This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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School digital network
20/11/2003
An innovative project which will give
pupils and teachers greater access to online resources has
reached another milestone, bringing 21
st century online learning a step closer for
Scottish schools.
Companies have been invited to tender
for the Scottish Schools' Digital Network, a national
intranet which will create a secure online environment for
pupils and teachers.
The first phase of the project - a
broadband backbone which connects Scottish local
authorities - has now been completed and is providing
broadband access to the Internet for every education
authority in Scotland.
Welcoming the next stage of the
project, Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"In the 21
st century, I believe it's vital for all
Scotland's schools to make the best possible use of new
technology and reap the many benefits it can bring. I am
sure that the national schools' intranet will be a
significant step forward, allowing pupils and teachers to
share ideas, collaborate and spread best practice.
"This is an exciting development for
Scotland's schools, opening doors to new and innovative
ways of working.
Pupils from remote communities will be able
to work with pupils from other schools on projects,
specialist help will be just a click away and teachers will
be part of a much larger online community with the ability
to share information, advice and resources.
"But what really makes this project
unique is that it will all be done within a secure online
environment, making the monitoring of inappropriate use
easier and ensuring that working online is safer for
Scottish pupils and teachers. I am sure that this digital
network - when complete - will be an invaluable resource
that will enhance Scottish education for years to
come."