This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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School computer access ahead of target
20/06/2002
Targets for computer access in secondary school have
been met a year ahead of time.
The 2001 School Census shows that the target ratio of 1
modern computer for every 5 pupils has been achieved a year
early. And all secondary schools are now connected to the
Internet.
Significant progress was also reported in primary
schools, where there was 1 computer for every 11 pupils
compared to 1 for every 18 in 2000, and Internet access has
risen from 64% of schools to 84%.
Welcoming the news, Deputy Education Minister Nicol
Stephen said:
"New technologies are changing the nature of learning
and teaching in our classrooms.
"They are transforming the learning opportunities for
every pupil and helping to prepare young people for a world
in which these skills are essential to their future.
"The school census results show the major progress being
made. Access to computers, the internet and e-mail have all
improved steadily.
"Some of the secondary school targets have been met
ahead of time, and the overall picture since the census is
one of further improvement. We remain firmly on track to
deliver all our targets this year.
"Investing in new technologies is crucial to raising
achievement levels in school. I want to ensure all young
people can take advantage of these opportunities."
The Summary Results of the September 2001 School Census
were published today.
The National Grid for Learning (NGfL) programme was
launched in Scotland at the end of 1998. The targets for
2002 were that the computer:pupil ratio should be 1:15 in
primary schools and 1:5 in secondary schools, that all
schools should be connected to the internet, and that all
teachers and pupils should have access to e-mail. The
target pupil:computer ratio in primary schools was
subsequently altered to 7.5 : 1, accompanied by additional
funding to help deliver the new target.
Between 1999 and 2002 the Scottish Executive has made
over £80 million available to local authorities to help
with the NGfL programme, and is providing £20 million this
financial year and next to help sustain the infrastructure
that has been created.
In 1999, the first year information about ICT
(information and communications technology) was collected
in the School Census, the computer:pupil ratios were 1:9 in
secondary schools and 1:28 in primary schools, and only 49%
of primary schools had access to the Internet.