in computer science if Bermuda-based insurance giant XL, Stanford University and the University of Virginia continue to initiate new computer consulting courses.

The three organisations are partners in shaping Bermuda's senior schools computer science curriculum to fuel the information technology industry with Bermudian professionals.

Stanford course instructor and research assistant Michael Ross said: "Hopefully, this year we'll introduce a new course on the Computer Consulting which will culminate in A (plus) certification, a widely recognised credential which will allow students to immediately begin filling the IT (information technology) positions in the work force.

"The curriculum is also designed to be modular and dynamic, meaning that as new technology is introduced, new courses will be created, and older courses will be moved to the middle schools.'' This is the most recent development in the XL Education Initiative, a programme that instructs teachers and works with students in a Stanford-developed Information Technology curriculum.

"A strong background in IT is absolutely vital in the workplace of today -- there's also a huge shortage of IT and computer science professionals, in Bermuda and in the world as a whole.

"We're developing a world class computer science curriculum for the Bermudian school system, which combines formal study of Computer Science with hands-on IT training.'' Although the XL Initiative has performed extremely well over the past two years in existence, a better understanding came about when Stanford student and Berkeley Institute graduate Andrew Simons joined the Stanford's Computer Science Team as a consultant.

Andrew speaks highly of Bermuda and the programme: "From a first hand perspective - you can do anything if your believe in yourself and give yourself credit for your talents and abilities. However, you must commit to work for what you want to achieve.

"Students in the public school system aren't expected to work, and therefore don't.'' Andrew believes prior to the programme, a lot of education officials had a "don't push them too hard'' mentality toward the students and that prevented pupils from excelling because they were not being taught that hard work is how to succeed.

"We need a shift in (ideals), from the teachers to the students to the parents.'' As new corporate partners and friends join the Initiative, XL will change the programme's name to Bermuda Education Initiative to reflect the mental evolution into concerned-citizens -- a mind-set becoming prevalent in corporate Bermuda.

Project coordinator Zephora Haddon-Harris of XL said: "We've had a wonderful taste of success. The work the students have already done within the new curriculum is absolutely phenomenal, which proves that Bermudian students are more than able to compete in the global arena of IT.'' The two US universities in the Initiative handle different responsibilities within the programme.

The Department of Computer Science at Stanford University has assumed responsibility to prepare students for successful careers involving the information technologies in nearly every facet of society.

University of Virginia's Curry Centre for Technology and Teacher Education has assumed responsibility to instruct local teachers how to employ technologies to enhance the learning of students in the core subjects.

Two teams from the Centre are working with Cedarbridge and Berkeley teachers to integrate technologies in mathematics and social sciences while a third team prepares other teachers to use generic technologies.

Mathematics workshops to instruct teachers in the use of technology for Math were run in July and November 1999 as well as March and July 2000.

The Social Science team has held a similar set of workshops, teaching skills such as web authoring, scanning, digital photography, e-mail and discussion groups, with specific application to the social studies curriculum.

The third team, educates teachers in the use of generic technologies. They have held nine workshops called Technology Infusion Projects and worked individually with TIP teachers after the completed programmes.

This incredible compilation of teamwork, capital funds and academic enterprise has provided Bermuda's youth with an opportunity to join what Stanford's Mr.

Ross calls a "ready and waiting IT industry''.

Zephora Haddon-Harris of XL said: "This success will only continue to blossom as the XL Education Initiative, and the Bermuda Education Initiative drive forward. These programmes have provided and will continue to provide a wonderful opportunity for Bermudian students. The future is Information Technology, the future is the students of Bermuda and that future is now.'' XL-lent: Bermudian Stanford student Andrew Simons (left) joins the XL and Bermuda Initiative programmes to educate senior school students in a world-class Computer Science curriculum. At right is Stanford course instructor Michael Ross.