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Further action needed on access to online learning

 

A local Senator fears local students may slip behind and claims that further action is needed to address the digital divide in online learning.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education in Seanad Eireann, Senator Robbie Gallagher was speaking following the latest survey carried out by Studyclix. It found found that 47% of teachers believe that access to broadband and digital devices were a barrier to teaching.

The report also found that 35% of teachers reported poor internet connections in their area.

Senator Gallagher said: “This latest survey indicates a greater level of severity than previously suggested and will points to the need for further work on the part of the Department of Education The results are further evidence of the growing digital divide and how it is affecting students. Almost half of teachers say that pupils don’t have access to the necessary equipment and one in three have a poor broadband connection.

It is clear that the recent announcement of €10 million from the Department will be insufficient for many schools to meet demand. It was to be expected that the massive and sudden unplanned switch to distance learning and “home-schooling” would result in some students experiencing greater difficulty than others, as well as extra work for teachers, however, the scale of the problem and the inequity it brings with it it truly now becoming clear,” he added.

International evidence shows that those without access to equipment risk falling behind their peers and the Department of Education must do everything in its power to avoid this situation becoming more widespread. We need to see further active engagement with schools and internet service providers to close the gap in poor broadband for both teachers and pupils. Many school principals feel that the impact of the €10 million announced will be relatively small and that this was money that would have been coming anyway. Last year for example a similar grant was given to schools which had a digital plan drafted,” he concluded.