Tag: Digital

Digital Accessibility Index finds that 72% of leading Irish companies do not have accessible websites

Public sector bodies and private sector companies have been urged to prioritise digital accessibility, after a new report showed that 72% of leading Irish companies do not have accessible websites. The first Digital Accessibility Index for Ireland, published by IA Labs today, found that not one sector achieved a greater than 50% accessibility pass rate.

The Digital Accessibility Index analyses websites against a range of requirements set out by an EU Directive on digital accessibility which was introduced for public sector bodies in 2020. This includes ensuring that websites are navigable for people who use screen readers, fully usable for people who only use keyboards due to having reduced motor skills and adjustable colour contrast for people with low vision. Research on accessibility was carried out by IA Labs in 2021 and 2022, with comparisons drawn between the two years.

According to data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), there are approximately 600,000 people in Ireland with a disability. Inaccessible websites and digital platforms can deny people with disabilities access to online services and products.

In the retail sector, the research found that Ireland’s top five grocery retailers were classified as inaccessible as were all ten of the country’s leading online housing and rental platforms.

Separately, only one out of the country’s 20 private hospitals analysed passed the digital accessibility audit. In terms of education, not one website passed out a sample of 28 websites of Irish universities, private and public sector schools.

IA Labs, a spin-out company from NCBI, Ireland’s national sight loss agency, was established in 2021 offering consultancy and auditing services to public and private sector companies on digital accessibility. Based in Dublin, IA Labs is a market leader in the provision of digital accessibility services.

Currently, EU Regulations on digital accessibility only cover public sector bodies. Private companies are not required by law to be digitally accessible, however, this may be extended in future to cover private companies.

In the public sector, the research found 89% of Government Departments have accessible websites, with the websites of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Foreign Affairs currently deemed not accessible.

Looking specifically at Irish political parties, only the websites of Fianna Fáil, Labour and People Before Profit are considered to be digitally accessible for all users.

Commenting at the launch of the Digital Accessibility Index, Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, said, “I welcome the publication of the first Digital Accessibility Index, developed by IA Labs. This is a really important piece of work and provides a benchmark for evaluating digital accessibility and inclusion for all citizens in this country. The findings clearly highlight where compliance with the EU Directive is falling short and, importantly, demonstrates how both public and private companies need to be proactive in ensuring their websites are usable by everyone.”

Kyran O’Mahoney, Founder of IA Labs said, “The findings of the Digital Accessibility Index highlight the need for companies and public bodies to seriously consider their digital offering. No company sets out to create an inaccessible website, but our research tells us that there needs to be a greater focus on prioritising accessibility. The fact that not one of Ireland’s top five grocery retailers has an accessible website is an example of how barriers to access can be created, negatively impacting people with disabilities.”

Chris White, CEO of NCBI said, “Society is a better place when people of all abilities are able to participate in and access it. We believe digital accessibility is necessary for creating that world and that Ireland as a hub for global IT companies should be at the forefront of digital accessibility. IA Labs was established to help and support companies and public bodies achieve this goal through its unique and comprehensive offering.”

A copy of IA Labs’ Digital Accessibility Index is available to view at: https://ialabs.ie/dai/

Esri’s digital mapping platform revolutionises litter collection for North Coast World Earth

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), is today announcing that its digital mapping platform, ArcGIS, is revolutionising litter collection for environmental action group, North Coast World Earth. Using Esri’s software, the group has collected and recorded 3 tonnes of litter on the Northern Irish coast, enabling it to address the wider impact of environmental pollution in the area and campaign successfully for change.

Through Esri’s ArcGIS Survey 123 mobile app, the rapidly growing volunteer group can record information about litter hot spots, volumes of litter that could potentially be recycled, locations where bins are full or unusable, instances of fly tipping and the impact of litter pollution in Protected Areas.

This digital solution from Esri also drives engagement with communities, as local groups have access to personalised online dashboards where they can track their progress, see their contribution, and celebrate their achievements. The dashboards are particularly valuable in schools and support education by giving pupils involved a better understanding of their own contribution to reducing pollution. North Coast World Earth volunteers use the information collected to campaign more effectively with councils, elected councillors and members of the legislative assembly (MLAs), to lobby for action to help prevent littering.

The group’s interactive website, powered by ArcGIS, provides clear and verifiable evidence of pollution for North Coast World Earth, its volunteers, and members of the public. The volume and locations of litter collected are visible in near real-time on the website’s interactive digital map. This hub highlights areas that are not yet patrolled, encouraging more families, businesses, community and school groups to get involved in their localities.

This digital approach to gathering data across an area of 2,000 km2 in the Causeway Coast and Glens areas has decreased the manual administrative burden on the group’s committee and improved data accuracy. Data no longer needs to be collated manually from emails, spreadsheets and social media, which significantly reduces administrative overheads and allows for a more sustainable means of data collection as the action group grows.

Gavin Wallace, Chairperson, North Coast World Earth: “ArcGIS is a tool that we can use to influence the change that we all desperately want to see. We are not simply a litter picking group, we want to combine short-term fixes with long-term solutions. It is important that we identify and quantify the extent of the issue with verified data. 

“The beauty of our ArcGIS Maps and Dashboards is that it provides evidence of the types, volumes and locations of the litter collected by our members.  There are no limits to the amount of data that members can put into ArcGIS; it’s just phenomenal. In the months and years ahead, the ArcGIS platform will provide key data that will help raise further awareness about the issues that face our environment.”

Jamie Wallace, Customer Success Manager, Esri Ireland: “We are delighted to partner with North Coast World Earth and deploy ArcGIS to enable the group to take action and reduce pollution in the environment. The ArcGIS Survey123 mobile app, Dashboards and interactive online Hub have not only improved the quality and quantity of data collection but also given the group a new way to connect with their communities and raise awareness around the scale of the problem.

“North Coast World Earth is doing invaluable work in the Causeway Coast and Glens area of Northern Ireland. Esri Ireland is proud to support this work and provide a sustainable platform which will enable the group to continue to grow and tackle the important issue of litter pollution.”

Learn more about North Coast World Earth by visiting their website:

www.northcoastworldearth.org

Remitly to create 120 new jobs with expansion of strategic operations in Cork

Remitly Global, Inc.  (“Remitly”), a leading digital financial services provider for immigrants and their families, has announced it will increase operations in Cork, creating approximately 120 jobs over the next six months.

Established in Seattle in 2011, Remitly employs over 1,800 full-time equivalent employees either working out of our headquarters in Seattle, Washington, at one of our seven other office locations around the world, or remotely. The mobile-first provider of remittances and financial services for immigrants has served over five million customers globally across more than 75 currencies.

In June 2020 Remitly established its Fraud and Compliance Centre of Excellence in Cork and in that time has grown to more than 100 employees. In this next phase of growth, Remitly will be hiring roles that include Customer Protection Associates, Customer Success Team Managers, Program Specialists and Compliance Analysts.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar said: “Congratulations to the Remitly team on this expansion, which will see the creation of 120 new jobs at the company’s office in Penrose Dock. Great news for Cork and I’m sure the company will have no problem filling the new roles with the wealth of talent in the area. The very best of luck.”

“As Remitly continues to grow, we’re incredibly excited to nearly double the size of our talented team in Cork this year,” said Rene Yoakum, Chief Customer and People Officer at Remitly. “We are working to transform the way immigrants send money globally and doing it in a way that is truly customer centric. We look forward to welcoming 120 new Remitlians to the team who share our passion for serving customers, solving fascinating problems and having fun with talented colleagues.”  

Remitly has recently taken nearly 20,000 sq ft at Penrose Dock, a new Grade-A office complex at the heart of Cork’s new docklands.

Fiona Nagle, Director, Global Risk Operations said: “We’ve already hired 110 employees in Cork and are currently recruiting for 120 additional roles, growing the Cork team to 230 team members this year. The opportunity to build the Cork team with local, and customer-focused talent is exciting.”

Dermot Kennedy, Director, Ireland Operations said: “IDA Ireland has supported our team in a business-friendly environment and has a strong record of collaboration found here.  Industry alignment is also key and we have been able to partner with University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology, which is exciting for us as we look to our future in Cork.”

CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan said: “Today’s announcement by Remitly is very good news from a company that has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Remitly’s presence in Cork strengthens the South West region’s FinTech cluster. Its plans for its Fraud and Compliance Centre of Excellence is a strong vote of confidence in the highly skilled and talented workforce available in the region. I wish Remitly the very best with this expansion.”

Remitly is currently hiring across a series of functions including, Customer Protection Associates, Compliance Squad Investigators, Compliance Analysts, Program Specialist and Customer Success Team Managers. To explore opportunities at Remitly Cork visit https://www.remitly.com/ie/en/careers

New report from Google and Amárach finds that a national investment in digital skills could contribute an extra €9.5 billion to Ireland’s GDP over the next 3 years

A report launched today by Google confirms a substantial economic opportunity for Ireland exists if a meaningful investment in digital skills is made. The comprehensive study developed in partnership with Amárach provides detailed insights into the digital capability needs, ambitions, and plans of 1,000 SME leaders throughout Ireland. The research proposes that a significant investment into digital skills could contribute an extra €9.5 billion to Ireland’s GDP by 2025.

To help Irish businesses succeed online, it is important to first understand how they’re doing today and what their goals are. That is why Google commissioned Amárach to engage SME leaders on their lived experiences and expectations of their digital journey. Titled Bridging the Gap – A Report on Digital Capabilities in Irish SMEs, the study, one of the largest surveys of Irish SMEs in recent years, identified four key gaps in digital capabilities:

  1. Performance – how far businesses are from realising their full potential

  2. Competence – how businesses are struggling to use digital skills

  3. Investment – the role of funding, time, and talent in expanding competence

  4. Advisory – the absence of qualified advisors and suppliers to meet digital needs

The current situation

Most Irish SMEs are in the process of adopting, developing, and evolving their use of digital technologies. But some are further ahead in the process than others.  When asked to rate their own progress, the majority (62%) of Irish SMEs are ‘less than halfway’ on their digital journey. Recruiting people with the necessary digital skillset is also a challenge for Irish SMEs with 41% of respondents agreeing that they do not have a person within the organisation who is tasked with developing digital skills. Only 26% of SMEs say their employees have all the skills needed in terms of basic digital capabilities.

Faced with multiple demands on their time and energy, the report indicates that business leaders believe that the digital skills gap can be closed, but the challenge is prioritising it over other short and medium-term tasks.

Digital tools

The report finds that only 11% of Ireland’s SMEs feel their employees have the skills needed to successfully adopt and use new technology, a statistic borne out in the data where only 53% of SMEs have (or use) social media and video platforms and just 18% make use of customer insights tools. When measuring the number of SMEs that have their own business website, Ireland at 55% ranks comparably lower than the EU average of 77%[1].

The research shows that Irish SMEs are ambitious when it comes to investing in digital capabilities but 50% say they lack basic knowledge about which skills to prioritise. The report indicates that policy makers, advisors, and suppliers to the SME sector need to help address the priority gaps that will deliver quick wins, spurring decision makers to go further.

 Commenting, Alice Mansergh, Director for Small Business at Google said:

“The timing of this report could not be more important, the decisions that business leaders and policy stakeholders make about digital capabilities in the coming months and years will have profound implications for the long-term productivity and profitability of the SME sector, and for sustainable economic growth over the rest of the decade.  For its part, Google will use these findings to help shape the courses we provide via the Grow with Google initiative helping to train people in key digital skills that will empower them to embrace new business and commercial opportunities.”

The opportunity

Irish SMEs are very confident (56%) that meeting their digital skills objectives could make a big difference to business performance, and not just on one or two metrics. SME leaders believe that improving digital capabilities would allow them to increase wages and salaries (28%) and over half of those surveyed (57%) say that meeting their objectives [in digital capabilities] would help them to grow faster and become more profitable.

Bridging the gap infographic

Fiscally, the study proposes that an increased investment in digital skills could grow Ireland’s GDP significantly, calculating an increase of €9.5 billion (to €544.2 billion) by 2025.

Spotlight on Gender

The report identifies several gender differences highlighted in the areas of digital content and social media. Female decision makers in SMEs are more likely to use social media platforms (55% vs 51% of men). Women are more likely than men to see the creation of digital content as a top priority for digital skills development (35% vs 28% of men), as well as using digital tools and channels for marketing (21% vs 17%).

Even though more female leaders than male are likely to adopt and leverage digital tools, female leaders and decision makers in Irish SMEs are less likely to say their organisation is over halfway in its digital journey (58%) than men (65%).

In order for Ireland to achieve its digital ambitions, it is vitally important that female entrepreneurs and SME business leaders are enabled to play their part.

Regional breakdown

Comparing SMEs across the regions we find several differences. 45% of firms in Dublin are likely to think they are more than halfway along their ‘digital journey’ significantly higher than regional firms based in the midlands (32%).  When it comes to the adoption of digital tools, Dublin again maintains a distinct advantage with 62% of firms using a business website compared to only 47% in the border region. Firms in Dublin demonstrate a stronger appetite to upskill with nearly 70% of business leaders in the capital likely to undertake a course in the next 12 months vs 59% of Border firms.

 

These and other differences in the research point to the need for a strong regional focus in Ireland’s digital skills agenda to ensure an equitable and impactful benefit for all our communities.

A post-Covid world for SMEs

The Covid-19 crisis has amplified the power of digital in building business resilience. During the first few weeks of lockdown, Google saw a 300%[2] increase in the number of people taking digital training courses. Research has shown that 80% of European SMEs increased their use of digital tools during the pandemic and those SMEs that embraced digital tools had 60% better revenue results and hired 3 times more employees[3] during the pandemic. The report launched today finds that 64% of SMEs in Ireland say their experience of the Covid-19 pandemic has incentivised them to invest more in digital skills with 76% saying digital tools are more helpful to their business now than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report has shown how Irish SMEs are ready to invest in the digital capabilities that will propel their success in the post-Covid era.

 Gerard O’Neill, Chair of Amárach Research added,

“This research is unique in that it provides information and insight directly from SME leaders themselves. The study is comprehensive, representing a cross-section of Irish SMEs and is nationally representative of regions, genders, industries and business models. While we see some subtle differences in the findings, two things are constant to almost all SMEs; first that they believe investing in digital capabilities will enhance their business and second that they are ready to do that now – but they need the right supports. This research allows decision makers, policy makers and industry personnel to have meaningful and informed dialogue that can affect real and positive change to Ireland’s digital landscape.”

  Enterprise Ireland CEO Leo Clancy said,

“Small and medium enterprises remain the backbone of the Irish economy; accounting for  99% of active enterprises and 70% of employment. Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices are committed to supporting these businesses with their digitalisation journeys, investing in the capabilities that will help lead them to international success.

For successful businesses, digitalisation isn’t an option, it is a crucial advantage that allows them to compete and win. The report launched today provides invaluable insight and guidance that will inform debate and enhance decision making as we further invest in digital capabilities across Ireland.”

The full report is available to download [here]

Leitrim and Westmeath primary schools reach national finals of ‘Ireland’s Future is Mine’ digital skills competition

Two primary schools are celebrating today having made it to the All-Ireland final of Ireland’s first national digital skills competition, Ireland’s Future is MINE. The competition is being delivered through a collaboration between Microsoft Ireland and RTÉjr. St Hugh’s National School from Leitrim and Moyvore Primary School from Westmeath successfully progressed through the various stages of the competition, which challenges students to think creatively, collaborate and problem-solve as they re-imagine their communities and shape Ireland’s sustainable future through the world of Minecraft.

First announced in September, the Ireland’s Future is MINE digital skills competition challenges primary school students in both Ireland and Northern Ireland to use Minecraft: Education Edition to build critical 21st century skills by exploring fun challenges such as building their own NASA rover and coding their very own polar ice hut. These challenges are aligned to curricula covering subjects from English and Maths to Science, Geography and SPHE.

Delivered by Microsoft Ireland’s Dream Space teachers on Dream Space TV in collaboration with RTEjr, the lessons are designed both to support teachers to deliver digital learning experiences in the classroom and inspire students to think creatively and encourage them to explore the possibilities within STEM now and into the future.

Having successfully progressed through the semifinals, St Hugh’s National School and Moyvore Primary School will now compete in the All-Ireland final, which will be televised in June in a never-before-seen e-sports-style exclusive programme.

Commenting on the competition, James O’Connor, Vice President of Microsoft International Operations, said: “At Microsoft, we’re passionate about ensuring students are given the opportunity to develop the essential skills that are required to fully participate in our increasingly digital economy and society. The ‘Ireland’s Future is Mine’ digital skills competition is designed to do just that while encouraging students to have fun, think creatively and re-imagine a more sustainable future for the communities they live in.

 “We are so proud to see this vision realised in the form of the many innovative submissions we have received from schools around the country. I want to congratulate the Microsoft Education team and RTEjr for their passionate work in bringing this competition to life and St Hugh’s National School and Moyvore Primary School for their dedication and commitment to creating such compelling entries.”

 Suzanne Kelly, RTÉ Group Head of Children’s & Young People’s Content, said: “Congratulations to St Hugh’s National School and Moyvore Primary School for advancing to the All-Ireland final! We have been blown away by the incredible creations that have been built in primary school classrooms across the island of Ireland since September. We should take a moment to say well done and thank you to all the teachers and pupils who signed up and submitted their work. The ‘Ireland’s Future is MINE’ competition has challenged primary schools across the country and provided students a fun and innovative platform by which to amaze us. We are very proud to have been there to assist them in shaping Ireland’s sustainable future with Microsoft’s Dream Space team and we can’t wait to see what innovations we’ll see next in the final!”

 Microsoft Dream Space TV episodes and a full range of accompanying teacher guides containing direct links to specific curriculum areas, worksheets and extension tasks are available at https://Rte.ie/Minecraft.

St Hugh’s National School’s winning submission can be viewed at https://youtu.be/fiBt3NX_Qms.

Moyvore Primary School’s winning submission can be viewed at https://youtu.be/T8wbL1OCMSk .

Tribe Digital takes centre stage at 25th annual Spiders Awards

The cream of the crop of Ireland’s digital industry gathered at The Round Room in Dublin’s Mansion House this evening for the 25th annual Spiders Awards, hosted by Tracey Carney. Dubbed ‘The Oscars’ of Ireland’s digital industry, the Spiders is the longest running digital awards programme in Ireland. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of individuals and businesses that not only adapted, but excelled amidst a global pandemic. In all, 22 awards were presented on the night, with Dublin’s Tribe Digital named Large Agency of the Year, Belfast’s Part Three Digital taking the top prize in the Small Agency category, and Cork’s power couple, Dan and Linda Kiely, named Ireland’s Digital Heroes.

For the first time since 2019, the Spiders returned as an in-person ceremony this year, with the event sponsored by Dmac Media, Centre of Excellence in Universal Design, Skoda, Skillnet Ireland, DMG Media and Acast. The evening, which was hosted by Spiders Managing Director, Tracey Carney, also included a fundraising element, with the organisers partnering with UNICEF to support the work they are doing in Ukraine.

Over the past couple of years, the Spiders – like many other events, globally – had to adapt to a changing society. Tonight’s prestigious awards ceremony acknowledged the new world we are living in and the success made through the pandemic by brilliant remote teams and campaigns. The judging panel evaluated nominations across 20 categories on the theme of ‘Driving Digital, Emerging Stronger’ and they had no easy task on their hands, due to the volume and talent of this year’s nominees.

In addition to the regular line-up, two extra accolades were added this year, in the form of Best Remote Team and the Customer Continuity Award. These awards were introduced to celebrate companies or individuals who achieved great results and emerged stronger during the global pandemic. The National Council for the Blind was named the Best Remote Team, while Flipdish took home the Best Customer Continuity title.

Scooping the top prize at the ceremony, Tribe Digital was named Large Agency of the Year and was applauded for its digital strategy across a number of campaigns carried out within the last 12 months, with a major emphasis on creativity, development, delivery and client experience.

Belfast-based Part Three Digital Ltd won the Small Agency of the Year title. Spearheaded by Hannah Nelson and Jess Orr Downey, the company proved that digital businesses can not only survive, but thrive in challenging times, with the digital marketing agency experiencing exponential growth over the last couple of years.

The Digital Hero Award went to Cork’s husband and wife duo, Dan and Linda Kiely. The pair were recognised as leaders in their field, having created a path for others to follow. They were lauded for their innovation, imagination and determination to succeed – traits that have set them apart from the pack.

The way in which companies and individuals have had to digitally adapt business and work models during the COVID-19 pandemic was a focal point at the awards ceremony. The event recognised and celebrated the creativity and achievements of businesses nationally, particularly applauding those who prevailed triumphantly in spite of Covid-19.

The full list of award winners are as follows:

  • Best Remote Team – National Council for the Blind Drumcondra, Dublin

  • Best Customer Continuity –  Flipdish Sandyford, Dublin

  • Best App – Revolut London

  • Best Use of Disruptive  Technology – An Post Insurance Athlone, Westmeath

  • Best B2B Campaign – Squaredot Dublin

  • Emerging Stronger – Digital for  Good Award / Not-for-Profit – GCN (Gay Community News) Dublin

  • Best in Social Media – Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Pluto Dublin

  • Small Agency of the Year – Part Three Digital Ltd Belfast, Antrim

  • Best Community Engagement by a Brand – Westport Chamber of Commerce Bold Craft Marketing Westport, Mayo

  • Best B2C Campaign – Londis Dublin

  • Best in Storytelling, delivered by remote team – SuperValu TBWA\Dublin Dublin

  • Diversity in Digital – Diageo – Guinness Omnicom Media Group Dublin

  • Best Podcast – The Good Glow Dublin

  • Digital Hero – Dan and Linda Kiely Cork

  • Large Agency of the Year – Tribe Digital Dublin

  • Best Integrated Media Campaign/ Strategy – Woodie’s Wolfgang Digital Dublin

  • Best in Universal Design – Monaghan Institute CDG Brand Monaghan/Dublin

  • Best Website –  Fáilte Ireland – Discover Ireland All human Dublin

  • Best eCommerce website –  Likha Aesthetic Clinic WONDR – A Digital Product Practice Dublin

  • Digital Transformation In Industry and Infrastructure – Sugar Rush Belfast, Antrim

  • Digital Transformation  Enterprise –  KBC Bank Ireland National

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Tracey Carney, Managing Director, Spiders Awards said:

“It is wonderful to be standing here before you all this evening, and returning to live events, after two years. It is even more special to be here in the Mansion House as we celebrate the Spiders’ 25th anniversary. Tonight we recognise excellence and the outstanding creativity of Ireland’s digital ecosystem. We applaud all of you who are the driving force behind it, and who have ensured we are emerging stronger than ever, from what has been the biggest digital transformation any of us have ever seen. The digital industry in Ireland has not only survived but thrived over the last two years. Tonight, we celebrate the best of the best in Ireland’s digital industry.”  

MONEY JAR – The First Irish-Owned Digital Current Account Platform, Open an account in 5 mins.

Money Jar is a dynamic and revolutionary new approach to banking that allows customers to open an account when it suits and in just 5 minutes. Opening a traditional bank account in Ireland can be cumbersome, requiring a lengthy approval process and often a long wait time to get an appointment for a meeting in the branch. Money Jar is a digital current account with convenient sign up and, unlike other major fintech platforms, Money Jar customers get an Irish IBAN, can pay bills, and receive wages. Money Jar offers unlimited money jars that can be shared with friends, to help customers stay on top of personal spending and improve long term financial wellbeing through better money management.

Money Jar is an Irish-owned fintech business headquartered in Dublin. All funds are held by a Tier 1 state owned Irish bank, which is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Money Jar can set up digital current accounts quickly using its industry leading facial recognition technology. Money Jar has the best of what traditional banks have to offer, but with the convenience that all things digital can deliver, plus customers can talk to Money Jar’s Irish based customer care team if they need a helping hand.

Money Jar’s technology platform allows quick and safe identity verification to make the entire process straightforward and painless. Partnering with Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Veriff and EML, Money Jar offers a safe and secure platform. When customers open an account with Money Jar, they are given a free virtual Prepaid Mastercard with contactless payments, at no additional cost. For those that prefer a physical card, they can order a Prepaid Mastercard from the app for €5, which will be delivered to their door. Money Jar fees are transparent and competitive. There is a monthly service fee of €2.99, free for the first four months, and pay as you go transaction fees. Money Jar promotes responsible, money management.

John Harkin, the Executive Chairman of Money Jar, said: ‘Consumers in Ireland have always been early adopters of technology, and this is no different in the banking sector. We know that *78% of Irish consumers manage their  money or make payments using mobile devices, and a quarter have a digital bank account. Digital banking in Ireland is growing at an exponential rate. At Money Jar, we have seen this trend first hand with our customer growth rate at 70% month on month. Money Jar is a dynamic new approach for customers to manage their money.’

Money Jar enables consumers on the Money Jar platform to transfer money peer to peer instantly at no cost, as well as enabling users to pay bills, set up standing orders, and direct debits, and transfer money in and out using SEPA, as well as using it for contactless payments. Accounts can only be accessed by using pass codes, biometrics, and a two-step verification, making a Money Jar digital current account a safe choice – no sensitive data is stored in the app or cached on the mobile device. Today, many people use two separate accounts, a primary account for bills and wages, and a secondary account for mobile transactions. Money Jar provides a one stop solution for all of these tasks that is fast, efficient and reliable.

Terms and conditions

15 Irish Schools First in Europe to Achieve Digital Education Award

A group of 15 schools from across Ireland have been recognised for their use of digital technology at the European Digital Schools Awards, an ambitious new educational initiative which aims to establish cross-border networks and learning.

As some of first to take part in the initiative, the group of Irish schools helped set the benchmark for others to follow. They were officially recognised for their digital education strategy at an event held at University College Dublin today (Monday 28 March), where the Minister of Education, Norma Foley, congratulated schools on their achievements via video.

The European Digital Schools Awards encourages and recognises innovation, collaboration, and skills development in the digital sphere. With support from the European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme, leading technology companies such as HP and AMD, and a number of national education agencies, it is the only initiative of its kind in Europe and is aimed at providing pupils with the skills they need to flourish in the modern world.

A total of 100 secondary schools in five European countries took part in the pilot programme, with just 79 receiving the top award.

Following the success of the pilot, the initiative is now being made available to all schools in Ireland, Scotland, Lithuania, Serbia, and Slovenia, with plans also in motion to roll out the programme more widely across Europe.  As the programme expands, it will provide teachers and educational leaders with greater access to support and the opportunity to take learnings from other countries.

To achieve European Digital Schools status, schools must use the European Commission’s SELFIE self-reflection tool to assess their digital learning and teaching practices and identify areas where improvements can be made.  They can then access a range of expert support and resources to help them develop their digital curriculum in line with industry best practices.

Norma Foley, Minister of Education said: “The European Digital Schools Awards is an excellent example of industry bodies and educational organisations working together to support schools as they continue to incorporate digital technology into the curriculum.

“The success of the pilot programme across Ireland has been inspiring, and it is great to see so many of our schools involved. With the initiative now available to all Irish schools, we hope to see many more getting involved.”

Anna Doody from Digital Schools Awards said: “Technology has become embedded into our everyday lives in a way we never thought it would, and at an unimaginable speed. In schools, the transformation is especially acute following the proliferation of remote learning during the pandemic.

“As we guide our young people through their developmental years and into adulthood it is essential that we give them the skills, knowledge and confidence to be able to navigate the digital world effectively and safely.

“The European Digital Schools Award is not about urging teachers to use technology in the classroom. It is about encouraging an inclusive, and whole-school approach to digital learning, where everyone in the school feels supported and confident to adopt best practices.

“Our pilot programme exceeded our expectations, and we are thrilled to be announcing the roll out of the initiative across our five participating countries.

“One of the key benefits of the European Digital Schools Awards is it creates a network of educational professionals that can learn from one another. The more schools we have within the community, the greater the opportunities for knowledge sharing, and over the coming year we hope to grow the initiative, welcoming new member states and more schools into the fold.

Annmarie Whelan from HP, a central supporter of the European Digital Schools Award, said: “Understanding digital practices and having a familiarity with technology is an essential part of young people’s development, and can open so many opportunities for their future.

“We have been working alongside Digital Schools Awards for a number of years and have seen first-hand the positive impact it has made on hundreds of schools. We are proud to be on this journey and to be a part of the official launch of the European programme. We would encourage all schools to explore the opportunities created through this initiative and look forward to working with others in our sector and educational leaders to roll this out across the continent.” 

Donal Harford from AMD said: “The possibilities are virtually limitless for what we can achieve through advancements in science and technology over the next few decades. School pupils across Europe are the next generation of innovators and it is through programmes like Digital Schools Awards that we can educate and inspire them to explore careers in digital technology.” 

To find out more about how they can take part, schools should visit www.awards4selfie.eu.

Complete list of schools in Ireland to receive the European Digital Schools Award:

Blackrock College, Dublin

Borrisokane Community College, Tipperary

Castetroy College, Limerick

Colaiste Bhaile Chlair, Galway

Colaiste Bride Enniscorthy, Wexford

Colaiste Cois Life, Dublin

Dominican College, Dublin

Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge, Waterford

Mercy Secondary School, Dublin

Muckross Park College, Dublin

Old Bawn Community School, Dublin

Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone, Westmeath

St. Aloysius College, Cork

Saint Kevin’s Community College, Dublin

Saint Kevin’s Community College, Wicklow

 

Top 7 Advantages of Digital Learning for Students

The world is evolving, and so is education. The outdated classroom environment is no longer followed. Now, teaching takes place remotely too. You might be wondering how such a profound change will help students since adapting is challenging. Well, here are seven benefits of digital learning for students!

Self-Paced Learning

The biggest problem students of today face is managing their time. Education systems are rushing while students have multiple tasks on their plates. They have to work part-time jobs, study, have a social life, spend some time on their own, it is a long list of tasks, and 24 hours a day isn’t enough. Many companies also write an essay for cheap prices online because people have no time to work on arduous tasks.

  • Online education helps people get rid of this speedy learning; 
  • There are online courses, and many colleges upload course material on their learning management systems; 
  • You can access everything in your own time and learn according to your convenience; 
  • The time clashes; missed classes and lengthy courses are now a thing of the past. 

It is a great way to ensure students are learning well too. How? They don’t have excuses anymore. Education has become remote. All people need is a laptop and an internet connection to start studying. It is the perfect way to introduce a self-paced learning method—no need to rush or work according to someone else’s schedule. You make your own decisions now! 

Breadth of Information

The best thing is, now, you can get information on every topic from anywhere. The essential, which is the need to stick to a classroom and course material, is now gone. Instead, you can access any detail through the internet and learn flexible learning techniques. 

Students used to feel the pressure increasing and their stress levels rising due to a lack of information in case they missed out on a single lecture. Well, now teachers can conduct classes remotely and even record lessons for the ease of students. Even if we let go of a student’s perspective and consider a teacher, teachers have more flexibility. They can impart knowledge from the comfort of their homes. 

It is one of the most significant advantages of online learning, and once you experience this comfort of the breadth of information, you will realize what you’ve been missing out on for so many years. So instead of caging yourself up in the paradox of knowledge, allow yourself to soar free and gather information from anywhere!

More Engaging Lessons

Classroom lessons often follow the same format, the same pattern, and the same type of boring routine questions after the chapter finishes. It is a great way to keep people interested in what’s happening in each course. There are several activities and surveys people can conduct on the internet as a part of their coursework and engagement. 

For example, some students struggle with confidence issues. They can’t speak up in the open environment of a classroom. Digital classes enable them to speak up because they don’t have real people next to them. They can switch off their cameras and speak. Increasing confidence in people is one of the positives of online learning that we often neglect. You notice your attention span increasing, too, because now you want to focus on what’s happening in the digital class instead of looking at the clock repeatedly and rushing out of a classroom.

Online Assessments & Mock Tests

Everyone knows how much students despise assessments and tests in classrooms. The benefits of digital learning also include flexible mock tests and examinations. How? You can choose when to give the tests if it is an online course. Do it according to your convenience. If it is a digital classroom, you don’t have to work with paper and pen and sit at a desk. You can take a small break during the assessment.

It reduces the anxiety people face before an exam. For example, many people might experience an anxiety attack if they get late for an exam and the teacher refuses to sit for the paper. Well, now it’s all online, so conveyance isn’t an issue for students, nor do they have to struggle with the stressful environment before a test. 

Moreover, teachers don’t have to check every copy. Instead, they can fix answers online through the digital platform, and it checks the answers, returning the results to students within a few minutes. 

Better Time Management

Digital education systems come with better time management and ease. Students are often seen getting late to classes, sprinting across campus to make it to classes on time, and then rushing out to meet the requirements of their jobs. 

Now, they can manage their time better and take classes anywhere, whether they’re at home, at work, or even traveling. It only requires the internet. Furthermore, people can also listen to lecture recordings in their free time to revise their course. What a great catch!

24-Hour Resources

Digitalization of education has enabled people to have 24-hour resources now. Gone are the days when people only had access to some course material, only when they went to class. Now, you can study in the morning or late at night. 

It’s all according to your productivity. So pick a time you feel most productive and access these online resources. It is a great way to learn new things and not miss out on your grade. Why? You have it all right at your fingertips, thanks to digitalization!

Refined Critical-Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills are essential for college learners because they must soon step into practical life. Therefore, digital systems also drive them to develop more robust critical thinking. How? There are no limits to learning here. 

Education isn’t confined to four walls and a door. Students can get an education from wherever they like. Not only that, the curriculum is excellent and offers them many things to think about. The questions are simple yet enable people to use their minds instead of rote learning methods.

These are some ways you can also enhance your critical thinking skills without any trouble and have it all according to yourself. In addition, there are personalized courses that you will love!

Now that you’re aware of such excellent benefits of digital learning, why not start making it a part of your routine? Of course, there might be a few problems in adapting initially, but you will love the flexibility and convenience it offers once you do. So make sure you follow this unique method to educate yourself better without gaps!