OECD Report Commissioned by Ireland Shows How Digital Tools Can Boost Learning – When Used Wisely
- Foilsithe: 30 Meán Fómhair 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 30 Meán Fómhair 2025
The Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee has welcomed the publication by the OECD and the Knowledge Centre for Education, based in the University of Stavanger in Norway, of its research on the Impact of Digital Technologies on Students’ Learning.
Digital technologies are transforming education systems, offering new opportunities but also posing challenges. However, their adoption in schools has been widely debated, with public discourse often polarised by concerns about screen time and the potential impact on students’ learning and well-being. In response, and to inform future policy in this area in an evidence-based manner, the Department of Education and Youth in 2024 commissioned an extensive literature review on this important area, as well as a Peer Learning Event.
The research examines how Ireland is using digital technologies in education, showing that the purposeful use of digital tools can boost learning but challenges remain, such as managing distractions and ensuring equal opportunity for all students.
Minister McEntee said:
"I welcome the publication of these working papers from the OECD yesterday. The findings and recommendations will prove invaluable in determining and informing future policy in this vital and every changing area. My goal is for all students to develop the digital competencies they need to achieve their full potential in an increasingly digital society. This research will support our efforts to help children and young people become confident, critical, and engaged learners.
“It also once again points to the integral role our teachers and school leaders play in this area with the teachers role not being diminished by technology but more critical than ever. To achieve this, my Department will continue to invest in schools and teachers, supporting the effective integration of digital technologies. This includes working with Oide Technology in Education and its comprehensive resources, and advancing the Digital Strategy for Schools alongside the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy.”
The review makes it clear: digital tools can transform learning, but only when used purposefully and supported by strong teaching and inclusive policies.
Notes to Editor
In 2024, the Department of Education and Youth commissioned the OECD to carry out a literature review and a peer learning event (PLE) on the Impact of Digital Technologies on Student Learning as part of the OECD’s Resourcing School Education for the Digital Age Project.
A Peer Learning Event took place in November 2024 and was attended by key policy makers from the Department and its support services, as well as national experts from Sweden, France and Estonia. The report of this is available here: The impact of digital technologies on students’ learning in Ireland (EN).
The literature review, which was carried out by the Knowledge Centre for Education based in the University of Stavanger in Norway and overseen by the OECD is a comprehensive piece of research work published under two companion Working Papers. They set out the impact of various digital technology tools on education and present key findings as well as strategies to support effective integration: The impact of digital technologies on students’ learning (EN) Key findings and integration strategies on the impact of digital technologies on students’ learning (EN).
Some Key Findings
- Moderate, purposeful use of digital tools can boost student learning.
- Digital literacy is key to effective digital integration.
- Teachers need support to use these tools effectively, including professional development opportunities.
- Some programmes and grants are already helping narrow the digital divide.
- Digital tools can boost engagement, support collaboration, personalise learning and develop digital skills.
- For example, programming might enhance problem-solving, media tools can improve literacy, and game-based learning can increase motivation.
- Digitalisation is most effective when aligned with clear educational aims, careful planning and teacher competence.