The Department of Education has published a new Digital Strategy for Schools. The vision of the new Digital Strategy is that digital technology can help to make education better for all young people in schools across Ireland. The new Strategy aims to support all pupils and students to develop digital skills and benefit from the potential of digital technology, while also staying safe and well when online.
Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027
The strategy has been developed around three pillars, which aim to ensure that the school system is prepared for and continues to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment:
Pillar 1: this is about ensuring that digital technologies are embedded in teaching, learning and assessment. It focuses on how best teachers and school leaders can be supported to ensure they have the necessary skills and confidence to equip our students with the knowledge and skills required in the modern world. It also addresses learners and their needs, inclusion, school planning, digital skills and competences and the curriculum.
Pillar 2: The second pillar focuses on the technology itself and broadband connectivity in schools. It sets out the funding committed to under the NDP and also considers how to support schools in purchasing and maintaining digital devices and other technology related purchased through procurement frameworks and other possible solutions around the important area of technical support.
Pillar 3: This pillar also looks at the important aspect of online safety, new and emerging issues in the area of digital technologies in education, engagement with parents and the wider school community as well as with industry.