Foreword

Dear Reader,

Welcome to our Guide to Using the Internet in Irish Schools.

The Internet represents the most tangible aspect of the emergence of the Information Society. At Broadcom, we believe that Irish teachers and students should have a knowledge of the Internet - its uses, its advantages, its limitations, and its future. This knowledge will, in turn, engender an understanding of how advances in Information Technology and Telecommunications are changing the way we work, play, and learn.

Broadcom does not envisage that the Internet/World Wide Web is the ultimate solution to how educationalists can use new Telecommunications technology. No doubt other, and better, technologies will emerge in the coming years. Nevertheless, the Internet is the catalyst that will help bring about new and more lasting solutions. We believe that educationalists must help technologists in designing solutions that better empower the teacher and the student. One day, the Irish classroom may well be virtual rather than physical.

We are aware that our contribution in providing this guide is small when compared with the challenge posed to education in Ireland by the emergence of new technologies. The guide is intended for those involved in primary and secondary education in Ireland, and we hope that it will encourage debate and, in so doing, may ultimately assist in forming Irish educational policy and planning.

Sincere thanks are due to the many teachers who have helped us over the last two years. Particularly, I would like to thank the authors, Michael Hallissy and John Hurley, together with Karl Jeacle, Michelle Lamont, and Chris Bleakley who co-ordinated the production of this guide.

We at Broadcom have benefited immensely from the education system - this is our chance to give something in return. I hope you find the guide interesting, informative, and entertaining.

Gerry Cahill

Chief Executive

Broadcom Éireann Research Ltd.

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