22 May 2009

Rural internet access still slow for schools

12:37 pm on 22 May 2009

Rural school principals in many areas are frustrated at a lack of progress in getting improved internet access.

More than 40 sole-charge principals from as far afield as the Chatham Islands have been in Palmerston North this week for an annual conference, hosted by Massey University's College of Education.

Organiser Naomi Kinnaird says one of the issues discussed is the on-going difficulty many have in getting access to a reliable internet service.

The Government has announced a programme to roll-out ultra fast broadband services that would allow rural schools better access to courses and teaching resources through video links.

But Mrs Kinnaird says some remote schools still can't get any connection at all.