The first phase of a multi-million dollar plan to take students to the forefront of the Information Age kicked off on Monday.

Earlier this year Bermuda-based insurer XL announced an agreement with Government to sponsor the design and implementation of a new curriculum for information technology studies in public schools.

Although initial research for the initiative will be conducted by Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University will also participate in the project.

On Monday, Premier Jennifer Smith met with visiting Stanford education professor Brigid Barron, two computer science graduate students, and local members of the XL Teacher Readiness Team to discuss the three-year scheme.

Before entering into a closed door discussion, Ms Smith admitted she was not yet "up to speed'' on the proposal.

But she went on to say she expected the project would be of major benefit to the Island.

And technology support officer Marva Phillips pointed out that the recent developments did not stem from new ideas.

"All of these ideas, and all of these concepts... have been presented before,'' she said.

However, implementation was hindered in previous years due to financial constraints and the restructuring of the education system, she explained.

"We know that information technology is one of the most important issues of the 21st century,'' she said.

Since arriving on Saturday the Stanford team have already met local teachers and students at the Bermuda College, Berkeley Institute, and the Dellwood Middle School to discuss educational objectives and familiarise themselves with the local environment.

And before leaving on today they will also visit CedarBridge Academy, Spice Valley Middle School, Saltus Grammar School, and Child and Adolescent Services.

EDUCATION SUMMIT -- Premier Jennifer Smith (centre) on Monday met with graduate students and a professor of Stanford University, along with representatives from XL Reinsurance and the Teacher Readiness Team at the Cabinet Building to begin the first phase of the XL Education Initiative.