Against Commercialism in Education
November 5, 2008 by Mark Conroy · Leave a Comment
- Breaking the Barcodes
Nov. 5th sees the world’s first attempted co-ordinated action against commercialisation in education (including against fees for education). So far, activists in 22 countries have signed up to have mass co-ordinated events. This essay seeks to look at some of the issues involved in commercialism in education.
Since we have not reached the level of commercialism in our schools that pervade an education system such as the American one, perhaps now is the time to begin the fight against the commercialism that is present, before it becomes too much to be countered.
Students React to Tesco’s Computers in Schools Scheme
June 15, 2008 by Mark Conroy · Leave a Comment
I gave my Higher Level Fifth Year English class the article “Opposing Tesco’s ‘Computers for Schools’ Voucher Scheme” for the reading comprehension section of their summer exam. Question 3 asked “What are your thoughts on these schemes?”
Here is a selection of student responses:
Student 1
I feel this is hugely unfair and no parent should be put under pressure to gain facilities for their school.
Student 2
To be honest, I never really thought about this voucher scheme, but from reading this extract, I now believe it to be an outrage [...] The Tesco company should be ashamed of themselves.
Student 3
I believe there is something corrupt about the way in which supermarkets operate to gain sales. [...] It shocks and appalls me. Read more
Open Letter: Oppose Tesco’s ‘Computers for Schools’ Voucher Scheme
April 7, 2008 by Mark Conroy · 8 Comments
Below is the text of a letter sent to a number of local and national newspapers. So far, the Campaign for a Commercial-free Education is aware of it having been printed in five papers (in the Wicklow, Kildare, Tipperary, and Mayo regions).
Computers and schools
March 23, 2008 by niallsmyth · Leave a Comment
ARE IRISH schools, already struggling with large classes and a shortage of funding, being left behind in the technology revolution?
Tesco Computers for Schools vouchers sold on eBay
March 20, 2008 by Joe Fogarty · Leave a Comment
In 2006 Tesco asked auction website eBay to stop people selling its Computers for Schools vouchers - but eBay said the sales are quite legal. The practice continues today.
See the 2006 report from BBC News.
Campaign to address Secondary School Students Union AGM
March 14, 2008 by Joe Fogarty · Leave a Comment
The Campaign for Commercial Free Education will address the AGM of the Union of Secondary School Students (USS) (www.uss.ie) which takes place on March 19th in the Clock Tower Building at the Department of Education and Science, Marlborough St.
To view the agenda click here
