Problems and challenges

In contemporary rural areas there is an urgent need for finding new solutions for the problem of basic service delivery. This is especially the case in areas characterized by low population densities combined to long distances to reach basic services. An important challenge is to guarantee and improve educational quality on primary schools. The most promising solution is the use of ICT-applications in education. Main goal of this project therefore is focussing on the deployment of a glass fibre network with shared services: teacher trainings on working with ICT-applications, common understanding, mission and vision towards the use of ICT in the future between different schools, and of course useful ICT-applications to make it operational (amongst them e-learning modules). The network has to suit the demands of the schools in the region, not only in the field of education, but also concerning other types of services (e.g. backup facilities and administrative tools). The project has to provide a future-proof endurable solution for innovation in education. The project wants to provide solutions to regional problems, typical for rural society, raise the level of ambition of the kids and widen their horizons to future career opportunities.

Solutions

In this unique project three different regional school boards have bundled their forces and demands to produce innovative solutions for educational problems and lower costs for ICT-infrastructure and software. The first schools have been connected to the fibre-network and are experimenting with e-learning and distance education. “Klasseglas” resulted in an initiative for deployment of glass fibre in the whole region, Fibre to the Homes (FTTH) and business. Regular inquiries are done investigating the use of ICT within schools and, at home by filling in online questionnaires.

This first pilot project has catalysed a process of ensuing challenges: higher quality education, higher ambition and inspiration levels of the pupils by the use of ICT-applications, the development of new e-learning modules, a more efficient educational system with respect to both finances and organisation.

Barriers

At first there were some doubts whether or not glass fibre was needed, but soon schools found out that the current ADSL-lines were not sufficient for their current needs of broadband in education. While the project proceeded the deployment of glass fibre became more expensive, so the initial budget did not cover the expenses for connecting all 22 schools. Alternative solutions for financing the project are being studied, such as government funding, PPS or the founding of a cooperation.

Tools

All project documents are available to other stakeholders:

• Project plan
• Request for information to the network providers
• Model of cooperation between school boards
• decision making procedures
• study of innovative ICT-applications for education
• plan for web conferencing between schools