Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn has launched Digital Schools of Distinction, an award programme which promotes and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools.
HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland are providing support to the programme for five years, including a financial commitment of €300,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources for up to 500 schools. If successful, Digital Schools of Distinction will be rolled out in other European countries.
The programme also recognises those who achieve excellence and supports the efforts of schools and teachers in making the best use of technology in the learning environment.
Speaking at the launch in Sacred Heart SNS, Killinarden, Tallaght this morning Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn said: "I have always believed in the importance of all citizens acquiring literacy skills. With the rapid pace of change in technology, familiarity with financial and digital literacy has taken on much greater importance in the lives of individuals. This has been recognised across Europe, where the Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) aims to reboot Europe’s economy and help Europe’s citizens and businesses to get the most out of digital technologies. One of the action areas identified under the DAE is enhancing digital literacy, skills and inclusion through mainstreaming eLearning in national policies for the modernisation of education and training. The Digital Schools of Distinction advances both the literacy and ICT agenda and can make a practical contribution to helping schools make the most of their digital capabilities."
Schools who meet the criteria will be awarded Digital Schools of Distinction status by the Department of Education. New digital schools will receive a Digital Schools Classroom Kit, to include a HP laptop with Microsoft software including Windows 8, Office 365 and educational apps and access to education ICT specialists.
Martin Murphy, managing director, HP Ireland, said: "Getting education and skills right is core to investment and job creation and while Ireland already performs well in comparison to other European countries in terms of the integration of ICT into the curriculum, there is still room for improvement and an opportunity for Ireland to differentiate itself in this area. We are delighted to be able to support Digital Schools of Distinction, which if successful, will become a benchmark programme for other European countries."
Cathriona Hallahan, managing director, Microsoft Ireland, said: "At Microsoft, we are passionate about ensuring that young people have access to technology from as early an age as possible… My goal is that through programmes such as Digital Schools of Distinction, and with a commitment and recognition from the government of the importance of ICT that in years to come our children will have the right skills from an early age and that all pupils and teachers will be digitally equipped to engage in today’s digital age."
Schools who do not initially meet the criteria will have access to tools, support, and examples of best practice on the website. They will also be able to speak to an advisor via a hotline and in some cases, a technology expert will be available to visit schools.
The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is also supported by the Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network.
Schools are encouraged to register for the programme at www.digitalschools.ie.
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