Broadband and your school

Ultra-fast broadband is the enabler for eLearning in today’s educational environment.  The provision of ICT services is the key to ensure eLearning can be delivered.  It is as important to the school as the provision of  utilities such as power and communications.

The capital required is of significance to the school budget, and the implications for the proper running of the school are also critical to understand.

Today’s computer infrastructures are complex, with many conflicting ideas and views. Many are driven entirely by commercial pressures rather than by a school’s strategic needs and ongoing security.

ICT networks, including cabling, network switching, servers and data storage are not usually areas of expertise in schools – not with principals, senior management or boards of trustees.  However school boards do need to be involved in their ICT strategic planning and investment just as much as they are involved in their property development and maintenance.

But it is not just about the hardware.  Nor is it just about the installation; schools are very dependent on the continuing support and maintenance of the school network over its entire life.

Ministry guidelines on networks and on choosing key applications such as Student Management Systems and On-line Learning Environments are there to assist Boards. The GMS team understands these issues and can assist your board and principal.

Our team at GMS have a range of skills available to provide your Board with assistance in understanding the complexities of today’s ICT infrastructure environments.

We can provide input to your ICT strategic planning through:

• guiding you on how to understand today’s ICT environment
• helping you to understand the key issues for consideration
• assisting you in developing your ICT strategic plan
• mentoring the Board through its decision making process.

Contact any of us to assist you with your ICT planning.