Neighbouring local authorities Torfaen and Monmouthshire, take a giant leap into the future next Tuesday when they unveil their twenty first century teacher development zone in County Hall, Cwmbran.
Monnmouthshire County Council Vice Chairman, Councillor Brian Hood, will formally open the suite with the Leader of Torfaen Council, Councillor Bob Wellington.
The project is an innovative example of the joint working between Torfaen and Monmouthshire, undertaken to improve services while sharing costs and expertise.
The state-of-the-art technology suite part, officially known as the twenty first century teacher development zone, comprises five rooms with twin screen laptops, video conferencing, a live TV recording and editing studio, e-boards, 3D projector facilities and touch screen computers. Many of these features are so up to date that they are the first of their kind in Europe.
The suite is primarily a teacher and support staff training facility and was part funded by the Welsh Assembly’s 21st Century school grant. Teachers will make the most of the technology on offer and take their newly gained knowledge back to school. The suite has been designed so that the equipment can be relocated when County Hall closes in 2012.
Councillor Hood said: “It’s a source of great pleasure that Monmouthshire and Torfaen are associated with such cutting edge technology and it points to a bright future for our youngsters in education”.
Councillor Bob Wellington added: “This is another piece in our technology rich learning jigsaw to ensure young people in Torfaen have the digital skills to compete in a rapidly changing world and a demanding employment market. This is the first collaborative facility to develop teaching skills for multiple authorities and just the latest example of Torfaen collaborating with public service partners to deliver innovative ways of working and the best possible value for money.”
The Education Minister Leighton Andrews (pictured) said: “It is important that teachers have access to state-of-the-art equipment to ensure learners get the best possible education across Wales. The new teacher development zone is a clear example of 21st Century technology and training for teachers which will have wide-reaching benefits for Torfaen and Monmouthshire.”
