The Internet
AT WORK
For businesses of all sizes, the Internet has become an essential communication tool for keeping in touch with work colleagues, customers and suppliers. It is also invaluable in the workplace for research and for business promotion and development. Within the past few years the Internet has changed the world of work and it will continue to be an instrument of innovation and change into the future.
IN EDUCATION
In terms of availability and access, the Internet is hard to beat as an educational resource. Teachers, publishers and educators all over the world have made content available online that provides unique learning and collaboration opportunities.
Internet-literacy is increasingly expected in all walks of life so the government is encouraging Internet use by making broadband available in all primary and secondary schools.
For more information on the Broadband in Schools project, visit http://www.education.ie/.
AT HOME
Many of us are using the Internet at home now and wouldn't be without it. Email allows us to keep in touch with family and friends wherever they may be. The web provides access to information on every topic under the sun. Online shopping is now a reality and we're buying everything from books and music to travel tickets, and a lot more besides. E-government initiatives mean that we are gradually being encouraged to pay taxes like motor and income tax online. Online banking is now a reality too. All of these activities can be now undertaken from the convenience of our own home computer.
BROADBAND
Broadband is important because it makes the Internet much more accessible and useful, and also provides access to new telecommunication services and possibilities. To make the most of these developments, it is important that we become proficient as both providers and consumers of broadband-based services.
