17 March 2019
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Cork schools are set to benefit from a raft of new technology thanks to government funding, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Cork Senator Tim Lombard said: “all of our local school will receive grants to purchase key technology including tablets, cloud systems and projectors. I’m delighted that Cork schools are set to benefit from the national €50million investment in ICT infrastructure for all primary and post-primary schools.
Senator Lombard
“Grant funding for the purchase of ICT infrastructure will issue to all eligible primary and post primary schools in the country to enable them to embed the use of digital technology in teaching and learning.
“We are living in a world which is being fundamentally transformed by digital technology. Disruptive technologies in cloud, mobile and social are revolutionizing how we work and how we live.
“Critical, creative thinking, problem solving skills and adaptability will be key to ensuring young people flourish this environment and we need to make sure they are well prepared.
“The Government’s total investment in the Project Ireland 2040 scheme will total €110m to date when all schools draw down their entitlements. Our Digital Strategy for Schools sets out a clear vision that is focussed on realising the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students.
“The latest tranche of funding is made up of an initial pot of €45m – up €15m on the allocations in previous years. The grants will be allocated through a standard lump sum and additional per-capita sums based on the size of the school.
“At primary level, the grant is worth in the region of €5,900 for a 100 pupil school and almost €22,000 for a 500 pupil school.
“At post-primary, a 500 student school can receive a grant of almost €27,000 rising to some €52,000 for a 1,000 student school.
“A further €5m pot of funding is also being set aside in this year’s tranche to recognise and support schools’ efforts to engage with digital technologies in teaching and learning.
“Cork schools are being invited to apply for the additional fund by demonstrating evidence of effective embedding of digital technologies and Digital Learning Planning.”
Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, said: “This investment in effective ICT infrastructure in schools will also support curriculum development and enhance teaching and learning.
“The latest funding of €50m continues the Government commitment under Project Ireland 2040 to underpin the implementation of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020.
“The funding will go hand in hand with other supports for schools such as the Digital Learning Framework and Digital Learning Planning Resource to enable schools to fully embrace and embed digital technologies in their work.
“We want to encourage and support real innovation in teaching, learning and assessment and recognise the efforts of schools in this regard.”
