The Government has introduced a new broadband strategy for schools which dictates that all primary schools must be connected to the Internet at a minimum of 2Mbs by 2006, with all secondary schools connected at 8Mbs. The defined objectives of this strategy are to reengineer teaching and learning for assessment, to build learning communities and to support interactive whole class teaching.
As part of this strategy over the last 3 years, £1.8bn has been invested in connecting schools to the Internet under the National Grid for Learning (NGfL) programme. This has not only involved investment in ICT infrastructure but also teacher training, the development of Curriculum on Line (COL) and many other initiatives to enhance educational learning processes within schools.
Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a key role across the education sector, helping to transform the way we learn from primary schools, through to further and higher education, enabling teachers to create a more effective and motivated teaching environment, thereby raising educational standards. The Government recognises this and as such is providing substantial support and funding for initiatives that accelerate education’s move into the digital age. It is the Government’s expectation that every school throughout the UK will grasp the opportunities that ICT can bring to further enhance the quality and experience of teaching and learning.
“Spend on ICT investment has increased significantly across the education sector in the last 5 years – Government intends
to raise ICT spending to over £900 million across all education sectors by 2006.”
Charles Clarke, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, January 2004
The further and higher education sectors are busy preparing themselves for the challenges of widening participation, continued excellence in teaching and research as well as an increase in global competition. The UK has already built the world’s most extensive education and research network in SuperJanet and the metropolitan area networks. These initiatives are now being further developed in terms of reach and remit, from a service and regional perspective.
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