Northern Grid for Learning - School Broadband, eSafety, Learning Resources and More

This doesn’t mean that ICT is no longer important or that schools now have all the equipment and support they need. Northern Grid is in regular contact with schools across the North East and knows the value head teachers, teachers and pupils place on using technology to support teaching, learning and other school activity.

Keith Cotgrave, Head Teacher of Longfield School in Darlington said technology, and

"the broadband connection and services provided by Northern Grid for Learning are essential to the effective management of learning,”

and the government agrees.

In October 2010 Nick Gibb, Minister of State for Schools’ said that

“schools which make use of broadband connectivity are found to have improved academic results and increased learner motivation compared to those which do not make use of this technology.”

In the current economic climate schools will value good support more than ever as they look for ways of getting the most out of equipment they already have and best value for future purchases.

In his article 'ICT in a Supporting Role' in the TES Magazine on March 18th Jack Kenny outlines the options for schools.

He quotes Mel Philipson, Manager of Northern Grid for Learning talking about the role the regional grids can play:

“Their depth and breadth of experience are freely available to schools and colleges …If anyone needs assistance, and it is not available in their own area, using the network we can find people to provide it. Schools can get resources, advice on broadband and provision of wireless networks."

The full article is available on the TES website. For information about the services provided by Northern Grid see our service guide http://www.northerngrid.org/services

(Nick Gibb quote can be found at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm101004/text/101004w0002.htm)