Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Schools IT 2000 Programme.

Michael Noonan

Question:

73 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to evaluate the progress of School IT 2000 and to use this to anticipate issues related to technical support and curriculum development. [12823/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The Schools IT 2000 programme has been in place approximately 18 months. My Department, in consultation with the national centre for technology in education, is actively formulating plans to evaluate all aspects of the implementation of Schools IT 2000. This is a timely development given that the national programme has now reached its mid-point.

The national policy advisory and development committee for Schools IT 2000 is currently developing a research proposal to carry out an autumn 1999 study on the progress of Schools IT 2000 from the perspective of all education partner groups. This study will undoubtedly be very helpful in identifying future policy requirements in many areas including ICT technical support and curriculum development.

As was the case in summer 1998, my inspectorate will once again carry out a comprehensive nationwide review of ICT inservice courses which will be delivered to teachers in July and August 1999. This review will further inform policy on the application of teacher ICT skills to pedagogical development at the classroom and whole-school level.

Arrangements have already been made by the NCTE in consultation with my Department to involve the universities and colleges of education in the evaluation of all 48 projects involving 228 schools under the schools integration programme. Additionally, a SIP academic advisory board has been established recently to advise on the evaluation of these projects and on the design, development and delivery of curriculum based courses for schools. Ten of the SIP projects will focus on technical/internet issues and a number of other pilot projects will be initiated in autumn 1999 to test various models of ICT technical support for schools.

It is also planned to carry out a second database survey in spring 1999, in order to ascertain ICT infrastructural levels in first and second level schools. This survey will parallel the first such database survey carried out by Telecom Éireann prior to the establishment of the Schools IT 2000 programme and will therefore provide a clear record of ICT infrastructural and curricular development over time.

Finally, my Department and the NCTE are formulating plans to commission an expert study in the coming months, to develop guidelines for schools on optimising their ICT infrastructural development plans.