22 September 2005

An intranet system linking over 800,000 of Scotland's teachers and pupils has taken another step towards completion.

The government has awarded a five-year contract, worth almost £40 million, to experts in information and communication technology (ICT) for schools.

The intranet system is being promoted as a valuable teaching resource and will allow teachers to make the best use of advances in Internet technology.

Pupils and teachers will be able to share ideas via the web and have access to video clips and high-quality graphics to make lessons more engaging. Homework could be done via the intranet and teachers could provide advice from wherever they are based.

"In schools across Scotland I have seen at first-hand how technology is transforming learning and teaching. I am determined to see that continue which means we must maintain our investment in technology as it advances and presents new and exciting opportunities," said education minister Peter Peacock.

The framework for the intranet is already in place with a large-scale broadband system linking up local councils and a content delivery network allowing access to media such as video and audio clips.

It is hoped the intranet will go live in early 2007.

© Adfero Ltd

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