INFORMATION technology should be introduced in schools on a cross curricular basis, according to the Computer Education Society of Ireland.

"Information technology has been associated with science and technology and not as an entity in itself," the society's response to the White Paper on Education states.

Eddie Guilmartin, chairperson of CESI, explains that an information technology coordinator could be appointed in each school, in a similar manner to a Transition Year coordinator. "This would be somebody who could work with all subjects and who could, for instance, alert teachers as to availability of software for their particular subject," he adds.

He is concerned that if information technology is associated only with science, technology and maths, its application in other subjects, such as geography and history, may be limited or non existent.

The Green Paper stated that "teaching at all levels of the education system must keep abreast of the potential created by new technologies for the process of teaching and learning..." This view would not seem to be restated in the White Paper.

CESI believes that information technology is part of everyday life and that the Green Paper reflects this reality better than the White Paper.