Argyll and Bute Council has announced an investment of £1.9 million over the next five years to support digital learning.
It said the money will go into a major upgrade of its education network, the integration of emerging technology and skills development in its schools and communities.
The council’s policy and resources committee has agreed on the investment as part of its Education Network Transformation Programme.
This has come in response to changes in education during the Covid-19 pandemic, increased cyber threats and new digital developments, which have created the need for a more flexible network.
Key elements of the transformation include an infrastructure of Argyll and Bute’s education network to support a shift towards hybrid learning for in-schools and at-home, bolstered by the adoption of a zero trust approach to security.
This will be accompanied by the integration of technologies such as AI, augmented and virtual reality and gamification into the schools’ curriculum; and by efforts to provide learniner with up-to-date skills to improve their employability and support the local economy.
Inclusive environment
Cllr Audrey Forress, the council’s police lead for education, said: “With significant investment over the next five years, we can create a digitally inclusive educational environment where new and emerging technology is part of everyday learning in our schools.
“The introduction of a more flexible education network will deliver improved security, equity and flexibility to broaden the available curriculum offerings across all schools. By doing this, we can nurture home-grown talent and equip learners with up to date employability skills to help them contribute and support their own local communities and industries.”
