PDST Technology in Education promotes and supports the integration of ICT in teaching and learning in first and second level schools. It is part of the national support service, the Professional Development Service for Teachers, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills. The functions of the PDST Technology in Education were previously the responsibility of the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE). The NCTE was integrated into the PDST in June 2012. The PDST is managed by the Dublin West Education Centre (DWEC).
The main functions of PDST Technology in Education fall into the following areas:
- Providing advice and developing policy proposals for the Department of Education on issues related to the development and use of digital technologies in the Irish education system
- Providing relevant and up to date Digital Technology advice and support to schools on a range of technology-related areas to assist in achieving a high-quality digital technology infrastructure to support learning and teaching
- Coordinating the Schools Broadband Programme for all primary and post-primary schools, and managing the Broadband Service Desk as a single point of contact for schools to support the delivery of online content and learning resources
- Designing and implementing a comprehensive programme of continuing professional development in the use of digital technologies for teachers and school leaders
- Developing and maintaining the educational website portal Scoilnet, providing access to over 23000 teacher-reviewed resources
- Promoting the autonomous, effective, and safer use of the internet by young people through a sustained information and awareness strategy from Webwise targeting parents, teachers, and children
- Developing digital content resources and providing access to digital content tools that are relevant to the Irish curriculum
- Providing information and advice to other educational agencies on the use of digital technologies for educational purposes
- Undertaking research on best practice in the use of digital technologies in education
The offices are based in Dublin City University campus in Glasnevin.