Northgate creates Centre of Excellence for Education
02 May 2006
The first 'virtual classroom' to be designed and built into a NI business was launched on 27th April by education ICT specialists, Northgate-Information Solutions (formerly SX3).
Representing a major investment from Northgate, the cutting edge R&D facility will further enhance the company's ability to develop 21st century learner-centric technology.
Installed in Northgate's Belfast head office, the classroom is equipped with the most advanced ICT systems, and specially designed furniture and resources. While futuristic in concept the classroom is a practical working model, which enables Northgate's educational team to develop ICT that meets the changing needs of today's schools and colleges.
Working closely with C2K, the creation of the Northgate's 'virtual classroom' not only marks a significant step for the future of education in NI, but also sets a precedent for the delivery of education and learning across the British Isles.
Darren Lemon, Director of Education, Northgate-IS Managed Services, said,
"The virtual classroom will become a centre of excellence for Northgate to deliver the latest ICT services in education throughout the UK. It's truly cutting-edge technology at its best.
"As an extremely customer-focused organisation, we have worked in partnership with C2K, schools, teachers and learners to address their changing needs, offering ICT solutions that work in practice, not just in theory. The model school allows teachers and learners to sample the technology for themselves, and see how well it best fits within their classroom environment.
"Developing ICT in a purpose-built classroom environment will help us to pin point further areas where technology can enhance or improve learning and teaching. It will also enable us to adapt and change systems and models to suit individual requirements, providing a bespoke service for our clients, UK wide."
As part of the launch of the Model School, Northgate is challenging primary school pupils throughout NI to let their imaginations run wild in a unique design competition.
"Technology plays a big part in the school environment, and is increasingly becoming embedded in its furniture and foundations, and ultimately in its core design. We're inviting primary school pupils to put their thinking caps on and design their dream school. Anything is possible, from circular classrooms, to rooms without walls or even an absentee teacher, with learning provided on line instead," Darren Lemon continued
"Children can submit entries in any format, from pictures, models, essays or movies-the sky's the limit! We've set a closing date of Monday 26th June and hope to see as many inspirational entries as possible. Regional winners will be presented with great IT prizes for themselves with the overall winning entry receiving a full set of the latest classroom furniture for their class", he concluded.
Jimmy Stewart, C2K, added,
"Never before has technology played such an integral role in education and Northgate's Model School perfectly demonstrates how business, government and schools can work in co-operation and partnership to forge a solid future for our pupils and teachers."
For further information on the competition please contact Northgate-IS Education, Tel: (028) 90859085. The winning entries will be announced in September 2006.
