“Education for the Future” Consultation on draft National Research & Education Network (NREN) for #Trinidad #Tobago 14-15 Feb 2011

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Teritary Education (MSTTE) will be holding a stakeholder consultation entited "Education for the Future" where a draft  document for the implementation of a National Research and Education Network (NREN) for Trinidad and Tobago will be presented.

This stakeholder consultation will be held on
  • Monday 14 February 2011 from 9am to 5pm
  • Tuesday 15 February 2011 from 9am to 5pm
at the UTT Campus at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Theatre 1. 
Registration begins at 8am.

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Here are some background details about the NREN from the MSTTE annoucement:

Tertiary institutions in Trinidad and Tobago will soon be able to connect online through a National Research and Education Network [NREN). Students and faculty will gain access to a vast range of research as they communicate and share information with colleagues around the region, and eventually the world.

What are NRENs?

NRENs facilitate and support students' research and education needs. The Trinidad and Tobago NREN will provide greater and more cost effective access to an indigenous and global pool of knowledge, in a bid to meet Science and Technology objectives.

What are the advantages of NRENs?

  • Secure, affordable applications and network services
  • Bandwidth on demand
  • Cost sharing for schools to provide affordable access to international research and communications networks
  • Seamless navigation across worldwide intellectual resources through Single Sign On
  • Communication through instant messaging, e-mail alerts, VolP etc.
  • Up-to-date statistical information on the tertiary education sector.

Who are some of the other countries that have them?

  • Canada (CANARIE)
  • Sweden (SUNET)
  • Singapore (SingAREN)
  • Venezuela (REACCIUN)
  • United Kingdom (JANET)
  • Netherlands (SurfNET)

What is the Vision for the Trinidad and Tobago NREN?

The NREN will be the primary channel for enabling excellence in research and education, enhancing the quality of innovation and strategic collaboration within the tertiary sector of Trinidad and Tobago.