Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
328. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the report on the compulsory use of electronic devices at a school (details supplied); if the findings of the report will inform her policy on the use of electronic devises at secondary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32662/21]
View answerThe Digital Strategy for Schools 2015–2020 Enhancing Teaching Learning and Assessment articulates the Department’s current policy on the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment in schools. Its clear vision is focussed on realising the potential of digital technologies to enable our young people to become engaged thinkers, active learners, knowledge constructors and global citizens to participate fully in society and the economy. In developing this Strategy, the Department adopted an evidence-based approach including extensive research and consultation with education stakeholders including young people. A key support of the strategy is the Digital Learning Framework for teachers and school leaders, which was trialled in 50 schools during the 2017/2018 school year before being evaluated and improved and rolled out to all schools in September 2019. The Department has engaged the Educational Research Centre to undertake a three-year longitudinal study of the impact and efficacy of the Digital Learning Framework, and this study is expected to be completed in 2022. All 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 to enhance teaching and learning, taking into account their individual circumstances and contexts. The Professional Development Service for Teachers Technology in Education (PDST-TIE), a Department funded support service, offers advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools. Digital learning in schools is also assessed by my Department’s Inspectorate.
My Department is aware of the report referred to by the Deputy. However, decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools are a matter for the Board of Management of each school. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies, including devices. The cost and other implications must be fully considered by the Boards of Managements before a decision is made. It is important for schools, in conjunction with parents, to retain local autonomy for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements.
While this spirit of partnership is in place in schools the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill will provide a mechanism for enhanced consultation on such matters in schools. This legislation provides a clear framework that schools will have to apply in their engagement with students and parents. One of the key concepts of the Bill is the need for a school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities. The Bill completed all stages of the Seanad in late 2019. The Department of Education is currently awaiting an order for Second Stage in the Dáil.
As the current Digital Strategy for Schools expires at the end of the current school year (2020/2021), development of a new Digital Strategy is underway. An extensive consultation process has commenced with details available at https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/7d09a-digital-strategy-for-schools/. All relevant research and reports will be reviewed as part of the process to develop the new strategy.
