Whitney Institute students are the first to test out a new two-way cable system designed and built by CableVision.

CableVision general manager, Jeremy Elmas said that the other Middle Schools are asking for the new communication method but Whitney is acting as the pilot project.

"Our two-way network has been designed so that a video production cart can be positioned anywhere on campus, connected to the cable network, broadcast from the video cart location and viewed anywhere in the school on the in-house channel," he said.

The video production cart is a mobile apparatus that contains all the components needed to record and transmit broadcasts, including a camera, modulator, and microphones.

Mr. Elmas said: "The possibilities for this type of network are almost endless. Along with schools, businesses can also benefit. For, example the president of a company could speak to employees without leaving his office; conversely, employees could demonstrate a new product or service to a group sitting in a boardroom."

WIMS TV, which stands for Whitney Institute Middle School, allows Principal Freddie Evans to communicate with the entire school simultaneously. And unlike PA systems, a face can be projected with a voice.

"Each day students make announcements on upcoming events, sports results, and even the weather, said Mr. Evans.

"We have a list of students who want to be involved ? it is a real learning tool for them."

Using the video production cart, students can film their own video clips and combine them to appear on the daily broadcast, through CableVision's digital line-up, and then they will be broadcast on their network.

Mr. Evans said that he became interested in the system after seeing it in a school in Texas, US.

"I approached vendors in Bermuda, and CableVision came forward to assist and develop the system. The Ministry of Education paid for the materials and installation," said Mr. Evans.

Minister of Education Terry Lister said: "CableVision's two-way cable system is an added benefit for Whitney Students. Not only does it increase communication modes at the school but students also learn about broadcasting techniques. It adds another dimension to their learning."

Whitney had their inaugural broadcast in October when they had an open house to introduce their new online curriculum.