Research by Ulster University has shown that Primary Schools teachers have reported low levels of confidence when using computers and digital devices. The report “Digital Education in Primary Schools” authored by Professor Linda Clarke shows that just 57% of Teachers participating in the study reported that they felt fairly confident when using computers and digital devices. A further 10% reporting that they felt threatened by the thought of using a digital device. The report was launched by the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People, Koulla Yiasouma at the Ormeau Baths Innovation Hub at an event hosted by both Future Screens NI and Northern Ireland Screen, organisations which are at the cutting edge of rapid advances in digital technology.
The recommendations within the report point towards the need for greater investment in, and a more strategic approach to Digital Education. Northern Ireland is the only region within the UK without a Digital Strategy. The last long-term development plan and ICT framework for ICT policy was set out by the government over two decades ago, namely: the ‘Strategy for Education Technology in Northern Ireland’.
Speaking in advance of the launch of the report Professor Linda Clarke, Research Director-Education at Ulster University said, “The Digital Education in Primary Schools Baseline report shows a decline in teachers confidence when using computers and digital devices. It is essential that this is reversed and that Digital Education is properly resourced and prioritised.
“The New Decade, New Approach document and the establishment of New Northern Ireland Executive has generated an as yet unmet opportunity to prioritise Digital Education, Digital Skills and the use of New and Emerging Technologies within Schools. Therefore I am calling on the New Northern Ireland Executive to commit to addressing current deficits in digital education by investing in digital skills and to work together to produce a Digital Strategy which ensures that digital literacy has the same level of priority as numeracy and literacy. We have gathered key stakeholders together to commence the process of joint working and planning in order to kick start a more coordinated approach to Digital Education and Digital Skills”