Digital Learning Framework (DLT) in Ireland
A new Digital Learning Framework for primary and post-primary schools, developed by the Department of Education and Skills, was rolled out to all schools in Ireland during the 2018 - 2019 school year. The Digital Learning Framework's implementation means that schools and teachers in Ireland now have a structure, which allows them to identify where they stand in terms of embedding digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment, and enables them to progress further in that journey.
Context
The Educational Research Centre (ERC) was then asked by the Department of Education and Skills to carry out an evaluation of the Digital Learning Framework (DLF). The evaluation uses a longitudinal design and runs from 2018-2022. The final report on the Digital Learning Framework trial evaluation was published on October 22, 2018. The report describes the progress, successes and challenges experienced by staff in the 48 primary and post-primary schools that took part.
Why is this a good practice?
- The perceived overall level of success of the trial was high: at primary level, 75% of respondents indicated that it had been highly successful and 25% indicated that it had been moderately successful. At post-primary level, 74% reported that it had been highly successful, 21% moderately successful, and 5% partly successful.
- Respondents rated 11 aspects of programme implementation in terms of whether they viewed them as essential, important or not important for the success of the programme. (These 11 aspects were developed from Phase 1 focus group data.)
- Across both primary and post-primary schools, a majority of respondents (58-84%) rated all items as essential. The results show that a range of conditions and support (PDST support; school planning and leadership from school management; opportunity for discussion, collaboration and professional development; and engagement of school staff) are required in order for the DLF programme to be implemented successfully.
