Function
The main functions of PDST Technology in Education fall into two categories:
- Providing a range of ICT-related support services to schools.
- Policy development, strategic and administrative functions.
ICT support services to schools
- Providing relevant and up to date ICT advice and support to schools on a range of appropriate and suitable technologies
- Coordinating the Schools Broadband Programme for all primary and post-primary schools, and managing the Broadband Service Desk as a single point of contact for schools to support the delivery of online content and learning resources
- Designing and delivering a comprehensive national programme of continuing professional development for teachers to assist them in integrating ICT into learning and teaching
- Supporting and promoting the use, application and development of digital content which is relevant to the Irish curriculum
- through the on-going development of Scoilnet as a portal site, which provides access to thousands of teacher reviewed resources relevant to the Irish curriculum.
- through the evaluation and development of digital materials and resources (including software) and
- project partnerships
- Developing internet safety programmes, subject modules and advising on the development and use of, Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) in schools
- Supporting and facilitating leadership in schools as it relates to e-Learning planning
- Supporting the innovative use and integration of ICT in schools through pilot projects
- Providing a general ICT advice service to schools via the phone, email and website.
Policy development, strategic and administrative functions
- Providing advice to & developing policy proposals for the Department of Education and Skills (DES) on issues related to the development & use of ICT in the Irish education system
- Providing support to the Minister as regards strategic issues relating to ICT and education
- Providing information and advice to other educational agencies on ICT in education
- Encouraging the integration of ICT in education across other organisations, agencies, and in industry
- Promoting curriculum innovations to enhance learning through the use of ICTs in the classroom.
- Undertaking research on the best uses of ICT in education and on the status of ICT in education on a national level
- Maintaining Irish involvement in EU and international projects related to ICT and education
- Participating in and contributing to the work of a wide range of working groups and committees at national and international levels
- Managing the funding for the administration of the schools ICT support service