FarNet is one of four Digital Opportunities Pilot Projects that aimed to “bridge the digital divide” by introducing information and communications technology (ICT) into various educational settings with the ultimate aim of improving student achievement and increasing participation, particularly in maths, science and technology. The Far North was chosen as an area because the isolated nature of the schools there made it an ideal candidate area for electronic links, yet geographically challenging in terms of bandwidth provision, and because it had been identified as an area requiring support.
Purpose
This evaluation aimed to examine the assumptions underpinning FarNet; to document the implementation of FarNet; to document changes specifically in terms of access to ICT for teaching and learning resources, confidence with ICT, pedagogy and student outcomes; to identify the resources, skills, and conditions that contribute to effective use of ICT to assist teaching and learning; to examine the extent to which collaboration occurs in resource development and use within and across schools; and to highlight examples of good practice in the use of ICT by students and teachers, and in the development of resources, that stem from the project.