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1032, or almost one in three Irish primary schools, have signed up to become ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’, in the first full year of the programme. Almost 150 schools have been validated through the registration process, with the remaining schools at various stages of the validation process, which is proceeding well. The highest number of registrations came from counties Dublin (190 schools), Cork (100 schools), Galway (50 schools) and Meath (40 schools). HP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Microsoft have confirmed their support for the programme. In a survey of 300 Irish primary schools who have registered to take part in the programme, access to high speed broadband, IT maintenance, support and funding were identified as the major obstacles to integrating ICT in the classroom. Other findings from the research included: Primary school teachers were virtually unanimous (98%)  that ICT used in teaching is necessary to help prepare students to live and work in the 21st century 80% strongly agreed that ICT used in teaching has a positive impact on student motivation The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools has been extremely positive with 75% of teachers agreeing that the programme has created momentum in innovative and effective use of ICT tools by teachers 84% said that the programme has helped their school to focus more on ICT usage to support curriculum objectives Launched by the Minster for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn T.D. in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. Supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland, the Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. HP Ireland

Minister Jan O’Sullivan presents prestigious national award to school for digital excellence in the classroom St Cronan’s Senior National School, Swords has been awarded ‘Digital School of Distinction’ status, joining a growing number of Irish primary schools to receive the prestigious award which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD, presented the award to teachers and pupils at the school today. More than one in three primary schools have signed up to become a ‘Digital School of Distinction’ and 140 schools have been awarded Digital School of Distinction status since the programme launched in September 2013.  The programme aims to sign up a further 750 schools during this school year. ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland, who have confirmed that they will support the programme with €200,000 in funding for its second year.  Primary schools who achieve Digital Schools of Distinction status this year will receive a range of ICT support services, including free printing for a year via a HP OfficeJet Pro printer and a monthly printing allowance of 250 colour pages and 2,500 black and white pages, Microsoft software and educational apps as well as technical support and access to education ICT specialists. It is expected that 300 schools will be recognised with Digital Schools of Distinction status this year.  Plans are also in place to expand the programme into Northern Ireland and the UK in 2015. Speaking at the event, Minister Jan O’Sullivan said: “It is very important to give recognition to schools that have adopted a strong digital schools culture. The Digital School of Distinction programme, which is in line with the e-learning roadmap supported by the Department of Education & Skills, is an excellent means to promote and enhance the use of ICT in the classroom. I would like to commend St Cronan’s Senior National School in their achievement” The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools to date has been extremely positive. Loreto Desmond, Principal of St Cronan’s Senior National School said that the programme offers a great opportunity to develop its students’ digital literacy. “Over the past number of years we have invested a lot of time and effort in the development of a digital culture in our school and it is very encouraging to see these efforts now come to fruition. Technology is embedded in teaching and learning in our school with a strong level of sharing of expertise and resources among staff. It also helps our special educational needs pupils to be integrated into the mainstream classes with all the necessary assistive technologies. We are delighted that our efforts have been recognised by Digital Schools of Distinction.” Congratulating St Cronan’s Senior National School on their award, Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland said: “There has been a huge uptake for the Digital Schools of Distinction programme which is a clear indication of the commitment of primary teachers to make the most of their schools’ digital capabilities. HP is delighted to support this initiative which provides significant support and assistance to these schools as they equip their pupils with the necessary capabilities for 21st century living.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland added: “The ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ programme recognises the importance of technology in the learning environment. St Cronin’s Senior National School now joins 140 other schools nationally that have been commended for their commitment to digital literacy with ICT playing an integral role in everyday learning.” Gerard McHugh, Chair of the Digital Schools of Distinction Committee and Director of the Dublin West Education Centre said:  “We are very encouraged by the level of engagement with schools to date as we work to grow the number of participating schools. We are looking forward to registering many more schools in the months ahead.” Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital School of Distinction status. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland. For further information and to register online, visit www.digitalschools.ie or follow @digital_schools on Twitter for regular updates. St Cronans Swords SNS – Republic of Ireland 2014

The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD today launched the second year of ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ and highlighted ambitious plans to grow the number of schools participating in the flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. The programme is supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland who have confirmed that they will support the programme with €200,000 in funding for its second year. More than one in three Irish primary schools – a total of 1,100 schools – signed up to become ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’, in the first full school year of the programme. The programme aims to sign up a further 750 schools during this academic year. 137 schools have already been awarded Digital School of Distinction status and it is expected that a further 300 schools will be awarded during this academic year. Plans are also in place to expand the programme into Northern Ireland and the UK in 2015. Primary schools who achieve Digital Schools of Distinction status this year will receive a range of ICT supports, including free printing for a year via a HP OfficeJet Pro printer and a monthly printing allowance of 250 colour pages and 2,500 black and white pages; Microsoft software and educational apps as well as technical support and access to education ICT specialists. In a survey of 300 Irish primary schools who have registered to take part in the programme, access to high speed broadband, IT maintenance, support and funding were identified as the major obstacles to integrating ICT in the classroom. Speaking in Limerick at Scoil Íosagáin which today became the first new Digital School of Distinction to be awarded in this academic year, Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan T.D. said: “The Digital Schools of Distinction programme has been a huge success in its first year and I am delighted to see that the number of schools registering and receiving their accreditation is continuing to increase steadily. The programme supports the advancement of the ICT agenda in the classroom and is making a practical contribution to helping schools make the most of their digital capabilities. It also supports the objectives of the government’s Digital Strategy for Schools which will be finalised in the coming months.” Principal Patrick Hanley, Scoil Íosagáin said: “Our focus is on the continued integration of ICT in the classroom, to enhance our curriculum and benefit the pupils. Supported by the Digital Schools of the Distinction programme, our pupils are given the opportunities to become familiar with a range of technologies and to develop the skills to use them in a meaningful way that cultivates their independence, problem solving, communications and collaboration abilities. It is a great honour for our school to become a Digital School of Distinction and we are looking forward to the benefits and opportunities it will undoubtedly bring us.” Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland said: “We are very pleased to continue our support for the Digital Schools of Distinction programme this year. With more than one third of Irish primary schools now registered, it is clear that there is a tremendous appetite amongst educators at primary level to make the most of their schools’ digital capabilities and that the programme is a providing much needed practical support and assistance in this regard. The success of the programme to date is a clear indication that Digital Schools of Distinction is driving ambitious targets to support schools to be best in class when it comes to the use of technology in teaching and learning at primary level.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland added: “As the economy shows clear signs of a return to growth it is more important than ever that we in industry do what we can to help equip young people with digital skills so that they can participate fully in the economy of the future. From basic IT literacy all the way up to coding – these are increasingly becoming basic requirements for young people to engage fully in society and later in the economy. We are delighted with the success of this programme to date and with the fact that it is helping keeping the issue of digital skills and IT access on the agenda while at a practical level helping to raise the awareness and skills amongst teachers and pupils throughout the country.” DIGITAL SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION AIMS TO SIGN UP 750 NEW PRIMARY SCHOOLS THIS YEAR 2015

Minister of State Ciaran Cannon presents prestigious national award to local school, for excellence in the use of technology in the classroom St Augustine’s NS, Clontuskert has become one of the first schools in Ireland to be named a ‘Digital School of Distinction’, joining a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award. Minister for Training & Skills at the Department of Education & Skills, Ciaran Cannon T.D. presented the award to teachers and pupils at the school today. Supported by HP and Microsoft and launched in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. 847 primary schools around Ireland have registered for the programme, with 31 schools receiving their award to date. 47 other schools in Galway have registered to sign up to the programme. The Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland are providing support to the programme for five years, including a financial commitment of €300,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources. Speaking at the event, Minister Ciaran Cannon said: “I am delighted to see a school from east Galway becoming one of the first schools in Ireland to receive this prestigious award. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is an important platform for primary schools which benefit pupils by helping them to gain the skills to live and work in our increasingly technology driven world. I am extremely impressed by all that I have seen at St Augustine’s and I commend the school on their great achievement.” The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools to date has been extremely positive. Kate Murray, Principal of St Augustine’s N.S. said that the programme offers a great opportunity for primary schools to build on their digital capabilities. “As our pupils are surrounded by information technology in everyday life, we feel that it is important that those technologies also play a significant role in the classroom. Supported by the Digital Schools of the Distinction programme, our pupils are given the opportunities to become familiar with a range of technologies and to develop the skills to use them in a meaningful way that cultivates their independence, problem solving, communication and collaboration abilities. We know that by using these tools in our everyday teaching, we will empower our students to become the creators and big thinkers of the future. Becoming a Digital School of Distinction is a great honour for our small school and has already brought us significant benefits – the whole school is excited about the opportunities that it offers us.” In St Augustine’s, ICT is viewed as a creative tool that underpins the learning environment and is used by students to produce visually appealing projects, essays, posters and other materials using word processing, PowerPoint, film making, podcasting, and blogging. The school also uses ICT to communicate with other schools and the outside world in a secure and protected environment; to share ideas and information; to encourage collaboration between classes and students and to record lessons, events, progress in school through podcasts and film. Clontuskert uses robotics and coding as a tool to enhance curricular engagement and ensure students cultivate lifelong learning skills. The school’s website has won numerous awards over the years and the school is constantly engaged in interschool collaborations both nationally and internationally including a number of Comenius projects in Europe, and cross curricular collaborations with schools in the USA and Canada. For more information on the school’s use of ICT, visit http://clontuskert.scoilnet.ie Gerard McHugh, Chair of the Digital Schools of Distinction Committee and Director of the Dublin West Education Centre said:  “We are delighted by the enthusiastic reception for the programme in primary schools to date. We have ambitious plans to grow the number of participating schools this year and beyond and are looking forward to registering many more schools in the months ahead.” Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland added: ”Digital Schools of Distinction has proven to be a very successful programme to date. HP is delighted to support this initiative which enables schools to harness the full potential of technology for education purposes.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland concluded:  “It is wonderful to see schools from across the country seek to secure validation and recognition for the great work that they are doing with technology. We are confident that as more and more schools embrace this programme that students will get a better and more rewarding experience of IT in the classroom. We are delighted to be associated with Digital Schools of Distinction.” Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital Schools of Distinction status by the Department of Education. New digital schools receive a Digital Schools Classroom Kit, to include a HP laptop with Microsoft software including Windows 8 and educational apps and access to education ICT specialists.  A new set of “Best Practice” guidelines for schools has also been developed which will shortly be made available on the Digital Schools of Distinction website. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland. St. Augustine’s NS – Republic of Ireland – 2014

Holywell Educate Together N.S. Swords has been named a ‘Digital School of Distinction’, and joins a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award. Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English TD presented the award to teachers and pupils at the school today. Supported by HP and Microsoft and launched in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. More than one in three Irish primary schools – a total of 1,100 schools – signed up to become ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’, in the first full school year of the programme. The programme aims to sign up a further 750 schools during this academic year. The programme is supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland who have confirmed that they will support the programme with €200,000 in funding for its second year. Primary schools who achieve Digital Schools of Distinction status this year will receive a range of ICT supports, including free printing for a year via a HP OfficeJet Pro printer and a monthly printing allowance of 250 colour pages and 2,500 black and white pages, Microsoft software and educational apps as well as technical support and access to education ICT specialists. 137 schools have already been awarded Digital School of Distinction status and it is expected that a further 300 schools will be recognised during this academic year. Plans are also in place to expand the programme into Northern Ireland and the UK in 2015. Speaking at the event, Minister Damien English said: “The Digital School of Distinction programme provides recognition to schools that have embraced

Scoil Mhuire na mBraithre CBS Primary, Clounalour, Tralee, Co Kerry has has become one of the first schools in Ireland to be named a ‘Digital School of Distinction’. The school joins a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award. Launched by the Minster for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn T.D. in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. Primary schools around Ireland are being urged to sign up for the programme, to avail of the comprehensive package of support and advice available. Supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland, the Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland are providing support to the programme for five years, including a financial commitment of €300,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources. The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools to date has been extremely positive. Principal Dennis Crowley, of Scoil Mhuire na mBraithre said that the programme offers a real opportunity for primary schools to build on their digital capabilities. ‘Registering to become a Digital School of Distinction was an obvious move for our school as we are very aware that technology is playing an ever more important role in education and we want to be at the forefront of the movement to integrate ICT successfully in the classroom. The registration and validation process to become a Digital School of Distinction has been seamless with good support throughout. We are excited about the opportunities this programme offers our school.’ The Minister for Education and Skill Ruairi Quinn T.D. congratulated the schools who have already signed up and called on all primary schools to register their interest in the programme: “The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is an important platform for primary schools which can help to advance the ICT agenda in the classroom while making a practical contribution to helping schools make the most of their digital capabilities. The effective use of ICT for teaching and learning in our schools is a key policy objective of my Department.  It is central to the achievement of the key reforms outlined in the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and I would encourage schools who have not yet signed up to do so, so that they can benefit from the support and expertise on offer.” Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland added: “We are delighted that the Digital Schools of Distinction programme has been enthusiastically received in primary schools to date. Using digital technology to its full capability in the classroom can greatly enhance the learning experience. HP is proud to be able to support this programme, which I am glad to say  has already attracted interest from overseas with a number of other countries expressing an interest in rolling out the programme.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said: “Microsoft is passionate about ensuring that young people get the opportunity to become IT literate from as early as possible. By supporting and encouraging schools to embrace technology in the classroom it is enhancing the overall learning experience of our students as well as equipping them with skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. We are delighted with the positive response to the programme to date and would encourage all other schools to get involved.” Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital Schools of Distinction status by the Department of Education.  A dedicated resource is provided to help schools go through the registration and validation process, including an ICT helpline. The validation process has already highlighted some very innovative and collaborative approaches from schools and teachers regarding the integration of ICT in teaching and learning, which will be an inspiration to other schools. New digital schools will receive a Digital Schools Classroom Kit, to include a HP laptop with Microsoft software including Windows 8and educational apps and access to education ICT specialists.  A new set of “Best Practice” guidelines for schools has also been developed which will shortly be made available on the Digital Schools of Distinction website. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland. Scoil Mhuire na mBraithre CBS Primary – Republic of Ireland March 2014

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny presents prestigious national award to local school, for excellence in the use of technology in the classroom St Patrick’s De La Salle B.N.S Castlebar has become one of the first schools in Ireland to be named a ‘Digital School of Distinction’, joining a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award. An Taoiseach Enda Kenny presented the award to teachers and pupils at the school today. Supported by HP and Microsoft and launched in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. 847 primary schools around Ireland have registered for the programme, with 31 schools receiving their award to date. 28 other schools in Mayo have registered to sign up to the programme. The Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland are providing support to the programme for five years, including a financial commitment of €300,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources. Speaking at the event, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “I am very proud to see a school from Castlebar becoming one of the first schools in Ireland to receive this prestigious award. The staff and pupils of St Patrick’s deserve great credit for all the hard work that they have put into achieving their Digital School of Distinction award. This programme positively impacts upon pupils’ motivation to learn as well as recognising achievement by teachers and schools in advancing the integration of technology in the classroom. I am extremely impressed by all that I have seen at St Patrick’s and I commend the school on their great achievement.” The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools to date has been extremely positive. Joseph Carty, Principal of St Patrick’s De La Salle B.N.S. said that the programme offers a great opportunity for primary schools to build on their digital capabilities. “Becoming a Digital School of Distinction is a tremendous honour for our school and has already brought us significant benefits. Our focus is on the continued integration of ICT to enhance our curriculum and benefit the pupils, getting the most from technology and providing opportunities for our teaching staff to develop their ICT skills. The whole school is excited about the opportunities that becoming a Digital School offers us.” St. Patrick’s has been an early adapter of technology since it was introduced to the school many years ago. Integration of ICT in the curriculum is meticulously planned, incorporating the use of interactive whiteboards in each room and a computer room. The school uses many online resources such as Mathletes and Brainpop, while middle and senior classes undertake to create project blogs for display on the school website and for presentation to parents on Technology Night.  For more information on the school’s use of ICT, visit www.stpatsbns.eu. Ciaran Cannon, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills congratulated St Patrick’s De La Salle and called on all primary schools to register their interest in the programme: “The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is an important platform for primary schools which benefit pupils by helping them to gain the skills to live and work in the increasingly technology driven world. I encourage schools who have not yet signed up to Digital Schools of Distinction to do so, so that they can benefit from the support and expertise on offer.” Mayo native Gerard McHugh, Chair of the Digital Schools of Distinction Committee and Director of the Dublin West Education Centre said:  “We are delighted by the enthusiastic reception for the programme in primary schools to date. We have ambitious plans to grow the number of participating schools this year and beyond and are looking forward to registering many more schools in the months ahead.” Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland concluded:”Digital Schools of Distinction has proven to be a very successful programme to date. HP is delighted to support this initiative which enables schools to harness the full potential of technology for education purposes.” Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital Schools of Distinction status by the Department of Education. New digital schools receive a Digital Schools Classroom Kit, to include a HP laptop with Microsoft software including Windows 8 and educational apps and access to education ICT specialists.  A new set of “Best Practice” guidelines for schools has also been developed which will shortly be made available on the Digital Schools of Distinction website. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland. St Patricks Castlebar – Republic of Ireland March. 2014

Scoil Mhichil Naofa Galmoy, Thurles, Co Kilkenny has become one of the first schools in Ireland to be named a ‘Digital School of Distinction’. The school joins a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award. Launched by the Minster for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn T.D. in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. Primary schools around Ireland are being urged to sign up for the programme, to avail of the comprehensive package of support and advice available. Supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland, the Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland are providing support to the programme for five years, including a financial commitment of €300,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources. The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools to date has been extremely positive. Principal Brian Boyle of Scoil Mhichil Naofa Galmoy said that the programme offers a real opportunity for primary schools to build on their digital capabilities. ‘Registering to become a Digital School of Distinction was an obvious move for our school as we are very aware that technology is playing an ever more important role in education and we want to be at the forefront of the movement to integrate ICT successfully in the classroom. The registration and validation process to become a Digital School of Distinction has been seamless with good support throughout. We are excited about the opportunities this programme offers our school.’ The Minister for Education and Skill Ruairi Quinn T.D. congratulated the schools who have already signed up and called on all primary schools to register their interest in the programme: “The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is an important platform for primary schools which can help to advance the ICT agenda in the classroom while making a practical contribution to helping schools make the most of their digital capabilities. The effective use of ICT for teaching and learning in our schools is a key policy objective of my Department.  It is central to the achievement of the key reforms outlined in the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and I would encourage schools who have not yet signed up to do so, so that they can benefit from the support and expertise on offer.” Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland added: “We are delighted that the Digital Schools of Distinction programme has been enthusiastically received in primary schools to date. Using digital technology to its full capability in the classroom can greatly enhance the learning experience. HP is proud to be able to support this programme, which I am glad to say  has already attracted interest from overseas with a number of other countries expressing an interest in rolling out the programme.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said: “Microsoft is passionate about ensuring that young people get the opportunity to become IT literate from as early as possible. By supporting and encouraging schools to embrace technology in the classroom it is enhancing the overall learning experience of our students as well as equipping them with skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. We are delighted with the positive response to the programme to date and would encourage all other schools to get involved.” Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital Schools of Distinction status by the Department of Education.  A dedicated resource is provided to help schools go through the registration and validation process, including an ICT helpline. The validation process has already highlighted some very innovative and collaborative approaches from schools and teachers regarding the integration of ICT in teaching and learning, which will be an inspiration to other schools. New digital schools will receive a Digital Schools Classroom Kit, to include a HP laptop with Microsoft software including Windows 8and educational apps and access to education ICT specialists.  A new set of “Best Practice” guidelines for schools has also been developed which will shortly be made available on the Digital Schools of Distinction website. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland.

Dualla National School, Cashel has become one of the first schools in Ireland to be named a ‘Digital School of Distinction’. The school joins a growing group of primary schools nationwide to receive the prestigious award. Launched by the Minster for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn T.D. in September last year, ‘Digital Schools of Distinction’ is a flagship award programme which promotes, recognises and encourages best practice use of technology in primary schools. Primary schools around Ireland are being urged to sign up for the programme, to avail of the comprehensive package of support and advice available. Supported by HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland, the Digital Schools of Distinction Award aims to help schools to further integrate technology into the classroom. HP Ireland and Microsoft Ireland are providing support to the programme for five years, including a financial commitment of €300,000 in the first year as well as the provision of practical support and resources. The response to the Digital Schools of Distinction programme from primary schools to date has been extremely positive. John Manley, Principal of Dualla National School, Cashel, Co Tipperary said that the programme offers a real opportunity for primary schools to build on their digital capabilities. ‘Registering to become a Digital School of Distinction was an obvious move for our school as we are very aware that technology is playing an ever more important role in education and we want to be at the forefront of the movement to integrate ICT successfully in the classroom. The registration and validation process to become a Digital School of Distinction has been seamless with good support throughout. We are excited about the opportunities this programme offers our school.’ The Minister for Education and Skill Ruairi Quinn T.D. congratulated the schools who have already signed up and called on all primary schools to register their interest in the programme: “The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is an important platform for primary schools which can help to advance the ICT agenda in the classroom while making a practical contribution to helping schools make the most of their digital capabilities. The effective use of ICT for teaching and learning in our schools is a key policy objective of my Department.  It is central to the achievement of the key reforms outlined in the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and I would encourage schools who have not yet signed up to do so, so that they can benefit from the support and expertise on offer.” Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP Ireland added: “We are delighted that the Digital Schools of Distinction programme has been enthusiastically received in primary schools to date. Using digital technology to its full capability in the classroom can greatly enhance the learning experience. HP is proud to be able to support this programme, which I am glad to say  has already attracted interest from overseas with a number of other countries expressing an interest in rolling out the programme.” Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said: “Microsoft is passionate about ensuring that young people get the opportunity to become IT literate from as early as possible. By supporting and encouraging schools to embrace technology in the classroom it is enhancing the overall learning experience of our students as well as equipping them with skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. We are delighted with the positive response to the programme to date and would encourage all other schools to get involved.” Schools who register and who are successfully validated through the programme are awarded Digital Schools of Distinction status by the Department of Education.  A dedicated resource is provided to help schools go through the registration and validation process, including an ICT helpline. The validation process has already highlighted some very innovative and collaborative approaches from schools and teachers regarding the integration of ICT in teaching and learning, which will be an inspiration to other schools. New digital schools will receive a Digital Schools Classroom Kit, to include a HP laptop with Microsoft software including Windows 8and educational apps and access to education ICT specialists.  A new set of “Best Practice” guidelines for schools has also been developed which will shortly be made available on the Digital Schools of Distinction website. The Digital Schools of Distinction programme is supported by the Department of Education and Skills in partnership with Dublin West Education Centre, the Professional Development Service for Teachers/Technology in Education, the Computer Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). Digital Schools of Distinction is delivered through a public private partnership in association with HP and Microsoft in Ireland. For further information and to register online, visit www.digitalschools.ie or follow @digital_schools on Twitter for regular updates.