HD video conferencing will help students access to science and maths subjects ahead of university.
County Offaly Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) has adopted LifeSize’s HD video conferencing device to help Irish schools provide specialised subjects and connect with foreign students
The initiative comes as an increasing number of Irish schools experience smaller school sizes as well as a lack of resources and teachers in science and maths.
The Beyond the Walls scheme will allow teachers of minority subjects from one school to broadcast to five others in the region.
Features of the video conferencing device include a recording tool to ensure students can catch-up on missed lessons.
Edward McEvoy, CEO of Offaly VEC, said the system will offer students a wider variety of subjects and give them an advantage ahead of university.
He explained: “We’re passionate about encouraging science, and this offers the students an incredible way to engage with subjects and other students from different backgrounds.”
The Beyond the Seas scheme will help to inspire students through cultural and scientific exchanges by connecting local schools with partner locations in Georgia, USA.
Andreas Wienold, international VP of LifeSize, said: “As a result of using LifeSize video conferencing, students are now studying specialist subjects and languages regularly and have continuous face-to-face interaction with their sister school, WareCounty High School in Georgia.”