Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
152. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to the significantly increased emphasis on active learning, collection of student work in portfolios, and use of ICT to support aspects of school-based assessment in the new Junior Framework, his proposals to upgrade the ICT infrastructure in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9150/14]
View answerICT is a tool that can, if used properly, enhance teaching and learning. In particular the use of eportfolios can facilitate assessment. My Department is exploring the use of eportfolios though its participation in an EU funded project which will pilot eportfolios solutions in a number of schools. My Department's Professional Development Support Service for Teachers - Technology in Education provides guidance and CPD for teachers on the use of ICT for teaching and learning.
Work has commenced in my Department on the development of a new digital strategy for schools which will consider a range of topics. As well as infrastructure requirements a broad range of themes will be considered when developing the new strategy such as:
- The impact of ICT in teaching and learning and assessment
-School-wide planning for integration of ICT in teaching and learning
-Continuing ICT related Professional Development (CPD) for teachers
-Curriculum-relevant digital content and software resources-exploring views on the opportunities presented by integration of ICT in teaching, learning and assessment, and
-Obstacles to ICT integration and how they could be overcome.
The new digital strategy for schools will be completed during 2014, and will set out how resources, policies and projects can be prioritised and organised throughout the school system for the next five years.
