An independent evaluation of digital media learning programmes rolled out since 2002 by the Digital Hub has found a marked increase in levels of digital literacy among participants.
The evaluation, carried out by Farrell Grant Sparks consultants, was unveiled by Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources Noel Dempsey at an event in the Digital Hub today.
Based in Dublin's Liberties, the Digital Hub is a Government initiative to create an international centre of excellence for knowledge, innovation and creativity focused on digital content and technology enterprises
Its learning programmes, delivered through the Diageo Liberties Learning Initiative, operates in 15 schools and 17 community groups in the Liberties and beyond.
The objective of the initiative is to bridge the "digital divide" and ensure that the people of the Liberties can benefit from The Digital Hub in their neighbourhood.
Among the findings of the evaluation is that hub's learning initiative has raised the level of achievements among students who are academically weaker.
The evaluation has found that its approach - which comprises targeted, professional education and development for teachers - has resulted in increased confidence among teachers who are using technology in the classroom.
As well as operating in local schools, the initiative is delivered in the local community of the Liberties.
The evaluation found that much of the success of the programme is the involvement of local people in designing the courses themselves.
Philip Flynn, CEO of the Digital Hub Development Agency, said: "According to this evaluation, 46 per cent expect to seek employment in the digital media sector, while 44 per cent intend to go on to further education."