Council in bid to provide laptops for pupils
Bullard,
PROVIDING all teachers and secondary school pupils with their own personal laptops or electronic devices is an ambition outlined by Gwynedd Council.
Approved in principle by the cabinet, the authority has revealed its hope of revolutionising education if successful in its bid from the Wales-wide funding pot, hoping to receive £2.8m in all with the authority making up the reminder.
Inspired in part by the Covid-19 crisis, which has seen more dependence on IT and remote teaching than ever, concerns have been raised that the current situation
relating to such technology within schools is “inconsistent”. The Welsh Government’s £50m fund is set to expand the Hwb programme and, shared across all 22 local authorities, aims to result in less bureaucracy, freeing up time for teachers and giving pupils access to an enhanced and more consistent learning experience.
Head of education Garem Jackson said: “It was the Welsh Government’s intention to invest in this programme beforehand, but the pandemic has perhaps shown more than ever the importance of IT as a tool to educate.” The report notes that current
equipment in many cases is “dated” and “unreliable, adding: “In order to gain access to the grant from the Welsh Government, evidence needs to be submitted of how the investment will be undertaken.
“Gwynedd Council is committed to renew network and wifi equipment in schools by investing £2.25 million over ten years. The sustainable model for devices means that an annual investment is required that will be set aside and invested by buying new devices when a device has reached the end of its life. It is a substantial challenge to secure this investment,
although a number of schools do invest in the sustainability of the infrastructure, it appears to be an impulsive investment. Through this strategy we will ensure the best value sustainable model.” Councillors have sought more information on how exactly the plans would work before committing in full, backing it in principle before more information is available at next month’s meeting. Cabinet members urged officers to consult further with schools, who will be expected to contribute towards the overall costs if given the green light.