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Secondary Schools Log On to Net Survey

Story added 28 October 2009

Schoolchildren between 11 and 18 years are taking part in a survey to determine the level of broadband access available to them. Ilex and Foyle Learning Community are working in partnership to conduct the on-line survey in all 15 secondary schools in Derry ~ Londonderry which will help Ilex compare local usage levels with those of other regions in the UK.

Ultimately, the results will help inform the Regeneration Plan which is currently under way. Michael Gallagher, Ilex’s Strategy & Regeneration Manager explains “While we rely on the internet more and more for all aspects of our daily lives, access to it is not as widespread as it should be. With access you can shop on-line, surf, pay bills, manage your money, etc. Children and young people don’t just use the net for social reasons, they’re increasingly relying on it to complete course work and do research. Schools are already planning for a future where all work will be set, completed and submitted on-line in a virtual learning environment,” he said.

With such a young population, Derry is ideally placed to take maximum advantage of exponential growth in digital technology provided that the youth of the city has the access to the technology it requires. The survey will allow the city’s Regeneration Plan to indentify and address areas of need.

“Some teachers have suggested that they’re reluctant t to give certain types of homework because they’re not sure that all their pupils will have the facilities to do it. We need to identify where the shortfall is. Is it the lack of a computer? A lack of broadband? Maybe a house might have a computer but no broad band. Maybe they don’t have a printer. We want to establish what the situation is in the city.”

The rate of technological advancement is set to accelerate over the coming decades and the importance to be at the forefront of the digital revolution will increase in proportion to that change.

All secondary schools in the Derry City Council area have agreed to take part in the on-line survey which will be completed during school hours. Every pupil who completes the survey will be entered into a draw and one person from each of the 15 participating schools will win a Netbook.

For information contact michael.gallagher@ilex-urc.com

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