Concern about tech plan for schools

The Government lacks a clear strategy for the development of information and communication technology in schools, some of the…

The Government lacks a clear strategy for the development of information and communication technology in schools, some of the biggest tech firms in the State have warned.

ICT Ireland, a group which represents firms such as Dell, Microsoft and Intel, is also seriously concerned that the State is too focused on delivering broadband to schools rather than a fully co-ordinated education strategy.

Mr Brendan Butler, director of ICT Ireland, told The Irish Times yesterday there seemed to be no strategic direction provided by the Government beyond 2003.

"While the provision of broadband connectivity for schools is supported by ICT Ireland, it is of no major benefit in isolation. It needs to be part of an overall package to integrate ICT into teaching practice and to meet broader curriculum and assessment objectives," said Mr Butler.

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The Government recently proposed introducing a levy on telecoms firms to pay for the cost of providing broadband high-speed internet to every school.

But there is a concern among industry that providing broadband links without new equipment or training for teachers may be a waste of scarce resources.

"There is little point in providing high-speed internet connectivity to schools without ensuring they have computers to use the service," said Mr Butler.

Broadband connectivity offers people a range of multimedia content such as video clips and audio. Schools can use the service to deliver a range of interactive courses and educational software to pupils on the Web.

The telecoms industry has also strongly objected to the introduction of a levy, which it feels is an unfair tax on the sector. It has proposed an alternative joint Government and industry initiative to integrate technology and the education sector in the Republic.

"Areas of consideration in such an initiative would be broadband, PC penetration, content material, curricular reform, teacher training and maintenance," said Mr Butler.

A number of preliminary meetings have been held between key industry representatives, telecom operators and Government officials. However, progress has been painfully slow, he added.

The State's current three-year framework strategy to develop technology in schools will end next month. The Government has spent €130 million since 1998 on the sector, although the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, cut back spending by €20 million in last year's budget. The Republic is currently ranked 11th out of 15 EU states in terms of the number of computers to pupils in schools.