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Press Release: Survey shows high levels of ICT use in inner-city schools

Targeted investment in ICT support makes a big difference to local schools, according to The Digital Hub

Teachers in south-west inner city Dublin are using mobile phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and computer games to engage their students in learning activities. That’s according to a new learning survey, published this morning (04.06.09) by the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA).

The survey was conducted amongst 167 teachers in the 16 schools that participate in The Digital Hub’s learning programme in the Liberties area of Dublin. It found that teachers working in the vicinity of The Digital Hub use Information Communication Technology (ICT) much more frequently than their colleagues elsewhere, and are more confident about integrating technology and digital media into the school curriculum.

As a result, lessons incorporating interactive whiteboards, webcams, podcasting, video conferencing and animation are commonplace in the schools that work with The Digital Hub.

Commenting on the survey findings, Michael Hallissy, Director of Learning with The Digital Hub, said:

“Imagine a school where your teacher surfs the net, downloads podcasts and encourages you to create your own computer games. This isn’t some sort of far-fetched dream, but is actually a reality in the schools that work with The Digital Hub.

“The survey published today shows that teachers in these schools are using ICT in their classrooms on a frequent basis. Crucially, they do not view ICT as a separate subject with a focus on equipping students with basic computer skills; rather, they integrate ICT right throughout the curriculum, thereby equipping their pupils with the digital literacy skills so vital for progression in 21st Century life.

“The Digital Hub’s learning programme has engaged with local schools in the south-west inner city for the past seven years. We are delighted with this evidence that our interventions are resulting in digital literacy levels that are significantly higher than the national average.”

Key findings of the survey published today include the following:

• 60 per cent of the secondary-school teachers surveyed use ICT in their classrooms on either a weekly or daily basis, compared with a national average of only 24 per cent.
• 52 per cent of primary-school teachers in The Digital Hub reported high levels of confidence in using ICT, compared with a national average of only 30 per cent.
• The most common piece of ICT equipment used by both primary and second-level teachers is the desktop PC, followed by the digital camera for primary-school teachers and the data projector for second-level. Nearly a quarter of primary-school teachers in Digital Hub schools use digital cameras in their classrooms, compared with only 14 per cent of teachers elsewhere in Ireland.
• Three quarters of teachers at both primary and secondary level cited the internet as the application they use most frequently in the classroom.
• Over 90 per cent of the secondary-school teachers surveyed have broadband access in their classrooms, along with nearly three-quarters of primary-school teachers.

In addition to evaluating ICT use in local schools, The Digital Hub survey also looked at the obstacles faced by teachers in incorporating technology into the classroom. Lack of equipment and lack of time were two of the main obstacles cited by teachers at all levels, which is in line with findings from international research.

“The obstacles faced by teachers in The Digital Hub are no different to those faced by teachers throughout the country,” said Michael Hallissy. “Interestingly, the survey indicates strong demand for ongoing professional development amongst local teachers and a willingness on the part of local schools to avail of a range of support services from The Digital Hub.

“Teachers in Digital Hub schools are predominantly using ICT to support students in acquiring better literacy and numeracy skills. Through the use of tools such as PhotoStory, gaming for learning, mobile phones and digital cameras, students are building skills in teamwork, problem-solving, collaboration, communication and digital literacy.

“The survey findings published today show that teachers in The Digital Hub are well-positioned to equip local students with the skills they need to function effectively in the 21st Century. Teachers are creating learning environments that engage students actively in the learning process, while ensuring classes are stimulating, relevant and meet the needs of their pupils. As a result, students in Digital Hub schools are amongst the most digitally literate in the country.”

The results of The Digital Hub’s learning survey were unveiled at a celebratory event in The Digital Hub today, which was attended by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Eibhlin Byrne. More than 100 students from local schools were also in attendance at the event.

A full copy of the survey is available here elevatesurvey2009

ENDS

Contact: Martina Quinn / Dermot Ryan, DHR Communications, Tel: 087-6522033 / 086-6002306

Notes:
The Digital Hub’s learning survey was conducted in April 2009 in the 16 schools that participate in the Digital Hub’s learning programme. 167 teachers responded to the survey: 97 at primary level and 70 at second level. Respondents represented teachers from Junior Infants right up to Leaving Certificate.

Comparisons with ‘national average’ figures cited above are based on the schools’ inspectorate report on ICT in Schools, published by the Department of Education and Science in 2008.

Read more

• Silicon Republic: Digital learning makes a notable difference in inner-city schools
• Inside Ireland: ICT investment helping schools says Digital Hub