Parents, teachers, students, industry and academics are being asked for their views on how best to make use of computers and technology in the classroom. The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., launched the public consultation phase of the development of a new Digital Strategy for Schools yesterday.The public consultations phase will feed into the development of a new strategy on the use of ICT in teaching and learning in primary and post primary schools.

This follows on from a comprehensive online survey of principals and teachers which took place earlier in the year. The findings from the survey, the public consultation process and focus groups to be held next year will together inform the new strategy.

The new Digital Strategy for Schools will be completed during 2014, and will set out how resources, policies and projects can be prioritized and organized throughout the school   system for the next five years.

The closing dates for submissions is 31st January 2014. Submissions can be made via www.education.gov.ie.