First phase of broadband scheme for schools rolled out

DUBLIN FEATURES strongly in the first phase of a State-sponsored scheme to provide broadband services to schools.

Some 20 of the 78 schools served are located in the capital, compared with just one in most midland counties, as well as one apiece in Sligo and Wicklow.

The scheme is aimed at delivering relatively fast communications speeds – up to 100 megabit fibre and wireless broadband – which are similar to those available to industry.

Under the the renewed programme for government the scheme will extend to all second-level schools in the State over the next two years. The budget for the scheme is €13 million.

Enhanced technology equipment, including more than 1,500 wireless digital projectors and 2,000 laptops, has also been distributed.

The Department of Communications said schools in the first phase had been selected on the basis of a range of criteria including an adequate demographic mix, “to ensure broad social inclusion”. Ireland will be one of the first countries in the world to deliver such programmes on a national level.

Speaking as he demonstrated the technology – by taking a virtual tour of the Louvre in Paris – Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan said children need to be comfortable with the use of such technology.

“Broadband of this capacity and quality will allow them to see and learn things in school that my generation could have only dreamed of,” he said.

Mr Ryan also said the “chalk and talk” model of classroom experience was being changed. Learning needed to be “multi-sensory and interactive”, allowing students to learn in schools in the same way they socialise and learn at home.