To mark the successful implementation of Wi-Fi networks in 50 Croatian schools, Microsoft Croatia, the Croatian Academic and Research Network – CARNet, and the Ministry of Science, Education, and Sports organized a ceremony at the Ruđer Bošković Technical Secondary School in Zagreb.
The ceremony was attended by the principals of the schools involved in the project, representatives of educational agencies and senior officials, who were welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Science, Education and Sports Hrvoje Šlezak, American Ambassador to Croatia Julieta Valls Noyes, CARNet Chief Executive Officer Zvonimir Stanić, and Microsoft Croatia and B&H CEO Ivan Vidaković. During the presentation, Samir Benkmakhlouf, Microsoft Connectivity Solutions Director, pointed out that the digital transformation occurring in educational systems all over the world needs to be embraced. This project will enable better connectivity for more than 26,000 students, also giving them access to the “world of knowledge.” As noted by Alexander Toledo Leite, CEO of MS Connectivity, this will allow organizations, employees, and students to access cloud computing in locations where good connectivity was previously unavailable.
The project is fully financed by Microsoft Croatia and is being carried out in cooperation with CARNet and the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s commitment to providing modern technology to schools and aims to help younger generations become more competitive in the labor market.
In addition to high-speed internet access, schools will receive a high level of security and control when connecting to the network, as students can only access the network via their AAI@EduHr electronic identities, which automatically grant them access to the school system and MS Office 365.
“Nowadays, life without the internet is inconceivable. Therefore, in addition to a modern way of life and the development of digital technology, the educational system also needs to be developed, along with the creation of digitally competent and computer-literate students. The project to implement wireless internet in 50 primary and secondary schools throughout Croatia will enable students and teachers to have fast and reliable internet access, and thereby a broad spectrum of information and new knowledge,” said CARNet Chief Executive Officer Zvonimir Stanić, adding that access to wireless internet will also facilitate the work of principals and administrative staff in schools, and make it easier for teachers and students to use the e-Class Register and other CARNet services.