Question:
411 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons for the cancellation of the teacher training component of the IT 2000 programme; and if he will re-instate this section. [9184/00]
Written Answers. - Teacher Training.
The teaching skills initiative – TSI – the teacher-training component of the Schools IT 2000 programme, is ongoing. The National Centre for Technology in Education – NCTE – has responsibility for the development and implementation of a strategic training programme for teachers in information and communication technology – ICT – in education. The following are the details of the provision of places for teachers on inservice training programmes in ICT under Schools IT 2000: 1998 – 24,909 places on 1,660 courses; 1999 – 21,000 places on 1,400 courses; 2000 – 14,200 places on 947 courses.
In the three year period from 1998 to the end of 2000 a total of 60,109 places on 4,007 courses have or are being provided for teachers on ICT in education under Schools IT 2000. This is a significant achievement and emphasises the level of funding and support underpinning the Schools IT 2000 programme. The teacher training component of the programme, therefore, continues to invest heavily in the development of teacher ICT skills.