Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Apr 2001

Vol. 533 No. 6

Written Answers. - Computer Based Learning.

Martin Brady

Question:

420 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the concern expressed by the US-based group, The Alliance For Childhood, concerning computer based learning and its apparent impersonal response orientated approach, he has received any psychological evaluation of computer based learning or explored the need for a maximum computer based learning period that is one hour per day or explored the impact computer based learning is having on children with learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9452/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I am aware of the issues raised by the Alliance for Childhood concerning computer-based learning. As with all developments in our education system the well-being of the student is of primary importance to me and I share the concerns in relation to any potential negative impact due to over reliance on computers in child learning. The use of information and communications technology in education, like any other development, must be seen in the context of the potential it has for improving the learning process and for complementing rather than replacing tried and tested pedagogical practice.

My Department's Schools IT2000 project, initiated in 1998, is intended to enable students to develop the skills necessary to benefit from full participation in the information society and to provide teachers with the skills to enable them to utilise ICTs as part of the learning environment of the school.

A number of inter-related initiatives have been put in place to achieve these aims. These include not only a sustained process of infrastructural development for schools and a comprehensive programme of teacher ICT training but also a number of projects which concentrate on the effects and potential for the use of ICTs in education.

The use of ICT with children with learning difficulties is also being investigated and developed in this context. It is becoming clear that access to ICT has the potential to enhance the learning process for these children. In fact it is also evident that, in the case of certain children, access to ICT is essential to enable them to communicate and thus to make effective use of the learning process.

I am confident that the processes and supports put in place by my Department within and around the Schools IT2000 programme will ensure that its aims are achieved and that the integration of ICTs into education will be done in a balanced way which will cater for and be sensitive to the needs of students.