27 October, 2006 - Minister Hanafin presents Digital Schools Awards to Scoil Treasa, Mount Merrion and St. Brigid's Boys N. S. Foxrock

'Award recognises excellence in the use of ICT' - Minister Hanafin

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., today presented the Digital Schools Award to Scoil San Treasa primary school in Mount Merrion and St. Brigid's Boys National School, Foxrock, Co. Dublin.

The scheme which is funded by the Department of Education and Science, through the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE), aims to recognise excellence in a school's approach to the integration of Information Communications Technology (ICT) in learning and teaching.
 
Speaking today Minister Hanafin said "Information and Communications Technology has the potential to improve learning opportunities and outcomes where it merges successfully into the learning environment in our schools."
 
The Digital Schools Award recognises a school's success in developing and implementing a strategic approach to ICT integration.  The award system is based on a self-evaluation model which acknowledges the progress made by applicant schools and aims to encourage further ICT improvement and innovation.
 
Minister Hanafin said "this award will provide a notable mark of ICT achievement visible to pupils, parents, and staff and to the wider community.  This will create an awareness of the educational potential of ICT within schools and help to elevate its profile.  The award will also affirm the dedication and commitment of teachers and schools who through their expertise show innovation in teaching and learning using ICT."
 
Outlining the Government's commitment to the on-going development of ICT in schools, Minister Hanafin said "over €170million has been invested in the ICT in schools programme.  At the moment, the major focus of the Department of Education and Science is the roll-out of the broadband connectivity to all schools which is being delivered in partnership with industry, following the establishment of a three year €18m joint Government and Industry fund. Overall costs of the schools broadband access programme including set up and ongoing costs are likely to be the region of €30million over the three years."
 
Minister Hanafin congratulated all involved in the scheme including the National Centre for Technology in Education and its partners in this initiative, the Irish Primary Principals Network, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation and the Computer Society of Ireland who have worked together to develop the scheme and said "I am delighted to be here on my own doorstep today to present your Digital Schools Award.  You are among the first schools in the country to be presented with such an award.  Well done."
 
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