More than 5,000 students are getting access to a digital learning programme in a bid to bring Ireland’s classrooms into the digital age.

Digital learning specialist Wriggle said an additional 25 schools had signed up for its "digital schoolbag" programme, which replaces traditional textbooks with mobile devices and digital books. That doubles the number currently using the programme.

Under the digital learning scheme, Wriggle provides the technology, devices, access to digital textbooks and interactive content and support for teachers and schools. The initiative is trying to transform the learning environment into a more engaging one for students and teachers.

"The response to Wriggle has been incredibly positive over the past year," Wriggle's director of education Beryl Furlong said. "Twenty-five schools started with us last September. All of these will continue the 1:1 mobile learning programme with their incoming first years, having experienced firsthand what a difference it has made to the learning environment."

Founded in 2012, Wriggle is the mobile learning division of Irish professional IT managed services company Typetec.