A BALLAKERMEEN High School project to help parents learn computer skills has proved so popular that plans are being made to put on more classes next year.
The final session in the current series of classes was supported by Manx Telecom and featured experts showing parents how to install internet routers and giving advice on internet security.
The ICT (Information and Communications Technology) For Parents classes were devised by Ballakermeen staff after the school gained the Leading Parent Partnership Award last year.
Ballakermeen Parents' Association funded two ICT For Parents teachers.
Kelly Bromley, head of ICT at the school, and Ben Farnworth, head of Media Studies, planned three sets of ICT lessons offered free of charge to parents and members of the school community.
Ballakermeen High School headteacher Adrienne Burnett said: "We organised a range of support sessions enabling parents to find out more about what their children are learning at school.
"The ICT sessions are proving particularly popular and I am delighted that Manx Telecom has offered to provide additional support, both in terms of equipment on loan and specialists on hand to answer any queries.
"We very much hope that this partnership will continue to develop for the benefit of students and parents alike."
Head of customer service delivery at Manx Telecom Adrian Cowin and three Manx Telecom broadband support team staff showed parents how to install an internet router and create a secure home network.
Advice was also given on how parents can help their children stay safe online.
Adrian said: "It was fantastic to see such a good turn out from parents, especially considering the weather on the night.
"The ICT For Parents project is an excellent idea which will help parents support their own children in a teaching and learning environment.
"Technology changes so quickly and we are very keen to support projects such as this which help our customers get the best possible experience from the products and services we provide."
During the class Adrian and his team discussed some common problems which can impair internet access in the home.
For example, at this time year Christmas tree lights may create interference which can affect broadband services.
On average Manx Telecom's broadband support team deals with 1,800 queries every month, with 98 per cent of these being resolved by advisers talking to customers over the phone.
Pictured are Ballakermeen High School deputy headteacher Annette Baker, seated, and standing left to right are Kelly Bromley, head of ICT, Ben Farnworth, head of media studies and Adrian Cowin, Manx Telecom head of customer service delivery.
