Killina school included in high speed broadband project

Just one Offaly post-primary school is included in a new scheme to provide high speed broadband to educational facilities nationwide, it emerged this week. Killina Secondary School in Rahan is included in the 80-strong list of schools to benefit from a 100mpbs broadband connection as part of a new initiative from the Department of Communications. Launching the new Programme, Minister Eamon Ryan said: 'Today we are laying one of the foundation stones of Ireland"s new Knowledge Society. Providing our schools with high-speed wireless connectivity opens up a whole new world of learning for our children.' He continued that the project is taking online learning out of the confines of the computer room. 'In classrooms and corridors, students and teachers will potentially be able to carry out interactive chemistry experiments and access demonstrations and exhibitions from all over the world.' 'A class learning French in Dublin could talk in real time with a class in France. A Leaving Cert physics student will be able to take part in Ivy League lectures and experiments. With this level of connectivity, the opportunities for interaction and collaboration are unlimited,' the Minister stated. Schools have been selected against various criteria including geographical location, and an adequate mix of schools to ensure broad social inclusion. The speeds available are similar to those that are being offered to high-end national and multinational companies that operate in Ireland. They allow for the quick upload and download of material, instant connection to websites, and the increased and varied use of online applications.