Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
389 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has any discussions at a European level and at the European Council of Education Ministers on the issue of the teaching of computer science and information technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19101/12]
View answerThese issues have not arisen in any formal discussions at European level or at the European Council. However the recently published figures by EUROSTAT on university graduates and their computing and computer skills may prompt discussion in the future.
391 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of study of computer science and information technology Irish primary school teachers in Irish teacher training colleges receive; and if his Department has a requirement in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19103/12]
View answerThe content of the initial teacher education programmes is, currently, a matter for the individual Colleges of Education. The programmes provided by the Colleges of Education include modules and content on Information and Communication Technologies. The nature and depth of the content varies between the different institutions. The Teaching Council, which has statutory responsibility for the review and accreditation of programmes of initial teacher education, has published criteria and guidelines for initial teacher education providers. These form a bridge between the Council's policy and the development and implementation of reconceptualised programmes of initial teacher education in Higher Education Institutions, providing clarity for HEIs to enable them to ensure that their programmes meet the Council's accreditation requirements. In the criteria and guidelines, ICT in Teaching and Learning is set down as one of the mandatory elements to be included in all ITE programmes. The reconceptualised and extended Bachelor of Education programmes which must meet the Teaching Council's criteria and guidelines are scheduled to commence in September 2012.
