IPPN

IRISH students have far less access to computers and high-speed internet than those in most other developed countries because of poor Government funding, a confidential report has revealed.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) compared the availability of computers to primary and post-primary students in Ireland and a number of other countries in its overview of information and communications technology (ICT) use in schools.

The unpublished draft report concludes that low investment in ICT compared with other developed countries has made planning, both nationally and in schools, much harder.

There are 12 pupils for every computer in Irish primary schools, and nine students at second level. This compares to 7.5 and 4.9 respectively, in English schools and six students per computer in all schools in America.

Government spending of €160 million on ICT in schools between 1998 and last year compares to €2.4 billion in England during the same period. In the last four years alone, Northern Ireland schools have benefited from public investment in ICT of €377 million.

"Ireland's investment in ICT in schools is generally low compared with other developed countries and the deployment of funding has been somewhat fragmented, which makes planning both at a national and school level difficult," the NCCA report says.

While more than 90% of Irish schools have some internet connection, only two-thirds of computers in second level schools and 40% of those in primary schools have access.

Less than 1% of primary schools and just 5% of post-primary schools have a broadband connection.

While Ireland has significant progress to make in terms of broadband connectivity, the NCCA says the €18m joint initiative between Government and telecommunications industry to expand schools' broadband access is a welcome step.

Ireland is revealed as one of few countries not offering ICT as a second-level subject unlike, for example, Australia, Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, England, Scotland, the US, Poland and Portugal, some of which also offer it as a subject to primary pupils.

Click here to access the article on the Irish Examiner website