Trinity College Dublin has announced a three-year partnership with Google to develop a new project aimed at transforming computer science in Irish schools. Google is undertaking the partnership to mark 10 years in Ireland and will provide €1.5 million in funding to the project. As Ireland strives to emerge as the Silicon Valley of Europe, the initiative aims to produce the next generation of computer scientists that will make this vision a reality.
Under the project, 1,000 teachers will have the opportunity to undertake a certified course in 21st Century Computer Science teaching skills, developed by the Trinity Access 21 network in TCD.
The multi-faceted project will also include targeted efforts to improve computer science and STEM capacity within Deis Schools and specific supports will be developed in order to drive educational and social change through these schools. The projects will link in with the agenda of the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn and the Department of Education and Skills.
In addition, to enhance engagement with computer science and coding, over 1,000 Raspberry Pi single-board computers will be provided to participating students and teachers so they can start to learn programming.
Provost of Trinity College Dublin Dr Patrick Prendergast said: "We are delighted to announce this educational partnership with Google, which builds on their broad-ranging support for Trinity College Dublin in scaling innovative concepts. Trinity Access 21 made up of Trinity Access Programmes and Bridge21 is a proven success and this sponsorship enables Trinity make an evidence-based contribution to changing the education system, so that our teachers and students develop strong 21st century STEM skills. The project will be developed in consultation with key educational stakeholders and Trinity’s School of Education which has welcomed this major investment and the opportunity to influence significant change in Irish education."
John Herlihy, head of Google in Ireland, said: "As we celebrate 10 years in Ireland Google is delighted to support Trinity College in its work and we hope that this project will encourage the next generation of computer scientists and technology leaders and will help drive a new wave of innovation… Every year, there is a 15% growth in the number of people and machines, and by the end of the decade everyone on the planet could be on the Internet. Dublin is rightly known as the digital capital of Europe. If we are to maintain that position, computer science skills will become even more critical as companies create new business models through the cloud and the Web".
Google is a long term supporter of education in Ireland through its support of the Science Gallery, TAP and Bridge21. It has also provided funding to the Centre for Academic Achievement which provides free after-school classes in science, maths and engineering subjects for primary school students from disadvantaged areas.
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