A team led by the ICT Adviser provides a support service to schools.

Investment in educational ICT is a national priority and the Department of Education and Children is proud of its record in this field.

High levels of modern computing equipment can be found in classrooms across the Island but more important is the use which teachers and pupils are making of these facilities to enhance the quality of learning.

Back in September 2000, all teachers were first provided with a laptop computer and all schools were fitted with wireless networks. This scheme, which included extensive training for teachers, was world leading and continues to the present day.

To the general public on the Island, perhaps the most visible aspect of the ICT initiatives is the Manx Telecomputer Bus, which is sponsored by Manx Telecom and is the Department's innovative approach to delivering the very latest technology to schools across the Island.

Recently refurbished and re-launched, it is basically a mobile classroom containing 23 wireless iMac computers with flat screens and an electronic whiteboard. When the bus arrives at a school it connects to the school’s own network so pupils’ existing work can be accessed and their work saved back onto the school server. At the same time as delivering exemplary lessons to pupils, teachers receive the very latest training while on board.

The Department’s ICT support and advisory service has received many accolades for its work in schools including awards from BECTa, eWell-Being and the New Statesman. Recently it has received visits by high-profile parties of educationalists from Russia and Sweden.