Classroom 2000 (C2k)
The C2k project was established to procure the infrastructure and services necessary to support the enhanced use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in schools in Northern Ireland.
The project is sponsored by the Western Education and Library Board on behalf of the other education and library boards and the Department of Education. C2k is part financed by the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity structural fund.
C2k provides schools with a managed ICT service across Northern Ireland including:
- a Local Area Network (LAN) in each school, with access to a Northern Ireland Wide Area Network (WAN) through dedicated broadband connections;
- administration and management systems for schools, connected to the eSchools warehouse;
- access to a managed learning environment (LearningNI), and, through it, filtered access to the internet and e-mail; and
- full service support via the C2k help desk.
These are provided as an integrated and supported package; they are installed, maintained and upgraded by specialist providers.
The C2k service provides some 73,500 Internet ready computers to 323,000 pupils and 20,000 teachers in around 1,200 schools in Northern Ireland. Schools receive a core managed service entitlement, based on their pupil numbers, free of charge. They may enhance and expand this service through their own delegated budgets.
The benefit of the managed service, which includes the provision of hardware and all technical support, is that it frees schools to concentrate on the use of ICT in teaching and learning.
C2k is being delivered through a number of Public Private Partnership contracts (known as Lots) which enable services for schools to be procured from specialist ICT providers. The contracts are generally for a 5-year period, with the option of extension.
The current contracts are for schools’ equipment and internal networks (Lot 3 for post-primary and special schools, Lot 6 for primary schools) and a wide area network (Lot 5) which links all schools and provides them with access to the internet and a virtual learning environment (LearningNI). There is also a contract to provide schools with a management information system known as SIMS.net
Procurement of a new contract to replace Lots 3, 5 and SIMS is currently underway. The new contract is expected to be awarded in November 2011.
- C2k has continued to enhance ‘Learning NI’ - further developments include the introduction of wikis and blogs and new features added to the Quiz Builder. Virtual classroom video conferencing and content sharing has been further developed to provide teachers with on demand video conferencing and collaboration facilities.
- In the Spring of 2011, C2k showcased the potential of video conferencing during the C2k Schools’ Video Conferencing Festival. Participants included the NI Assembly, Ulster American Folk Park, Belfast Zoo, STEM Business leaders, St Louis University Medical Centre, Armagh Planetarium and Mote Marine in Florida. Case studies and best practice advice for schools is now easily accessible on the C2kExchange.
- C2k’s news and information sharing service ‘C2k Exchange’ has been enhanced for schools with improved document management, a more powerful search tool, better reporting capability and a more user friendly and accessible interface
Further information about C2k is available on the C2k website.
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