The city of Offenbach has foresightedly driven forward the digitalization of its schools and has already successively equipped them with fibre optic connections. The next step is to introduce the digital future by setting up Wi-Fi networks and equipping classrooms with presentation devices and tablets. This will be made possible with funding from the Digital Pact for Schools in Hesse. "Equipping Offenbach's schools with modern digital technology is a focus of Offenbach's school policy, alongside the new construction and gradual refurbishment of our schools," emphasizes Head of Schools Paul-Gerhard Weiß.
Weiß points out that, as a first step, the city has already connected all schools in the city area to the Internet with fiber optic technology at its own expense. "All Offenbach schools are connected to high-speed Internet and are therefore equipped for all foreseeable digital teaching formats. This is the prerequisite for being able to use the funds from the digital pact sensibly." The second step now involves setting up a data network within the school for the use of Wi-Fi in lessons. As a third step, the local authority intends to purchase the relevant equipment and install the required presentation technology in the classrooms.
The expansion of WLAN is at the heart of the Hesse Digital Pact. At its most recent meeting, the municipal council made the necessary decision to award the contract for the installation of Wi-Fi networks in schools. The contract was awarded to an experienced planning office that has already supported the Main-Kinzig district and the district of Fulda in expanding the Wi-Fi structure. "The awarding of the contract by the municipal council is an important milestone in the expansion of the digital infrastructure at Offenbach's schools. With the Wi-Fi equipment, we are creating a comprehensive and technically powerful basis for the use of mobile devices such as tablets in the classrooms."
In light of coronavirus and all the associated circumstances, Offenbach's Head of Schools is particularly pleased that the expansion of the digital infrastructure at schools is continuing without delay. "The coronavirus crisis has shown how important digital equipment and the schools' expertise in dealing with it is. Some schools have already learned how to use it professionally, others are now motivated to catch up. We are supporting schools in this and know that it is a challenge for schools to develop and introduce pedagogical and didactic concepts."
However, a particular challenge also awaits the commissioned planning office: In just over two years' time, all schools are to be covered by WLAN. 28 schools have to be inspected and construction plans viewed. The subsequent planning has to be coordinated with the city education authority, building construction and facility management before implementation can begin. The construction work involved is sometimes considerable. Head of Schools Weiß is pleased that the schedule has been adhered to so far and thanks the administration for the good preparation.
Offenbach applied for money from the Hesse Digital Pact funding program at a very early stage and was the first school authority in Hesse to receive approval notices for 3.37 million euros for the installation of Wi-Fi at schools, as well as a further 850,000 euros for the installation of Wi-Fi at three schools that are currently being renovated. The city can expect a total of €9.67 million from the digital pact, of which €2.4 million must be raised as a municipal contribution. At the beginning of June 2020, Offenbach entered into a cooperation agreement with the city of Hanau and the Main-Kinzig district to procure information technology and mobile devices with the funds from the digital pact. The partners hope to save costs through joint purchasing and the corresponding increase in order volume. Due to the coronavirus crisis, the federal government has made improvements and wants to provide the federal states with additional funding for the procurement of tablets for teaching. "Once the allocation of funds has been completed, we will distribute this equipment in close cooperation with the schools," Weiß continues.