Digital Schools Award

WAs part of the Gaelscoil’s ICT (Digital Information, Communication, Technology) programmes, we offer pupils supervised access to the Digital communications and broadband Internet access. Before being allowed to use the Digital communications, and have their work displayed on the internet or on the world wide web (even via web-cam, video-conferencing, shows etc.), all pupils must obtain parental permission and both they and you must sign and return the enclosed form as evidence of your approval and their acceptance of the Gaelscoil ethos on this matter.

The Internet is a global computer network that offers a wealth of resources. Pupils can use the Internet to locate material to meet their educational needs, to ask questions and consult with experts and communicate with others. As information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not always possible to predict or control what pupils may locate or use. They might encounter information that is inaccurate, controversial, and potentially harmful. The fact that we are monitored and our site accessibility filtered by the NCTE and its partners reduces the chance of accessing such ‘negative’ material but no filtering system is perfect.

Broadband Access and Digital Communications will be used to further our Gaelscoil’s educational goals and objectives, but pupils may find ways, accidentally or intentionally, to access undesirable materials as well. We believe that the benefits to pupils from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using all media and information sources. To that end, Gaelscoil Ó Doghair supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.