Irish schools need “vastly improved access” to modern computer equipment if our students are to achieve better results in international student assessment tests, the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) has said.

The union was responding today to the lacklustre performance by Irish 15-year-olds in tests for problem-solving compared to results across OECD countries and a wider group of 44 countries.

The OECD has warned that students need sharper problem-solving skills or they will become adults struggling to find a good job.

Irish students were ranked 17th out of 28 OECD countries and 22nd out of 44 countries in Pisa (Programme for International Student assessment) tests organised by the OECD.

“TUI has long-held concerns about deficits in the ICT infrastructure in schools” said union president Gerard Craughwell.

“These findings also support TUI’s view that any reform of the Junior Cycle must ensure, among other things, that all students have full access to modern ICT facilities and broadband,” he said.

Source: The Irish Times

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