Virtual Classroom videoconferencing launched

In  October 2008 C2k provided all schools in Northern Ireland with a new videoconferencing  service called  “Virtual Classroom”.  This new service is fully integrated with LearningNI and provides users and schools with the ability to collaborate in a secure managed learning environment.

The Virutal Classroom is a web-based communications solution, using Marratech software, which enables staff and students to videoconference and to share documents from both within and outside the C2k network. Other key features are:

• High quality voice for groups with private audio feature
• Use of nteractive group whiteboard
• Multi party video

As part of this new provision C2k has developed a training programme to meet the needs of all schools.   The Virtual Classroom training programmes consist of  a series of half day events  designed to familiarise attendees with scheduling of videoconferences, setting up of equipment and use of the interactive, onscreen whiteboard.  All attendees are supplied with a webcam and headset.  By the end of February 2009, 69% of all schools had attended the C2k videoconferencing training and received their hardware. The table below provides more detailed information on the number of users and schools trained.

	Post Primary		Primary		Special		Totals
BELB	33	85%	46	49%	13	100%	92	63%
NEELB	44	85%	145	69%	8	89%	197	72%
SEELB	36	92%	95	63%	7	70%	138	69%
SELB	45	83%	171	76%	3	60%	219	77%
WELB	32	71%	101	55%	5	63%	138	58%
Total	190	83%	558	65%	36	80%	784	69%

 

Becta ISP accreditation for C2k

C2k was awarded full accreditation by Becta for the quality of its schools’ internet service provision in 2009. C2k is working towards renewing the accreditation for 2010.

The Becta Internet Service Provider accreditation means that all pupils and teachers in NI's primary and secondary schools can be assured that the internet services  provided by C2k meet required guidelines.  C2k’s internet service is constantly monitored to ensure that children and teachers in NI are protected against offensive emails and web site content. More..