Pupils to lose out on top jobs
'Smart economy' plans will suffer from lack of computers in schools -- report
TENS of thousands of Irish students are being left behind in the digital revolution, and are losing out on skills to score the top jobs of the future, according to a confidential new report.
Years of under-investment has meant that Ireland has been "leapfrogged" by other countries as young people face a new era of fierce global competition for hi-tech jobs.
Government plans for a 'smart economy' are being hindered by the shortcomings, according to a confidential draft report to Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe, seen by the Irish Independent. It says that the demand for manual skills is declining in the knowledge and information age.
"This means that educational institutions must now educate students with the skills that can meet the demands of the knowledge economy," says the report.
IT companies have been complaining that too few students are studying electronics and computing and they blame years of under-investment in hardware and software in schools. Surveys have already shown that much of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment in Irish schools is years old.
The report was prepared by an advisory group representing the 'Who's Who' of the IT, computing and software companies in Ireland.
It is chaired by Paul Rellis of Microsoft and includes senior executives from HP, Cisco Systems, Dell, VT, IBM and Oracle.
It says that a higher standard of reliable technology must be deployed effectively to all schools. It recommends:
- At least one laptop in every classroom, starting in infant and first-year primary school classes from this year.
- Five desktop computers in every classroom, starting in 2010.
- A Virtual Learning Environment network set up in the coming academic year at a cost of €5m.
- Teacher training at the core of an investment plan for ICT integration in schools.
The report also discloses that the companies themselves are willing to provide a leadership role in developing the ICT strategy for schools.
They would co-ordinate short-term project work for ICT professionals within schools, and promote volunteerism in schools for ICT companies on a national basis.
Bottom
At the moment, usage of computers in schools falls well below the EU average. And Ireland ranks at the very bottom in Europe when it comes to teachers' satisfaction with ICT infrastructure in schools.
The National Development Plan had proposed spending €252m on ICT in schools but so far this has not materialised.
The report says the group recognises today's economic constraints. But it warns that a decision to defer or limit investment will have very real consequences for the level of choice we provide to our children.
- John Walshe Education Editor
