Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
388 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give consideration to having computer technology as a subject for State examinations here; his plans to bring this about; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19100/12]
View answer390 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had any discussions with technology, computer or internet companies regarding the teaching of computer science and information technology here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19102/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 390 together.
The focus in schools is on using ICT (a) as a tool in learning and (b) to improve the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum, guided by the ICT curriculum framework developed by the NCCA. This framework is supported by extensive digital resources on the Scoilnet website, by professional development programmes for teachers and by investment in ICT infrastructure. All post primary schools will be connected to a 100Mbps broadband service by the end of 2014, providing for improved integration of ICT in learning. One of the Statements of Learning in the Junior Cycle reform is to ensure that all students "use ICT effectively and ethically in learning and in life". The forthcoming Junior Cycle reform will allow for the introduction of optional school developed short courses of 100 hours duration. This will provide opportunities for schools to progress the provision of courses to enhance students' ICT skills which will be embedded in all their learning. There is also a Transition Year option in relation to "Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games" and, under the ICT Action Plan which I launched earlier this year, this is being expanded nationally. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are also significant components in the syllabuses of Technology and Design and Communication Graphics.
Opportunities are being provided for students in our post-primary schools through the provision of places in ICT companies in Ireland so as to promote the ICT sector as a career choice Business and IT interests place a greater emphasis on improved uptake and performance in mathematics and the sciences in general at the post-primary level than on provision of a specialist courses in computer science. In particular, those recruiting for the IT and Innovation industries emphasise that what they are looking for in potential employees is the general skill base of students, their disposition towards problem solving and their capacity to apply existing scientific and mathematical knowledge and processes in new and unforeseen contexts. In general terms, they consider this of greater value than specific knowledge of developments in computer science. There would be some concern that the provision of computer science as a subject could divert attention and effort away from the aim of increased and improving participation in mathematics and science. The ICT Action Plan which I launched in January in collaboration with ICT Ireland, Irish Software Association, American Chamber of Commerce (Ireland) the HEA and Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, while referring to post-primary sector, concentrates on ICT upskilling at further and higher education. The increase of 29% in student acceptances onto computing course is encouraging. The short term aim is to reskill and provide conversion programmes for some 750 graduates with qualifications and skills in other cognate disciplines.
