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We are joined in the studio this week by Avril Lamplaugh Principle of Rathdown Junior School and we will discuss how a school works with the Internet.
The show is sponsored by ICS Skills, who bring you Equalskills the fun and exciting way for complete beginners to learn all about using computers and the internet – for young and old.
As we are learning, the internet is part of our lives with over 50% of the population connected.
As a parent of teenagers, the Internet can be great source of worry and concern. The media is awash with stories of Internet abuses from cyber-bullying to children accessing unsuitable material such as pornography or being subjected to grooming by paedophiles. Many parents are also concerned about whether their teenager’s computer usage is excessive or interfering with school work or more healthy leisure pursuits.
While your concerns are right and understandable, remember the Internet is not all bad. There is a lot of learning and entertainment and even social benefits to the Internet usage for teenagers. They can use it to research school projects, book cinema tickets, and stay in touch with friends and family cheaply. Furthermore, given that computers are so integrated into society and work, it is important for children to learn how to use them and become familiar with them as they grow up.
Facts Section - 61% of primary schools don't have a website
- 73% of post-primary schools do have a website
Use of ICT for teaching and learning - 34% - No, very little or inappropriate use of ICT
- 42% - Scope for development
- 19% - Competent practice
- 5% - Optimal level of performance
Use of computers in teaching - 24% - At least once a week
- 9% - About 2/3 times a month
- 22% - Less than twice a month
- 45% - Never
“Could do better” is the verdict of a major new study on ICT in Irish schools. The report by the Department of Education and Science's Inspectorate found encouraging improvements in student-to-computer ratios, and that most schools now have an ICT plan.
Three in five primary schools and one in four secondary schools do not report having a website.
A third (34%) of inspectors' reports on classroom observations reveal limited, inappropriate or no use at all of ICT in teaching and learning in primary schools.
Presenter: Peter Lawless
Radio Station: Dublin City FM 103.2
Airtime: 5 Nov 2008, 1.30pm - 2pm
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