Wednesday, 23 May 2012
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Connected Government, Digital Inclusion, E-Government, Education IT
Australia escalates US$2.56 billion digital education revolution
Australia’s foray into a “Digital Education Revolution” has picked up momentum with nearly one million computers already installed in Australian schools. Computers will soon outnumber students.
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This latest tally exceeds the national target of 786,000 computers aimed at turning every secondary school into a digital school, says Australian Minister for School Education, Peter Garrett.
Australia’s computers-for-every-classroom reform is part of an AUD $2.4 billion (US$2.56 billion) Digital Education Revolution.
This classroom revolution seeks to prepare students for a 21st century digital economy, while providing enough computers for every senior high school student nationally.
“It’s imperative that Australian students have access to world-class computers and technology if we are to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world,” says Peter Garrett.
Educational reform is more than just delivering computers. “It’s also about providing the extra digital resources teachers and students need to make the most of the technology.”
Australia’s computer roll-out is transforming the way students learn, enabling them to work autonomously and develop ICT skills needed to go on to higher education, into a trade or enter the workforce.
Federal, State and Local government agencies are teaming with educational institutions and peak learning bodies to more effectively integrate ICT with school curriculum and deliver on-line learning to computer-savvy students.
Based on current projections, school computers may outnumber students. Computer purchases are being fast-tracked across key states and territories. Schools are also adding mobile devices to inventory, including iPads and tablets.
This computer purchase program is supported by access to high-speed, fast-access broadband communications — connecting classrooms across cities, towns and regional areas.
The Australian Government’s Digital Education Revolution taps into feedback from a high-level advisory board. Members of this board represent higher education, peak distance learning bodies, government agencies, and teaching and learning institutes.
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3 Comments
On 16 February 2012 Stuart wrote:
So it's been done. The “Digital Education Revolution”. Every student in years 9 through 12 have a computer/laptop/tablet. Teachers have totally been in upheaval and changed the way they teach in order to take advantage of the new devices. But in 2013? Where are the laptops for year 9? In 2014? 2015?
What sort of “revolution” would do this for one four-year period and then stop it completely? What do teachers do? Go back to blackboards, text books and exercise books? What was the point of spending $2.56 BILLION if you're not going to sustain it into the future? The whole thing was pointless.
On 19 February 2012 Mary-Lou wrote:
I applaud the investment in education. And even if we recycle the computers so that the current year 12s hand over their computers to the year 9s of next year, there remains the fact that even these machines will become outdated in a number of years and need either an upgrade or replacement.
This needs to go hand-in-hand with tech support at the schools, over the long-term.
But there is more to having a digital education revolution than a computer in every classroom and access to the internet. Quite apart from the technical and hardware side of things is the pedagogical question of how having the techology can enhance the learning of the students.
The novelty factor wears off quite quickly, so there has to be more substance to it rather than just making learning 'fun'.
I am yet to come across peer-reviewed studies proving that technology improves learning outcomes.
On 20 February 2012 MikePearsonNZ wrote:
An investment in ICT that is obsolete every 2-3 years is not strategic. Shifting to a 21st century education paradigm that uses any current and future ICT is. The lifeblood of ICT is the network, so providing broadband is also strategic. It would be interesting to know about Australia's strategy for changing how they encourage learning for the 21st century.