Government launches Education Network on Friday

Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS):  Preparations are almost complete for Friday’s (March 21) launch of the Education Network (EDUNET) that will significantly change the way classes are delivered in high schools in St. Kitts and Nevis.

EDUNET provides free Wi-Fi access to campuses that will enhance peer learning and collaboration, upgrade teacher tutoring and expand the scope of the learning environment.

Sonia Hamilton of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) is a member of the committee organizing the launch. She told SKNIS that Friday will be special for those involved.

“Well we are excited to finally see it launch,” she stated. “It is a network we feel is secure. We think it is a sustainable network and it provides communications within the Federation to all schools. It is a different way to teach and we are hoping the teachers and students will make good use of it.”

One exciting prospect of the EDUNET allows for a teacher in one school to conduct a class via video conferencing to students at an entirely different school in the absence of their regular teacher. Additionally, students or teachers from St. Kitts and from Nevis can interface regularly for discussions, subject review or any other related activity.

The Wi-Fi allows students to do research, complete assignments or view class related material while on the compound.

Director of the Department of Information Technology Christopher Herbert, indicated that test groups of students and faculty across the Federation were successfully registered and have been utilizing the EDUNET for the last few months.

The launch will be conducted simultaneously at the Verchilds High School, Cayon High School and Basseterre High School in St. Kitts as well as the Charlestown Secondary School in Nevis. Officials including Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Technology Honourable Glenn Phillip, Minister of Education Honourable Nigel Carty and Premier Honourable Vance Amory will participate in the launch.