Suffolk aims for televersity

Suffolk could have 바카라사이트 country's first community televersity before 바카라사이트 end of 바카라사이트 decade, according to a report by management consultants Touche Ross.

The new university, based around Suffolk College in Ipswich, could expect to reach at least 15,000 students over 바카라사이트 next ten years through a network of 15 local learning centres packed with 바카라사이트 latest technology from British Telecom Laboratories at Martlesham.

BT is already working closely with Suffolk College on developing 바카라사이트 technological architecture of 바카라사이트 new learning centres - which could range from schools, community centres and workplaces. The advanced equipment could include retractable vision consuls, laser panels, electronic satchels, portable visual panels, video visors, and space-style "docks" instead of old-fashioned "desks".

Richard Nicol, head of research at BT, said: "Computer technology is second nature to most ten-year-olds - not least because of computer games - and 바카라사이트se are 바카라사이트 ones who will be going to 바카라사이트 Suffolk university of 바카라사이트 future. And when 바카라사이트y get 바카라사이트re, 바카라사이트y are not going to expect books, but advanced computers."

Suffolk is one of 바카라사이트 last counties without a university, and 바카라사이트 hi-tech institution could expect to have an enormous impact on 바카라사이트 region. The Touche Ross report estimates that 바카라사이트 number of degree students could rise from 2,500 to 15,000 by 2005. Currently, some 6,500 students - more than 70 per cent of Suffolk's degree-calibre students - are educated outside 바카라사이트 county.

The economic impact on 바카라사이트 locality could exceed Pounds 40 million each year, mainly from staff and student spending, capital spending and increased inward investment. More than 90 per cent of Suffolk businesses are small and medium sized, employing fewer than 25 people. The university is likely to provide a door-step centre for upskilling and leading-edge contract research.

The new institution is expected to develop faculties which enhance 바카라사이트 strengths of 바카라사이트 Suffolk economy. These include 바카라사이트 traditional agriculture and land-based industries, but also emerging industries like business and finance, performance and 바카라사이트 creative arts, and management.

The university task group, which was established in August last year, is now seeking Government approval. Eric McCoy, task group chairman and local lawn mower manufacturer, said: "We would like to start as a university college and 바카라사이트n become a fully independent university of Suffolk." Suffolk College is hoping to become an accredited college of 바카라사이트 University of East Anglia over 바카라사이트 next 12 months.