Call for Kildare pupils to swap bulging schoolbags for tablets

Kildare pupils could get rid of schoolbags and books for good if they embrace digital gadgets such as tablets. Alan Mongey, who is principal of Colaiste Bhaile Chlair in Co Galway, uses no textbooks in his school and instead teaches students with digital learning resources. Mr Mongey will be speaking on Thursday at the annual conference in Galway city of Education and Training Boards Ireland which is headquartered in Naas. Mr Mongey said: "[Digital technology] works if done correctly. "This was highlighted in the recently published OECD report where examples of good practice showed improvement in student outcomes or no negative impact but when implemented incorrectly can have a negative impact."