Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2014
19. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the ability of primary schools to use Internet-based teaching devices in delivering the curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16442/14]
View answerThere are a number of internet-based teaching devices in use in classrooms, including Interactive Whiteboards, laptops, desktop computers and tablet computers. All schools in the country have been offered a broadband internet connection to enable them access the internet with a dedicated Broadband support desk to support them. There have been continual improvements in the speeds being made available to primary schools on the schools broadband network. As part of its evaluative role, the Inspectorate monitors the use of ICT in teaching and learning in schools. The findings of incidental inspections carried out in primary schools in the period September 2010 to September 2012 indicate that there has been a significant increase in the number of classrooms that are permanently equipped with a laptop/PC and a data projector for teaching purposes. There is also evidence of greater incorporation of ICT into classroom activities. For example, ICT was used in 30% of the mathematics lessons evaluated in 2009-2010 compared with 46% of the mathematics lessons evaluated in 2010-2012.
