Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
968. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to roll out the use of electronic tablets by all school children in an effort to reduce the stress and negative health effects experienced by students as a result of their having to carry heavy schoolbags; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37863/15]
View answerThe decision to use tablet devices is a matter for the Board of Management of each school. Where the introduction of new technology is planned, it is advisable that there should be consultation with members of the school community including parents. The cost and other implications must be fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.
An advice sheet on the adoption of tablets in schools is available on the PDST-Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) website. This advice sheet covers areas such as what tablets can offer a school, educational considerations, purchasing considerations and software.
The new Digital Strategy for Schools, which I launched on the 7th October, sets out an ambitious Five Year Plan to further embed ICT in teaching, learning and assessment and responds to the challenges associated with new technologies. As part of this Strategy my Department will:
- Provide advice on ICT equipment and digital learning tools that are best-suited to support learning and teaching in schools.
- Develop guidance for schools that wish to develop BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) approaches and exploit other emerging technologies. These will be supported by best practice videos, case-studies and advice on devices.
