Wireless Internet Connectivity was launched yesterday at Maria Regina Girls’ Junior Lyceum by permanent secretary in the Education Ministry Frans Borg. At the Launch, Mr Borg said that this is a pilot project to facilitate a wider use of ICT across the curriculum in secondary schools by strengthening the ICT infrastructure.

Mr Borg said that recent decisions taken during the school development plan have resulted in establishing an ICT culture at Maria Regina Girls’ Junior Lyceum, to the extent that ICT is also adopted within several subjects that are not traditionally linked to it. The present school ICT policy is in line with the national vision of ICT across the curriculum in the near future.

Mr Borg said teachers are quickly realising that ICT can bring about a change in their methodology and also boost students’ motivation. This was illustrated through a number of presentations by teachers of various subjects as well as lessons in the computer labs and classrooms showing how various ICT resources already in place can be used to enhance the teaching and learning experience. These include interactive whiteboards, LCD projectors and laptops.

The wireless network installed means that each and every classroom within the school will have internet connectivity that may be accessed by students and teachers alike. Data security has been given due importance and the wireless network installed here uses state-of-the-art encryption technology so that all data transmitted remains secure. This system also supports Voice Over IP facilities.

The Department of Technology in Education has invested in piloting this Wireless Internet Connectivity in secondary schools – Maria Regina Junior Lyceum is the leading school in this initiative aimed at eventually introducing wireless connectivity integrated seamlessly in each classroom, in all secondary state schools.