Irish students score well in digital literacy study

Irish students have scored eighth out of 19 countries participating in a new OECD study on digital literacy.

Their ability was measured in a test of reading computer-based material like emails.

The OECD report, 'Students on Line' is part of the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study

The above-average results of Irish students on these digital literacy tests contrasts with their poor performance in the 2009 round of the traditional pencil-and-paper literacy tests, which showed a marked decline in reading scores in Ireland.

Just four countries - Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan - had significantly higher scores than Ireland.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has welcomed the improvement, but said there is no room for complacency.

“The results of this digital literacy test and the PISA 2009 tests published last year seem to confirm that a decline has occurred in reading standards in Ireland over the last decade,” said Minister Quinn.

“I will be bringing proposals to Government very shortly to ensure that the literacy and numeracy of our students in the future compare with the very best in the world. The proposals include specific improvements to teacher education and curriculum content that will build upon progress to date in the area of digital literacy.”