Chatper 7

RECOMMENDATIONS - THE WAY FORWARD

 

Teachers

Teachers require:

  • Ongoing appropriate training in terms of IT skills and knowledge;

  • Ongoing support and advice to encourage progression beyond initial basic computer training, at a pace appropriate to teachers and schools;

  • A broadening of their awareness to focus more on ICT resources, which are currently underused, such as the Internet and WWW, e-mail and basic video-conferencing.

Home Computers

Positive consideration should be given to providing computers for use by staff ICTCo-ordinators at home. Access to a computer at home will encourage those who are motivated towards ICT to make greater use of ICT in school, by providing the space and time for development, which is often lacking in a busy school day.

Basic School Resource Requirements

One computer per 30 pupils is totally inadequate and exasperating.  Consideration should be given to each of the following:

  • Provision of one computer per 10 pupils in a school.

  • Installation of ISDN lines in all schools.

  • Construction of a computer room, depending on the size of the school.

  • All modern classrooms to be constructed with adequate space for computers.

  • Internet access and telecommunication charges to be either waived by Eircom or funded by the Department.

Technical Support and Advice

Technical support was a major source of anxiety during the Project.Mechanisms need to be put in place to ensure that teachers have adequate access to on-site technical support and advice.

  •  Controlling Access to Undesirable Internet Material

  • Teachers need to adopt a Policy for Acceptable Use of the Internet.

Curriculum

  • ICT Studies to become the fourth “R” in the Irish Primary School Curriculum.

  • Language Strategists in the Department of Education and Science to take cognaisance of the importance and relevance of including ICT in Policy Statements.

  • The study of European language at Primary Level to be immediately included as a matter of priority in the curriculum.  A public statement of intent from the Minister is urgently required.

Further Research

NCTE to give immediate positive consideration to the provision of a bursary totalling £2,000 for a teacher to undertake a post graduate Masters study in the area of “Using ICT to teach European languages”.  Applications to be invited for the year commencing September 2001.  Selection to be decided by current Project Committee.

Teacher Training

Teachers, who are confident and proficient in ICT, are required.  Colleges of Education are encouraged to ensure that all student teachers develop skills in this area as a compulsory requirement of their teaching qualification.
Colleges of Education  must also produce students with European language skills, ensuring that as many students as possible graduate with proficiency in this area.

National Centre for Technology in Education

The National Centre for Technology in Irish Education to continue its excellent work of forging innovation in the Irish Education System.

Involvement of Industry

Involvement of Eircom through the sponsorship of our hardware, equipment proved crucial to the implementation of our Project.  The interest of Cormac O’ Sullivan and his team was most appreciated by all members of the Project Committee.  Through Eircom’s involvement, pupils obtained a rewarding and coherent experience in modern languages using ICT.  It is important for schools to nourish such corporate links to ensure that our young pupils are equipped with all the necessary skills required to make their way in global trade, business and travel, thus enabling Ireland to take full advantage of its position in the world.

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