99 Roscommon Schools are set to receive a share of almost €470,000 to invest in Information and Communication Technology Teaching and Learning.
The news was announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD.
Roscommon Schools will receive €2,000 per school plus €22.20 per mainstream pupil in primary schools, with additional per capita payments for pupils in DEIS schools, Special Classes and Special Schools. At post-primary level, the additional rate payable is €31.90 per student, with an additional per capita payment for students in DEIS schools.
Today’s investment marks the start of the implementation of the government’s €210 Million Digital Strategy for Schools. Overall the Minister is investing €30m in ICT infrastructure grants for primary and post-primary schools. The grants will support the development and implementation of an eLearning Plan for each school to embed ICT in teaching and learning.
Some examples of the infrastructure that schools can purchase with this funding are:
– Teaching computers/shared student computers. These may include desktop PCs, laptops, tablets or hybrid devices.
– Projectors including short throw or ultra-short throw, long throw, interactive, or interactive flat screens (IFS).
– Cloud based tools and applications to support learning.
– Learning platforms – these are generally cloud based applications used to support the teaching and learning process.
Senator Frank Feighan welcomed the news, adding
“As Minister Bruton said today in announcing this funding, the ability to think critically and develop solutions in the digital world will be vital for these students’ prospects in life.”
“The Digital Strategy for Schools sets out a clear vision to realise the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students” he concluded.
Welcoming the news Senator Maura Hopkins said
“The announcement of this funding for upgrades to ICT equipment will be of great benefit to schools across Co Roscommon. It will allow our teachers to utilise the full potential of digital technology in teaching in order to give our students the best learning experience possible.”