Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2012
71. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the digital school award in primary schools; his plans to enable all schools to achieve this award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43627/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Digital Schools Award is a worthwhile initiative which recognises excellence in a school's approach to the integration of ICT in learning and teaching. This award aims to build on the progress already made by schools in ICT integration and to encourage them to strive for further progression and improvement. To achieve a Digital Schools Award, each participating school must fulfil identified criteria which are applied as part of the validation process. The criteria are organised under the following headings:
- Leadership & Vision;
- ICT in the Curriculum;
- School ICT Culture;
- Professional Development;
- Resources & Infrastructure;
To assist in this process, participating schools use a self-evaluation tool based on the Digital Schools' criteria, to identify areas which may meet the criteria and those that require improvement. Successful schools retain their Digital School status for a period of two school years, at which time they may reapply.
The Digital Schools Award is now managed by Dublin West Education Centre working closely with the PDST Technology in Education (formerly the NCTE) and other partners including the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN), Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI).
Since its launch the Digital Schools Award has grown steadily. In total 264 schools have registered to participate in the Award, of which 91 have achieved Digital School Status to date. A further five have already achieved the award in 2012 to date and two more are being scheduled for validation shortly. I am keen for this project to develop and arrangements are in place for its promotion and ongoing review.
