Use of ICT from a young age is an essential core skill – O’Dowd

Education Minister John O’Dowd has said the ability to use ICT confidently from a young age is an essential core skill.

The Minister was speaking at the Inspire 2015 conference hosted by Capita in conjunction with C2k to showcase the Education Network Service provided for all our grant-aided schools and the finalists of the first Education Network ICT Excellence Competition which celebrates the innovative and collaborative use of technology in our schools.

Opening the conference, the Minister explained why ICT is such an important area of the curriculum. He said:

“The ability of pupils to confidently use ICT from a young age is an essential core skill and in this day and age it is as important as being able to confidently read and write. Digital technology has a central role to play in children’s education and impacts upon virtually all areas of learning in the curriculum, making ICT a cross-curricular skill.

“Digital technology provides teachers with the flexibility to personalise learning, and to engage with pupils with different learning styles, particularly less confident pupils. There is also great potential for developing pupils’ literacy and communication skills.

“Employers tell us they need young people who are literate and numerate - these skills underpin ICT expertise. Developing that expertise is vital if we are to build a world class education system and compete in the global market.”

Continuing, the Minister explained why investment in technology creates an equal learning environment for all pupils. He said:

“Technology can help ensure that all pupils, regardless of age or geographical location, have access to the same high quality technology to help with teaching and learning and the C2k service provides this level playing field for all our pupils.

“Our schools will of course take different approaches to e-learning and during 2015 C2k ran a number of conferences to highlight best practice in some of our schools and provided guidance and motivation for other schools that are developing their e-learning processes.

“Having stakeholder input to these conferences was key and the Education and Training Inspectorate, CCEA, our Teacher Training institutions and C2k collaborated to maximise the impact of the conferences. This joined-up approach is to be commended and I am delighted to hear that next week, the Education Authority, through C2k, will be partnering with St Mary’s University College to host an Irish Medium e-Learning Conference.”

The Minister also outlined to conference delegates the importance of online safety:

“A very important issue associated with the ever-increasing use of technology is the matter of ensuring that our young people learn how to keep safe and display acceptable online behaviour.

“The effective use of ICT can enhance social interaction and has been shown to play a key role in citizenship by linking young people from diverse backgrounds. And whilst we must all be vigilant to guard against on-line abuse and exploitation, we must also ensure we do not overlook the positive aspects of the Internet.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.
2. See photos from the Department of Education in our Flickr collection.
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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