TeleBermuda International is continuing its support of the Bermuda public school system.

Since 2001, the company has provided the schools with free Internet service.

TBI initially provided approximately 6 MB of free bandwidth to CedarBridge Academy which served as the network hub. Internet services were then distributed from CBA to all other schools in the Bermuda public school system and TBI extended the bandwidth to 15 MB.

After extending their generosity in 2005, the telecommunications company has again renewed their agreement to provide free Internet services in 2007. With the further addition of 5MB of bandwidth, TBI has donated a total of 20 MB of bandwidth.

The company's donation enhances web-based instructional and administrative programmes in a variety of areas including:

• Homeroom. Com — an assessment and diagnostic tool which provides teachers and administrators with student performance data and helps develop students' test taking skills.

• United Streaming — an extensive video archive which provides instruction in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Health.

• Grolier's Online Encyclopaedia — an online multimedia encyclopaedia, specifically designed to provide research opportunities to students of all ages.

• Microsoft Class Server — a powerful learning management tool for delivering assessments and lessons over the Web that enables school districts and teachers to track and improve student achievement against local curriculum standards.

• EBSCO Online Database Service — an online collection of databases that provide students and teachers with research opportunities

• Associated Press Graphic Database Service — an online collection of photographs, images and audio content which can be used by students to enhance their assignments and classroom projects

• Chancery Student Management System — a centralised student database system that manages student attendance, grades and conduct information.

• Middle School Online Curriculum — an online collection of lesson plans and curriculum documents designed to deliver instruction to middle school students in mathematics, language arts, science and social studies.

Last week Minister of Education, Sport and Recreation Randolph Horton thanked TBI president and COO Gregory Swan for the company's ongoing support.

"I am pleased and thankful for the level of support the Ministry of Education, Sports and Recreation has received from TeleBermuda International over the last few years.

"It has definitely been a valuable one. It's no question that technology plays a major role in cultivating our young people to meet the challenges of the future," he said.

Mr. Swan added: "TBI has always been committed to supporting educational programmes which assist in the development and empowerment of all young Bermudians."