Sir, – The recent article questioning school laptop requirements raises valid concerns around cost, screen time and the influence of educational technology companies (“Why Ireland needs to stop forcing parents to buy their children laptops for school,” Life, May 12th).
However, describing schools as “forcing” parents to buy laptops oversimplifies a more complicated reality. Schools increasingly rely on digital platforms because universities, workplaces and public services operate in the same way.
Digital competence, online collaboration and familiarity with AI tools are increasingly essential skills. A €750 laptop requirement is understandably a major burden for many families, and concerns about screen time and overuse of technology are reasonable.
However, most schools are adopting laptops in response to the increasing digitisation of learning, communication and assessment. Structured classroom laptop use is very different from unrestricted smartphone and social media use, yet these distinctions are often lost in wider debates about technology in schools.
RM Block
That can overlook the educational value technology can provide, particularly for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties who benefit from these tools.
The debate should therefore focus less on whether schools use technology and more on how they can do so responsibly and with fair access for all students. – Yours, etc,
Caomhán McKernan,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
