Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012
225 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made towards introducing a digital media component to the transition year programme as committed to in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9275/12]
View answerHaving Fun with Computer Programming and Games is a module on the NCCA website which has been developed for Transition Year by LERO, the Irish Software Engineering Research Centre. LERO brings together leading software engineering teams from universities and institutes of technology in a centre of excellence with a strong industry focus. Students learn to write their own programmes, animations and stories and develop computer programming and games skills using Scratch software. The lesson plans and materials needed to teach the module are available from LERO. Whether the module is offered is a matter for decision locally by schools. To date the programme is being implemented in 50 schools and 150 have registered their interest in providing it in the future. Professional development for teachers is being provided by LERO with the support of the National Centre for Technology in Education.
