Secondary teachers are demanding laptop computers from the Department of Education after a survey indicated that most still do not use the Internet in the classroom.
An ASTI survey of some 500 teachers found that while more than 80 per cent believe the Internet is an important professional tool for teachers, the main barrier to use is lack of access.
Approximately 57 per cent of teachers use the Internet as part of their class preparation. However, when it comes to using the facility as a teaching resource during class time only 5 per cent do so regularly, while 27 per cent do so occasionally.
According to the ASTI general secretary, Mr Charlie Lennon, it is "clear that while teachers have positive attitudes towards information technology and the Internet, the resources are not there to allow them to use IT as a teaching tool".
This should be addressed immediately by establishing a grant system for teachers to purchase laptop computers which they could use for class preparation and as a classroom resource.
As part of the Labour Court offer in their pay dispute, ASTI members were offered £350 towards the cost of computer equipment, but the offer was rejected by teachers earlier this year.
ASTI hopes that the Department will now make a fresh offer. Mr Lennon said the Department's IT training programme for teachers made little sense unless teachers had access to computer equipment. "In order for information technology to have a positive and effective impact on teaching and learning, teachers must receive adequate resources and support," he said.
The publication of the survey coincides with the opening of a new ASTI website. It can be accessed at www.asti.ie
e-mail: sflynn@irish-times.ie