The Minister for Innovation Policy, Michael Ahern TD, says that schools will be crucial to Ireland’s success as a knowledge economy.
“The existing education system in Ireland has served us well for a long time, and Ireland can be justly proud of our international reputation as a well-educated people. But if we are to make a successful transition to a knowledge economy, we must surely transform our schools as well.”
The Minister was commenting during a visit to Dunshaughlin Community College where he launched 21st Century Learning day.
Pointing out that the Government has already invested approximately €200 million since the late Nineties in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Schools Programme, he said that the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to implementing a new comprehensive Schools' ICT Strategy.
“This strategy will be underpinned by the investment of €252m in the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The Programme outlines how the new strategy will deal with developing an e-Learning culture in schools that will ensure that ICT usage is embedded in teaching and learning across the curriculum.”
“The new strategy will also deal with the maintenance of a national broadband network for schools, the upgrading and renewal of hardware along with the provision of software and digital content for learning.”
“The two recent priorities under the ICT in Schools Programme have been networking and broadband. Already virtually every school in the country now has its own broadband internet connection as a result of investment in the Schools Broadband Access Programme. The existence of a school network enables multi-user access to the Internet and facilitates the sharing of software resources and the shared use of peripherals. The development of internal networking facilities in schools is critical to supporting schools' full exploitation of the potential offered by broadband connectivity, and the efficient use of computer software.”
“The Schools Broadband Access Programme is being undertaken in partnership with industry. The broadband connectivity is being provided via a Schools National Broadband Network supported by HEAnet, which provides managed Internet access, security controls, content filtering and other services designed to enhance the educational process.”
“A Broadband Support Service Desk has also been established to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll-out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network. To date 99% of schools have had their connectivity installed.”
“As Minister for Innovation Policy across the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Education and Science, I am aware of the broader role innovation can play in schools through events such as the Young Scientist of the Year, Science Week and the Student Enterprise Awards.”
“It is vital that we continue to integrate the concept of innovation into the syllabus through business, science and ICT teaching. This is a priority for me as Minister for Innovation Policy.”
