Falkirk Council set to buy 18,000 iPads for schools
The council has signed a deal with Virgin Media Business to deliver new wireless networks to all 58 of the council’s schools.
This comes shortly after the local authority signed a four-year contract with XMA for 18,000 of the latest generation iPads.
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Hide AdVirgin Media Business will provide the additional bandwidth the schools need for its digital learning and teaching project, Connected Falkirk, which will see every child from P6 upwards given an iPad.
The company says it will provide safe and secure solutions for schools to protect pupils from unsuitable content.
Both contracts help the Council take a significant step forward in its drive to transform teaching and learning, with £9.6m being invested into digital learning through Connected Falkirk over the next five years.
The project will also provide bespoke training to teachers and pupils.
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Hide AdRobert Naylor, Director of Children’s Services, Falkirk Council, said: “As digital technology continues to revolutionise how we interact with the world around us, we must equip our young people with the tools and skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced digital world.
“Our investment in Connected Falkirk not only gives increased access to devices and a suite of powerful digital tools but will also improve connectivity and provide a dedicated professional learning programme for our educators, all of which will bring learning benefits to all.
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Hide Ad“We believe the partnerships with Virgin Media Business and XMA will enhance and support the delivery of excellent learning to all our children and young people.”
Martin McFadyen, Head of Public Sector, Virgin Media Business, said: “We are proud that our cutting-edge technology will help Falkirk Council safeguard against network issues today, while also creating a digital learning environment fit for the future.
Michael Conlon, Education Transformation Consultant, XMA, said: “Falkirk Council understand deeply the need to secure the future for their young people in an environment where 13,000 digital jobs go unfilled every year in Scotland, and where digital skills for life, learning and work will be paramount in helping them flourish."