The government has announced plans to provide 4,000 schools with free online encyclopedias.

In an announcement earlier this week, the Department of Education said schoolchildren will have access to Encyclopedia Britannica and World Book series as part of a new e-Learning initiative.

"Making these encyclopedias available online to schools free of charge demonstrates our commitment to providing digital reference content to teachers and students in a way that encourages learning through technology," said education minister Batt O'Keeffe.

He added that the broadband network across Irish schools enables teachers and pupils to be provided with targeted digital resources.

In related news, the government announced last year that it plans to invest €150m in new computers for schools.

The Irish Times reported that every classroom will benefit from new laptops and software over the next three years in a bid to close the technology gap between Ireland and other developed countries.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments