Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
192. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure in obtaining a licence or permission to operate an online education platform here; the other requirements there are in the provision of online education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43038/19]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Education Act, 1998 the Board of Management is the body responsible for the day to day running of the school and therefore decisions regarding the use of educational resources including textbooks and online education platforms or resources, are taken at school level having regard to the context and circumstances of each school. Where the introduction of new technology is planned, consultation with members of the school community including parents is advised, and is now underpinned in legislation through the recently published Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019.
Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at post-primary, determined by the NCCA, the decisions on which resources to use, if any, in primary and post-primary schools are taken at school level. My Department does not generally approve, commission, sponsor or endorse educational textbooks or other resources, including online education platforms.
The only requirement from the Department on any resource used in a school is that it covers the curriculum. Decisions on support materials, including textbooks and other resources, to assist teachers in mediating the curriculum to students are best taken at school level to reflect their particular context and requirements.
The Digital Strategy for Schools 2015–2020 reflects the Department’s current policy on the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment in primary and post primary schools. It sets out a clear vision that is focused on realising the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students by helping them become engaged thinkers, active learners, knowledge constructors and global citizens who participate fully in society and the economy. The Strategy is the result of extensive research and consultation and reflects the views of education stakeholders including young people.
A total of €50 million investment in ICT infrastructure for all primary and post primary schools under the Digital Strategy was announced in March this year. This was the third tranche of funding and brings total spend so far to €110m.
Schools are supported to develop a Digital Learning Plan, and have flexibility to determine how best to embed the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning in their school, taking into account their individual circumstances and contexts. Guidance for schools on developing their Digital Learning Plan can be found at https://www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie/en/Planning/. Information on the Digital Learning Framework, a tool to support schools in embedding the use of digital technology in teaching and learning, can also be found at that link.
