, announced a €200 million spend over five years within schools. While this money is very welcome, without guidance, follow-through and professional implementation, I fear the money may not be utilised in the optimum way.
We know that school boards of management and management teams struggle with the challenges of new technology in the classroom, including cyberbullying, inappropriate images and digital usage across the schools. I am concerned that while the money has been committed, we are not seeing the appropriate support system in place, including technical guidance for boards of management to deal with difficult situations and making the right decisions on how to utilise technology within their schools.
