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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1990

Vol. 394 No. 8

Written Answers. - Computer Training for Teachers.

John Bruton

Ceist:

425 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education the extent to which teacher training in Ireland includes (a) training trainee teachers in the use of computers (b) computer studies as a class subject and (c) the use of the computer in teaching other subjects.

As part of their training, national teachers do a course in the use of computers in national schools. This provides training in a wide range of computer facilities and applications and focuses on their use in the teaching of subjects on the Primary School Curriculum.

At second level, pre-service training courses vary widely in nature and, therefore, in the extent to which they involve computers. In some courses, computers play a central role. For example, teachers pursuing degree courses in Thomond College of Education in Wood and Building Technology, Metal and Engineering, Technology General and Rural Science and a graduate diploma in Business Education follow courses in computer technology and computer applications and control systems as an integral part of their courses. Computer technology is also used to support the course content and to enhance teaching methodologies.

Courses in computer studies are available to all students taking the Higher Diploma in Education, computer techniques are also encompassed in courses such as educational technology and the methodology of teaching certain subjects.

Extensive in-service training is being conducted in computer application and machine control and production systems.

The leaving certificate vocational programme requires the use of computer technology in certain specified areas. In addition, my Department has organised the writing of courseware by teachers for use in the teaching of such subjects as mathematics, geography, history, physics, biology, remedial English and business studies.

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