The current focus in schools is on using ICT (a) as a tool in learning and (b) to improve the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum, guided by the ICT curriculum framework developed by the NCCA. This framework is supported by extensive digital resources on the Scoilnet website, by professional development programmes for teachers and by investment in ICT infrastructure. All post-primary schools will be connected to a 100Mbps broadband service by the end of 2014, providing for improved integration of ICT in learning.
I am currently leading the reform of the Junior Cycle. A Framework for the revised Junior Cycle has been prepared. It contains 24 Statements of Learning. One of the Statements of Learning aims to ensure that all students "use ICT effectively and ethically in learning and in life". The reform will also allow for the introduction of optional school developed short courses of 100 hours duration. This will provide a new opportunity for schools to progress the provision of short courses to enhance students' ICT skills which will be embedded in all their learning. Such courses could include software programming and coding, if a school so chooses.
For Transition Year, there is an option available to schools called "Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games".
Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are also significant components in the syllabuses of Technology and also of Design and Communication Graphics.
