Vol. 509 No. 3
149 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, the National Centre for Technology in Education has made in its consideration of computer rooms for primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20242/99]
A major objective of schools IT 2000 is to facilitate the integration of ICT into teaching and learning in primary schools. I have already outlined, on a number of previous occasions, the excellent progress that has been made to date with regard to the development of ICT infrastructure and the training of teachers. In order to further assist the achievement of this objective my Department, with the NCTE, is commissioning an expert study to consider current and future technology infrastructure options for schools. This will consider, inter alia, equipment selection, wiring and deployment of equipment options for primary schools. This study, which will commence in the very near future, will guide the continuing implementation of the technology integration initiative – TII – and will be updated on a regular basis.
