News and Events
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 IT courses bounce back in popularity COMPUTER companies will breathe a sigh of relief over the bounce back in the popularity of information technology (IT) courses among Irish students. Irish Independent, 31st March 2010
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What the web is teaching our brains
Most of us in the developed world now have relationships with computers - and access to information and entertainment - that we could not have dreamt about even a decade or so ago. We spend our days sifting emails and browsing the internet, then relax by tweeting or networking online and playing computer games, sometimes all at the same time.
Irish Independent, 24th November 2009
The impact of digital technology
Becta report on digital technologies. A review of the evidence of the impact of digital technologies, on formal education. Includes sections on what the evidence says, and challenges for the future.
Becta.org.uk, 23rd November 2009 Schools 'just playing catch-up' with laptops
EDUCATION Minister Batt O'Keeffe has admitted the ?150m investment in school laptops announced yesterday is simply playing 'catch-up' with other countries which have 'leapfrogged' us in investment.
Irish Independent, Tuesday 17th November 2009
Cowen to give €150m for computers in schools
TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen will today unveil a major investment in computers for schools, amid criticism that Irish schoolchildren are losing out in the digital revolution.
The Irish Times, 16th November 2009
High-tech cash boost for Ballina schools
FOUR Ballina schools are set to get a high tech boost with the announcement this week of funding allocations of €5,000 per classroom.
Western People, 11th November 2009 Teachers get roadshow on using whiteboards
Irish teachers are being offered a series of free events on getting the best from interactive whiteboards. The “Love Your Whiteboard Roadshow” promises time-saving planning, teaching and assessment tips.
Science.ie, 11th November 2009
Science and computing now back in favour
STUDENTS are swinging back to science and computing, in a vote of confidence on where they thing the jobs will be when they graduate.
Irish Independent, 11th November 2009
How Nintendo can boost your child's performance in maths
The Nintendo DS is often viewed with suspicion by teachers and parents. But new research suggesting Nintedo can be good for your kids is changing attitudes...
The Irish Times, 10th November 2009
Could it happen to our children?
In 2006 a 48-year-old former deputy headmaster of a community college was jailed for four years after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old Derry schoolgirl he had groomed on an internet chatline.
Irish Independent, 10th Novenber 2009
How social sites are a hunting ground for people with grudges
Julia*(19) is a business student from Dublin. She and her boyfriend Declan (20) became victims of cyberbullying when photographs of her and Declan were Fotoshopped and uploaded onto Facebook portraying him as a pig.
Irish Independent, 10th November 2009
Event aims to promote value of science
HOW REAL is the risk of an Irish tsunami? How do you make maths fun? What secrets remain in our attempts to understand the universe?
Science Week Ireland is under way, which means these and many more questions of scientific interest will be answered. More than 400 events are planned for the week-long celebration of science, with shows, talks and presentations for every age.
The Irish Times, 9th November 2009
Close to 1,600 entries for BT Young Scientist 2010
A record number of projects from 329 schools across the 32 counties have been submitted for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition taking place in January 2010.
Silicon Republic, 6th November 2009
Irish schools to spearhead Bill Gates’ 'Schools of the Future' drive
Just two years after Dunshaughlin Community College became one of Bill Gates’ 12 'Schools of the Future', it will become one of 12 mentor schools while a school in Kilkenny has been picked as one of 30 global pathfinder schools.
Silicon Republic 4th November 2009
Think Before You Click
The rise of Bebo, Facebook and other social networking sites has made online privacy a major concern for parents and teachers alike.
The Irish Times, 4th November 2009
Minister O'Keeffe announces €4.2m in grants for high-tech classrooms
Over 380 primary schools across the country are to get €4.2 million in grants for high-tech equipment over the coming days as part of the Government's efforts to make technology an integral part of the learning process, according to the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe TD.
Department of Education and Science, 2nd November 2009
Talent & Education
We are close to the end of the first decade of the 21st century and critical failings in our education system in the form of inadequate ICT equipment, training and connectivity are still painfully obvious.
Silicon Republic, 29th October 2009
Golden Spider shortlist 2009 announced
The eagerly awaited 2009 eircom Golden Spiders shortlist has been announced.Among those shortlisted are Independent.ie, idworks.ie, Bestquote.ie, Gohop.ie, Fotawildlife.ie, RTE.ie/morningireland, Justeat.ie, Gaeilge.ie, shamrockfoods.ie and axa.ie.
Irish Independent, 28th October 2009
Sligo schools to the fore at film festival
Two local national schools have won awards for their film entries at the National FÍS Film Festival in the Helix at Dublin City University last week.
Sligo Champion, 28th October 2009
Science Week 2009 Dates Announced
Discover Science and Engineering (DSE) has announced that the theme for Science Week 2009 is 'Science Week - Celebrating Creativity and Innovation.' More than 400 events are expected to take place across the country from Sunday 8th November until Sunday 15th November.
Waterford Today, 28th October 2009
Leitrim students invited to Doodle 4 Google
Google is calling on budding young artists in Leitrim to get creative and 'Doodle 4 Google' as the company launches it's second annual art and design competition.
Leitrim Observer, 28th October 2009
A new plan aimed at advancing the digital literacy of a nation
The I-CANDO Digital Skills Programme aims to reskill 440,000 unemployed people and boost digital literacy. This is a national imperative, says Neil Leyden of the Digital Media Forum.
Silicon Republic, 22nd October 2009
FÍS Film Festival 2009
News coverage of the FÍS Film Festival 2009, which took place in the Helix, DCU on 20th October last. The report starts at 0:50. (Note: streaming video)
RTE News2Day, 22nd October 2009
Barnardos seeks online 'panic button'
A report by the children's charity, Barnardos, is recommending that an age and identity verification system should be introduced for young people when they go online.
RTE.ie, 21st October 2009
New maths course hit by lack of school computers
THE ROLL-OUT of a new, cutting edge maths course for Leaving and Junior Cert classes has had to be scaled back because of a lack of computer support in schools.
The Irish Times, 21st October 2009
Short films put schools in frame
IT was a case of lights, camera, action, for over 700 budding film-makers and their teachers as they gathered to celebrate the best short films in the country.
Irish Independent, 21st October 2009
400 events planned to mark Ireland’s Science Week
Science Week 2009 is to be marked by a whopping 400 events headlined by the theme of celebrating creativity and innovation.
Silicon Republic, 19th October 2009
Laptops for pupils produces stunning improvements in exam results
A SCHOOL has recorded stunning improvements in exam results and attendance levels among pupils after they were given their own laptops.
Irish Independent, 19th October 2009
Ireland 'bottom of class' for technology
IRELAND is close to the bottom of the world league when it comes to technology in the classroom.
Irish Independent, 19th October 2009 Students hoping website will be hit at competition
'THE Apprentice' may be grabbing all the headlines these days, but the next wave of budding entrepreneurs are gearing up to make their mark.
Fingal Independent, 14th October 2009
Number of identity-fraud victims in Ireland hits 90,000
More than 3,000 new cases of identity fraud have been identified since this time last year, bringing the total number of victims in Ireland to 90,000.
Silicon Republic, 13th October 2009
31 students awarded Intel excellence medals
Thirty-one second-level students have been awarded Intel Excellence in Science medals in recognition of their achievements at SciFest 2009.
Silicon Republic, 12th October 2009
Minister to pay for classroom laptops with building funds
MILLIONS of euro earmarked for school building this year is to be diverted to pay for long-overdue computers in schools.
Irish Independent, 9th October 2009
90pc of whiteboards in Irish schools paid for by parents
Efforts of parents rather than the Government are responsible for 90pc of the interactive whiteboards deployed in Irish schools.
Silicon Republic, 8th October 2009
NCTE's Simon Grehan on "Midweek"
NCTE's Internet Safety Project Officer, Simon Grehan, discusses CyberBullying on the TV3 weekly current affairs programme "Midweek".(Note: streaming video)
TV3, 7th October 2009
Hotmail users urged to change passwords after list published online
Hotmail users across the world have been urged to change their passwords after a list containing more than 10,000 account names and passwords was published over the weekend...
Silicon Republic, 6th October 2009
Koni Kats crowned F1 in Schools world champions
The Koni Kats team from St. David's Secondary School in Greystones, County Wicklow took the top honours at the fifth Formula One in Schools Technology Challenge World Championships held last week in London.
Techcentral.ie, 21st September 2009
Irish team to tear up track at F1 Schools World Championships
The Koni Kats, the team representing Ireland at the F1 School World Championships in London, will this week compete against 30 countries seeking supremacy in the fast-track world of the knowledge economy.
Silicon Republic, 17th September 2009
Slane NS's role in national curriculum celebrations
Slane National School's revamped school website, which was launched earlier this year, was the inspiration for a National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) project to mark 10 years of the Primary School Curriculum.
The Meath Chronicle, 16th September 2009
ID-stealing malware up 600%
The number of computers infected by malware designed to steal confidential information has risen by 600% compared to the first six months of 2008, according to research
Techcentral.ie, 21st August 2009
HP, Microsoft and Intel in laptops for students initiative
Leading technology employers have emerged as the driving force behind concerted efforts to reduce the cost of laptops for third level students as well as ensure second level teachers have ICT skills.
Silicon Republic, 20th August 2009
UL to use SMS to deliver college offers to 3,000 students
University of Limerick is to use SMS technology to inform up to 3,000 students annually that they have received a CAO (Central Applications Office) place in the college.
Silicon Republic, 13th August 2009
Maths don't add up for Smary Economy
Our motivation in terms of kitting out Irish schools with ICT equipment and skills is in doubt. In more than 10 years of economic boom, no attempt has been made to put computers in schools - how is that possible? A €250m investment announced two years ago by former education minister Mary Hanafin TD never materialised and probably never will.
Silicon Republic, 13th August 2009
Pupils to lose out on top jobs
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.
Irish Independent, 10th August 2009
Keeping children safe from internet and mobile abuse
PARENTS are being urged to exercise more parental control over their children's use of the internet and mobile phones and educate them on the potential dangers.
Irish Independent, 6th August 2009
Dormant account funds for Louth
DERMOT Ahern TD, Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, has announced significant funding for Louth under the Dormant Account Fund.
The Arfus, 29th July 2009
‘Ireland needs to get competitive to keep winning investments’ says Dell
Reduced costs and smarter kids will set Ireland on road to recovery, says Dell’s Dermot O’Connell...
Silicon Republic, 23rd July 2009
Pupils may have lessons on the internet if swine flu continues
A swine flu co-ordinator may be appointed to advise the UK Government on how best to keep in touch with pupils in the event of school closures this autumn...
Times Online, 23rd July 2009
This generation’s appetite for online must be matched by education system
Future generations will want Ireland to be a science and ICT leader – Telefónica O2’s Danuta Gray.
Silicon Republic, 15th July 2009
Leading-edge whiteboard technology adopted by Stamullen national school
St Patrick's NS, Stamullen, is leading the country and staying at the cutting edge of technology by rolling out 20 SMART Board interactive whiteboards in the school. This will give all 420 students in St Patrick"s access to the technology in each class.
The Meath Chronicle, 15th July 2009
Microsoft to offer free Office software
MICROSOFT ESCALATED its battle with arch rival Google yesterday, reacting to an assault on one of its core businesses with the announcement of a free online version of its widely used Office software, to be launched next year.
Irish Times, 14th July 2009
Digital divide in Irish schools – a black and whiteboard issue?
While a growing number of Irish schools have received whiteboard technology, it could lead to a wider learning gulf between schools that aren’t being provided with the latest computers and whiteboards...
Silicon Republic, 10th July 2009
Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin secondary schools get high-speed broadband
Meath Dáil deputies Noel Dempsey and Mary Wallace have welcomed Communications Minister Eamon Ryan’s announcement that two post-primary schools in Meath are to receive upgraded high-speed broadband...
Meath Chronicle, 1st July 2009
Digital 21 – Digital Infrastructure
Ireland needs to make tough, urgent decisions around building the core network that will ensure the country will remain relevant for decades to come...
Silicon Republic, 25th June 2009
Ryan pledges broadband speed success by 2012
Ireland's broadband speeds will equal or exceed those of comparable EU states by 2012, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has reiterated.
Irish Independent, 23rd June 2009
YouTube question hits the spot for tech-savvy pupils
LEAVING CERTIFICATE: ENGLISH PAPER 1 ORDINARY LEVEL: SUSAN BOYLE, runner up in last week’s final of Britain’s Got Talent , could have made a decent attempt at yesterday’s ordinary-level English paper, as candidates were asked to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of YouTube.
Irish Times, 4th June 2009
Windows 7 arriving in shops 22 Oct
It’s official: Microsoft’s brand new operating system, Windows 7, will be available to buy online and in shops from 22 October 2009.
Silicon Republic, 3rd June 2009
Award of Science Excellence for 511 primary schools
Discover Science & Engineering (DSE), the national body to promote science education and awareness in Irish schools, has presented 511 primary schools with the Award of Science Excellence to recognise the effort of both teachers and children alike in discovering and learning through science in the classroom.
Silicon Republic, 2nd June 2009
Digital Development Plan - A national priority
There is a host of other countries who are competing to be the world leader in the ‘smart space’. This is a global race to outpace the competition in the digital economy. Ireland must prioritise building our nation’s digital capabilities, and we need to do it now if we are to stay in the game.
Silicon Republic, 28th May 2009
IT Package planned for every class
The National Centre for Technology in Education wants a laptop and projector in every classtoom in the country by 2011... (PDF document)
Sunday Business Post, 24th May 2009
Junior Golden Spiders to inspire the net generation
The first-ever Eircom Junior Spider Awards are set to take place this December, pitting primary and secondary-school students – Ireland’s digital natives – against one another in a bid to gain recognition for brilliant website creation.
Silicon Republic, 27th May 2009
Teachers are warned not to be website pals to pupils
SCHOOLCHILDREN are sending requests to their teachers to be linked up as their 'friend' on social networking sites...
Hearld.ie, 25th May 2009
Urgent fibre strategy needed to accelerate Ireland’s recovery
In a day where Microsoft founder Bill Gates predicted that, in the US, economic recovery will be enabled by technology, the head of Ireland’s telecoms industry group warned that Ireland’s economic recovery will rely on the urgent construction of next-generation networks (NGNs).
Silicon Republic, 22nd May 2009
Face it: tech will always be a little geeky
ALONG WITH noting its serious implications, the Higher Education Authority got a bit of a laugh last week when it released a new survey on the challenges to getting more secondary students into technology careers.
Irish Times, 15th May 2009
Bursaries boost for teachers
SEVEN teachers with Cork connections have been awarded research bursaries by the Teaching Council. They include Ita Ahern, who teaches in St. Patrick's Boys' NS, Mallow, who was awarded the bursary to assist her research into learning and teaching with Lego Mindstorms Control Technology in the 21st Century classroom...
Corkman.ie, 14th May 2009
Students ditch books for net lessons
Students from a south county Dublin school have gone virtual, by learning with ebooks ...
Evening Hearld, 30th April 2009
Europe channels positivity into YouTube generation
Banning access to social-media sites to prevent children from seeing unsuitable or age-inappropriate material is not the answer and is counter-intuitive, according to Ciaran McCormack of Eurocreator, a pan-European platform for sharing digital media that aims to inspire creativity amongst school goers...
Silicon Republic, 30th April 2009
Ebook has arrived in St. Aidan's Community School, Tallaght
The Connect School project in St Aidans Community School, Brookfield is moving to new levels. Students in St Michaels - second year class - in St Aidans Community School will have History and Geography ebooks installed on their laptops on Friday 24th April in the County Library, Tallaght. This is a pilot project organised by South Dublin County Council and Gill & McMillan to further develop the use of technology in the school.
South Dublin County Council, 23rd April 2009
HP wins €3m contract to provide schools with workstations
Computer giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) has been awarded a €3m contract to supply secondary schools across Ireland with up to 4,000 high-end workstation PCs and laptops for CAD applications.
Silicon Republic, 22nd April 2009 Why teachers need to embrace the web
Spare a thought for teachers. They are rapidly being superseded by machines. The computer entrepreneur Chris Horn says that Google has replaced the teacher as the prime source of information and knowledge for pupils.
Irish Independent, 22nd April 2009
Bandon Grammar School in Lego robot competition
PUPILS from Bandon Grammar School reached the final of the recent Cork Electronic Industry Association’s (CEIA) Lego Robot Competition for secondary schools.
The Southern Star, 18th April 2009
New whiteboards a huge addition to CBS
DELIGHTED STAFF and students at the CBS Primary school recently took delivery of two new interactive whiteboards.
New Ross Standard, 15th April 2009
400,000 website users to vote on changes in privacy policy
MORE than 400,000 Irish users of the social networking site Facebook are to vote this week on controversial changes to the way the company proposes to use their information and photographs...
Irish Independent, 15th April 2009
Web risks fear as more young children log on
GROWING numbers of children are having real-life encounters with people they first met online, according to a new survey...
Irish Independent, 11th April 2009
Kilkenny school first to join Microsoft programme
Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny has been revealed as the first Irish primary school to join the Microsoft School of the Future Programme. The announcement was made by Dr Jimmy Devins, Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, TD at the Meath VEC Education Innovation Schools event in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath...
Techcentral.ie, 7th April 2009
Are organisations now better prepared to deal with IT security threats?
With all the attacks and vulnerabilities that have been highlighted over the years you would think that organisations would be more ready for the inevitable threats that emerge but unfortunately it is not the case.
Sunday Business Post, 5th April 2009
Scoilnet Blogs demonstrated at CESI Galway Gathering
A particular emphasis was placed on the recently launched Scoilnet Blogs which, as demonstrated by Enda Donlon, provides a much needed efficient service to those wishing to make use of the Web for teaching and learning...
CESI News, 2nd April 2009
Digital school books a common theme in pupils' competition entries
HOW WOULD you like a school bag with robotic hands to massage your back as you carry your heavy books around? Or a lamp that can hold a cup of coffee, do maths calculations and recite English poetry? Equally useful would be the “companion pen”, which shows a red light if a spelling is incorrect...
Irish Times, 1st April 2009
Dormant account funds for Louth
DERMOT Ahern TD, Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform, has announced significant funding for Louth under the Dormant Account Fund.
The Arfus, 29th July 2009
‘Ireland needs to get competitive to keep winning investments’ says Dell
Reduced costs and smarter kids will set Ireland on road to recovery, says Dell’s Dermot O’Connell...
Silicon Republic, 23rd July 2009
Pupils may have lessons on the internet if swine flu continues
A swine flu co-ordinator may be appointed to advise the UK Government on how best to keep in touch with pupils in the event of school closures this autumn...
Times Online, 23rd July 2009
This generation’s appetite for online must be matched by education system
Future generations will want Ireland to be a science and ICT leader – Telefónica O2’s Danuta Gray.
Silicon Republic, 15th July 2009
Leading-edge whiteboard technology adopted by Stamullen national school
St Patrick's NS, Stamullen, is leading the country and staying at the cutting edge of technology by rolling out 20 SMART Board interactive whiteboards in the school. This will give all 420 students in St Patrick"s access to the technology in each class.
The Meath Chronicle, 15th July 2009
Microsoft to offer free Office software
MICROSOFT ESCALATED its battle with arch rival Google yesterday, reacting to an assault on one of its core businesses with the announcement of a free online version of its widely used Office software, to be launched next year.
Irish Times, 14th July 2009
Digital divide in Irish schools – a black and whiteboard issue?
While a growing number of Irish schools have received whiteboard technology, it could lead to a wider learning gulf between schools that aren’t being provided with the latest computers and whiteboards...
Silicon Republic, 10th July 2009
Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin secondary schools get high-speed broadband
Meath Dáil deputies Noel Dempsey and Mary Wallace have welcomed Communications Minister Eamon Ryan’s announcement that two post-primary schools in Meath are to receive upgraded high-speed broadband...
Meath Chronicle, 1st July 2009
Digital 21 – Digital Infrastructure
Ireland needs to make tough, urgent decisions around building the core network that will ensure the country will remain relevant for decades to come...
Silicon Republic, 25th June 2009
Ryan pledges broadband speed success by 2012
Ireland's broadband speeds will equal or exceed those of comparable EU states by 2012, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has reiterated.
Irish Independent, 23rd June 2009
YouTube question hits the spot for tech-savvy pupils
LEAVING CERTIFICATE: ENGLISH PAPER 1 ORDINARY LEVEL: SUSAN BOYLE, runner up in last week’s final of Britain’s Got Talent , could have made a decent attempt at yesterday’s ordinary-level English paper, as candidates were asked to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of YouTube.
Irish Times, 4th June 2009
Windows 7 arriving in shops 22 Oct
It’s official: Microsoft’s brand new operating system, Windows 7, will be available to buy online and in shops from 22 October 2009.
Silicon Republic, 3rd June 2009
Award of Science Excellence for 511 primary schools
Discover Science & Engineering (DSE), the national body to promote science education and awareness in Irish schools, has presented 511 primary schools with the Award of Science Excellence to recognise the effort of both teachers and children alike in discovering and learning through science in the classroom.
Silicon Republic, 2nd June 2009
Digital Development Plan - A national priority
There is a host of other countries who are competing to be the world leader in the ‘smart space’. This is a global race to outpace the competition in the digital economy. Ireland must prioritise building our nation’s digital capabilities, and we need to do it now if we are to stay in the game.
Silicon Republic, 28th May 2009
IT Package planned for every class
The National Centre for Technology in Education wants a laptop and projector in every classtoom in the country by 2011... (PDF document)
Sunday Business Post, 24th May 2009
Junior Golden Spiders to inspire the net generation
The first-ever Eircom Junior Spider Awards are set to take place this December, pitting primary and secondary-school students – Ireland’s digital natives – against one another in a bid to gain recognition for brilliant website creation.
Silicon Republic, 27th May 2009
Teachers are warned not to be website pals to pupils
SCHOOLCHILDREN are sending requests to their teachers to be linked up as their 'friend' on social networking sites...
Hearld.ie, 25th May 2009
Urgent fibre strategy needed to accelerate Ireland’s recovery
In a day where Microsoft founder Bill Gates predicted that, in the US, economic recovery will be enabled by technology, the head of Ireland’s telecoms industry group warned that Ireland’s economic recovery will rely on the urgent construction of next-generation networks (NGNs).
Silicon Republic, 22nd May 2009
Face it: tech will always be a little geeky
ALONG WITH noting its serious implications, the Higher Education Authority got a bit of a laugh last week when it released a new survey on the challenges to getting more secondary students into technology careers.
Irish Times, 15th May 2009
Bursaries boost for teachers
SEVEN teachers with Cork connections have been awarded research bursaries by the Teaching Council. They include Ita Ahern, who teaches in St. Patrick's Boys' NS, Mallow, who was awarded the bursary to assist her research into learning and teaching with Lego Mindstorms Control Technology in the 21st Century classroom...
Corkman.ie, 14th May 2009
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