High speed network for Hertfordshire schools

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A multi-million pound high speed network upgrade connecting almost 600 educational sites has been completed in Hertfordshire.

The Hertfordshire Grid for Learning allows both students and teachers over 572 locations to access online resources to help with their studies.

Resources include exam revision applications, the living library and the British Pathé Archive, containing thousands of hours of archived news reel footage.

Dave Mansfield, technical infrastructure manager at Hertfordshire County Council, said, in a statement: “We live in a digital age and fast, effective networking technologies and e-learning tools have shot up the agenda for schools and colleges nationwide.”

“Having a high-speed infrastructure in place that supports virtual learning environments, secure email, and finance and human resources systems is no longer just an added extra for schools, but pivotal to the efficient and effective running of institutions.”

The upgrade cost £5.5 million and was part of the Government’s National Grid for Learning strategy, creating 10 such networks across the country to aid learning.

The technology was provided by ntl:Telewest, the business arm of Virgin Media, giving primary and middle schools 2Mbps whilst senior schools can get up to 10Mbps.

John Maund, public sector sales manager for the south at ntl:Telewest, said in a statement: “Using interactive applications and e-learning tools is a fantastic way to encourage collaboration and engage with the digital generation.”

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