New Connections - Department of Taoiseach

(6.1.1) Curriculum Integration• Integration of ICT into education at first and second levelESUpdateThe Government is concerned with a number of broad issues relating to the integrationof ICTs into the activities of the school at both first and second level. Chief amongstthese concerns is the way in which the curricula may need to be adapted in order toensure that the best use is made of the resources now being made available to schools. Inthis regard, the Department has obtained sanction for the appointment of two officerswithin the NCCA whose role will be to further develop issues relating to the delivery ofcurriculum using ICT at primary and post-primary level.An initiative to develop and disseminate a set of teacher guidelines for the use of ICTs inthe primary school has been piloted in a number of schools throughout the country inassociation with NCTE ICT advisors based in 10 Education Centres. The pilot phase hasbeen completed and the NCCA are currently finalising the guidelines in preparation fordissemination to schools generally. The NCCA is focussing its attention on twoapproaches to the question of ICT at post-primary level for existing subjects whichcould benefit from the use of ICT. The first approach is the development of studentcompetence in using ICT, and secondly, the use of ICT as a resource for teaching andlearning throughout the curriculum.(6.1.2) Schools Internet connectivityProviding speedy, always on access to the Internet for schools is essential to the broaderpolicy of integrating ICT into education.ES• Provide schools with affordable access to adequate bandwidthUpdateA request for tender has issued for a detailed study of available options in relation to theprovision of high-speed broadband connectivity to primary and post-primary schools onan affordable, cost effective basis. It is intended that this study will be completed byApril, 2003. In the interim, Eircom has agreed to continue the Information Age Schoolsprogramme for the new school year with enhanced access to the Internet of ten freehours per week instead of five.50