Dick Spring
Ceist:79 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on his programme to introduce computers to primary schools; and if he has satisfied himself that this programme is achieving its targets. [19800/99]
Written Answers. - Schools IT 2000.
Schools IT involves three major initiatives: the Technology Integration Initiative – TII; the Teaching Skills Initiative – TSI; the Schools Support Initiative (SSI) which includes ScoilNet and The School Integration Project – SIP.
Strand 1 of the TII proposed that each school be assisted in acquiring at least one multimedia computer system with Internet access before the end of 1999. In May 1998 my Department issued grants for the purchase of computer equipment totalling £13.6 million to all schools in the free education system. Each ordinary primary school received a grant of £2,000 plus £5 per pupil and special schools received a grant of £3,000 plus £20 per pupil. Primary schools with one or more special classes received an additional £1,500 plus £20 per special class pupil. In partnership with Eircom's – Telecom Éireann – Information Age Schools' Initiative each school, including each primary school, was also provided with an Internet ready multimedia computer, a free telephone line and Internet access during 1998 and early 1999. Thus, strand 1 of the TII has been completed significantly ahead of schedule.
Strand 2 of the TII has the objective of achieving an installed base of 60,000 multimedia computers in all schools by the end of 2001. As a result of the grants provided in May 1998, the Eircom Information Age Schools Initiative and the significant funding provided at local level by parents, local business, etc. I am satisfied that we are well on the way to achieving this strand 2 objective ahead of schedule. An expert study is also being commissioned which will guide the continuing implementation of the TII and provide detailed data on ICT equipment levels in schools.
The NCTE has responsibility for the development of a strategic training programme for teachers in ICT in education. During 1998 a total of 11,765 places were provided for primary teachers on phase 1 and phase 2 – ICT introductory courses. A further 1,530 places were provided on Internet and basic troubleshooting and other specialised courses (for tutors). During 1999 a total of 8,010 places are being made available on phase 1 and phase 2 – ICT introductory courses. Course places for 1,460 are being provided on ICT in the primary curriculum and 1,440 places are being provided on Internet and basic troubleshooting and other specialised courses (for tutors). Three hundred places are being provided on special needs courses also. During 2000 it is estimated that a total of 7,500 ICT training places will be made available to primary teachers.
Thus, in a three year period from 1998 to the end of 2000 a total of 32,545 course places are being provided in the primary sector on ICT in education under Schools IT 2000. This is a significant achievement.
The NCTE has responsibility for the development of ScoilNet. ScoilNet has been developed in partnership with Intel Ireland and I am delighted that I was able to launch the ScoilNet website on 28 September. I am confident that ScoilNet will be an excellent resource as regards the provision of information, advice and support to schools on curriculum matters, on the progress of Schools IT 2000 and also on educational ICTs issues generally.
The School Integration Project is an essential element of Schools IT 2000. Over 500 schools responded to a call for innovative proposals in the use of ICT in teaching and learning. Following assessment and consultation with the NCTE, 48 innovative projects were identified involving a total of 228 schools, primary and post-primary. The cost of the SIP initiative will be over £3 million. Each project will explore and advance the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within teaching and learning in Irish schools. SIP is special in that it is a bottom-up initiative where schools were asked to propose their own project ideas in collaboration with other organisations. This led to the involvement of 28 sponsors from the public/commercial sector and 58 project partners drawn from third level institutions, local communities and other agencies. Further development of SIP is planned.
To provide support to schools on a regional basis Schools IT 2000 proposed that IT advisers be appointed to the full-time education centres. Sixteen IT advisers have been appointed from the 1 September and the recruitment of a further four is now in train.
I am satisfied that Schools IT 2000 is meeting and indeed exceeding its targets. However, in order to ensure this and to assist future policy development in the area of ICT in education, the national policy advisory and development committee of Schools IT 2000 is commissioning a major evaluation of Schools IT 2000.