The €50 Million Digital Strategy ICT Grant

What is the Digital Strategy ICT Grant?

The recently announced €50 million ICT grant is here to transform classrooms with modern tech and supercharge digital teaching. This grant, announced by Norma Foley, gives schools the opportunity to undertake general IT upgrades, buy new equipment, and develop their Digital Learning opportunities for students.

With the growing demand for computer science education in secondary schools and the increasing recognition of coding's importance in primary education, this grant plays a crucial role in ensuring that schools are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of students in an increasingly digital world.

The grant will consist of a €2,000 basic grant for primary schools plus an additional payment of €39 per mainstream pupil, €43 per pupil in DEIS schools and €47 per pupil attending a special school or attending a special class attached to a mainstream primary school. 

Post-primary schools will be paid a €2,000 basic grant plus €47 per mainstream student and €52 per student in DEIS schools. 

Schools do not need to apply for this funding, it will be issued directly to the schools in the coming weeks.

Getting the most from the Grant

This grant gives schools the opportunity to upgrade old equipment and purchase new devices, but it isn't just about the hardware. 

Schools can also use this grant to invest in digital Learning software such as the Coding Ireland Online Learning Platform which goes a long way in helping teachers introduce Digital Skills such as Coding, Robotics or even working with AI models. This software is equipped with:

• Hands-on learning: Software guides students through problem-solving and real-world challenges, igniting curiosity and critical thinking.

• Personalized learning: Cater to different learning styles with digital tools that adapt to individual needs, keeping everyone engaged.

• Built-in support: The software often provides built-in tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and even online communities where teachers can connect and share best practices.

The Digital Learning Plan

One key requirement of the ICT grant is the development of a Digital Learning Plan (DLP).  

The plan should outline the vision of the school for the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment and incorporate targets and actions for improvement and development. This plan should be a collaborative effort involving teachers, administrators, and even students! Here's what your DLP might include:

• Evaluating Current Practices: Take a good look at your existing technology use in classrooms. What's working well? Where are there opportunities for improvement?

• Setting Goals: What do you want to achieve with technology integration? Do you want to improve student engagement, personalize learning, or enhance STEM skills?

• Structuring for Success: How will you ensure teachers have the training and support they need to use technology effectively? What resources will you need to achieve your goals?

The Digital Learning Plan should be reviewed and updated, at least annually, and used to guide the spending of the grant funding.

The Takeaway:

This €50 Million ICT Grant is a game-changer for schools!  It gives schools the opportunity to upgrade their classrooms with modern technology, equipping students with essential digital skills that are critical for the future. This paves the way for the creation of a future-proof learning environment that empowers all students to not only thrive but become digital innovators. Explore Coding Ireland's resources and see how we can help you unlock the full potential of the grant for your school. Together, let's create a future where every student is a digital leader!