11 Feb Social Mobility Through ICT in the Classroom

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

– Nelson Mandela

The Advent of ICT in Schools Across Ireland

The arrival of ICT in Irish schools has made it easier for kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to transcend their circumstances and climb up the socio-economic ladder. The old saying goes, you can take the man out of the ghetto, but you can’t take the ghetto out of the man. We would dispute this. You can take the ghetto out of the man if you get to him or her early enough i.e. in the classroom. With the advent of ICT in schools across Ireland, this has become truer than ever.

I.T. is Becoming Ubiquitous in the Workplace

Because Information Technology is becoming ubiquitous in the workplace, and especially the middle-class workplace, getting kids started with the technology at a young age will prepare them for a possible future in this kind of environment. This is as true of disadvantaged kids as it is of advantaged ones and technology like interactive flatscreens are leveling the playing field.

ICT is Facilitating More Learner-Centric Education

As education becomes more learner-centric and ICT facilitates this, the pupil will take their future in their own hands and, for disadvantaged kids, this means moving away from their origins. Becoming adept with computers at such a young age will also boost confidence and self-esteem.

ICT Is An Essential Factor in Education for All Pupils

Interactive learning, made possible with technology such as the Interactive Flat Screen, will also help the pupil to hone their analytic and problem-solving skills, to think critically and independently, and this is good preparation for further education after they leave school. Further and higher education are the keys to social mobility and, these days, kids from disadvantaged backgrounds have more access than ever before, especially to third level institutions. Throughout their entire second level education, ICT is an essential factor for any pupil but for those with a lower socio-economic status, it is liberating. It is their ticket to third level education and entering the growing middle-classes.

ICT and the Move Away from Pedagogical Practices

There is so much you can do with ICT these days. It seems like the sky is the limit. This freedom and power will stay with the pupil when they go to college or enter the workplace. What it all comes down to is taking control of your future and your destiny. In the past, social mobility was not easy. These days, however, education is more liberating than constraining and this is largely through the advent of ICT and the move away from pedagogical practices to more learner-centred ones.

Leading the ICT Rollout in Irish Schools

Having been in the business for over 50 years we’ve spoken about our vision and values before but the truth in this post is one of the things that spurs us on. The fact the ICT is providing opportunities to school children across Ireland that they previously weren’t afforded is a positive thing and we are proud to be leading the ICT rollout in Irish schools. If you’d like to find out how your school can benefit from ICT give us a call now on +353 1 4660515 or contact us online for more info.

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