The good oil on computers for schools

Peter Dinham
Wednesday, 14 September 2011 15:20

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

More than half a million computers have already been installed in schools across Australia as the federal government continues to rollout its computers-for-schools program aimed at enhancing digital learning opportunities for students.

The computers - numbering 590,000 at the end of June - have been rolled out to schools under the National Secondary School Computer Fund, as part of the Gillard Government's $2.4 billion so-called digital education revolution.

The Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett, said today the government was on track to complete the rollout of the computers in schools scheme with 75 per cent of the total number installed at the end of June.

'At the end of the June quarter there were a total of 590 000 computers rolled out, and since then many thousands more have made their way into our classrooms. All state and territory education ministers have provided me with written assurances that they are on track to meet the 1:1 ratio for all students between Years 9-12.'

The minister said students across Australia were now experiencing the benefits of digital learning, with the computers being put to use in a 'remarkable variety of ways.'

'For example, language teachers are able set up a wiki page with native speakers in other countries and Australian students are communicating with students in these countries in real time.

'History students are able to access the National Library and other digital archives to look at original documents such as Captain Cook's diary, while other schools are using Skype sessions to communicate with students from vastly different communities, such as students in Western Sydney talking to their counterparts in the outback.'

In a shot across the bow of the federal opposition, the minister said that while the Gillard Government was committed to providing 'world-class technology and learning opportunities', the Abbott-led Coalition 'wants to cut more than $640 million from the Digital Education Revolution.'

'Not only do they want to slash funding for schools, but they are continuing to mislead parents about the success of the Government's programs. The Opposition continues to wrongly allege that this scheme is behind schedule but the figures released today tell the true story.'

According to the minister, as well as providing computers for schools nationally, the government is delivering digital learning resources and online diagnostic tools for teachers, students and parents.