Government would like to work closely with private school Saltus Grammar School, which is pioneering the widespread use of latop computers in schools.

Government Ministers and Education Ministry officials were among hundreds of educators who were last week briefed on Saltus' Learning with Laptops programme, which began in September.

Education Minister Tim Smith told The Royal Gazette he had been extremely impressed with the Saltus programme and by their desire to share their experiences with all interested parties.

"I told Mr. Rowell that we would like to work as closely as possible with both the private and government sector in education. Saltus was happy to confirm what we believe -- that there is a new, even urgent impetus for exploration of information and communications technology in the classroom.'' Noting that there are now some 1,500 computers for use in the public education system, Mr. Smith said Government had already set up computer laboratories and libraries. He also confirmed that the Internet is being introduced.

"We are looking closely at a new technology curriculum and moving towards integrating and upgrading this technology.'' Mr. Smith, Finance Minister Grant Gibbons, Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher joined more than 100 other educationalists and business leaders at the forum last week.

Introduced in September, initially with 180 students, it is envisaged that all Saltus students over the age of ten will be participating in the `Learning with Laptops' programme by the year 2000.

Referring to the rapid spread of information and communication technology (ICT), Saltus headmaster Trevor Rowell told the specially invited audience: "I believe it's not a matter of whether we do this, but when. ICT is transforming the way people learn, work and communicate. I feel this is a fundamental social change and as significant as the advent of printing.

"We hope,'' he added, "that this forum will help other schools to plan their own programmes -- and possibly avoid some of the pitfalls that are inevitable in such an innovative move. I do think that Bermuda is of a size and coherence that can usefully pursue these skills.'' After a video presentation on teaching with laptops at two schools in Harlem and Cincinnati, Mr. Rowell said, "We all come into this profession to help children and to prepare them for the future''.

Emphasising that his school was anxious to share its knowledge and progress with all of Bermuda's schools, he said he believed that the programme provides a profound opportunity for Bermudians to attain highly employable skills.

Already, he said, indications were that 72 percent of students enjoyed school more, and were already far more highly motivated.