27 April 2007

Super connected students are wired for success

Accelerated learning barely describes the speeds in which North Shore students will be able to access information over the internet, with the first school being connected to the North Shore Education and Access Loop (NEAL) today.

North Shore City Deputy Mayor Dianne Hale, speaking at the first school to gain access to the fibre optic network, Albany Primary, said that the connection signalled a radical new approach to learning on the Shore.

"Our classrooms have now assumed virtual dimensions. Ultimately over 40 North Shore schools, representing over 30,000 students will be linked into a single high performance network.

"Providing speeds of up to 1 Gigabit/second, NEAL will create a stimulating and innovative learning experience for students and enable sharing of information and resources among North Shore Schools."

NEAL is a secure virtual network that has been set up under the urban fibre network that was built by Vector Communications following the successful joint North Shore City Council and Vector application to the Government's broadband strategy.

Ms Hale said that she was excited that the North Shore City Council in partnership with Vector, had been involved in delivering such an essential service to the community.

"I believe that true high speed broadband is essential for any modern knowledge economy."

Vector Chairman Michael Stiassny supported Ms Hale's comments and emphasised that access to world-class broadband infrastructure will revolutionise the educational and commercial opportunities in North Shore City.

"The Broadband Challenge has allowed us to explore the benefits of a partnership with local government, and how it will enable the delivery of next generation services on competitive open access principles

"The adoption of state of the art communications in schools will serve as a catalyst to stimulate wider community uptake of broadband services. Young people are generally early adopters of new technology and the opportunities it can provide. They can also very effectively communicate their expectation of having access to this technology with their wider community

"Through the use of fibre optic technology students will be able to participate and engage on a global scale with other students and teachers - their educational opportunities have grown exponentially," he said.

By linking North Shore schools, NEAL will help create an environment of collaboration and sharing of information, ideas, and systems. Teachers will be able to maximise teaching tools to accommodate the different learning needs and styles of our students.

By July 2007, over 40 schools, six libraries and other council facilities will be able to access high quality broadband services, benefiting over 30,000 North Shore students.

The celebration was attended by Minister of Communications David Cunliffe who has long championed improved and affordable community broadband access through the Government's digital strategy.

ENDS

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