ICT advancements for ACT schools

079/11

The ACT Labor Government continues to work to ensure all ACT students are prepared for life and work in the 21st century, by ensuring students have access to high quality ICT equipment and education.

A highlight of the ACT Directorate of Education and Training’s Annual Report 2010-11, is the completion of a number of important information technology projects across ACT public schools in 2010-11 – some of which include:

• Wireless networks installed in all 84 ACT public schools and colleges,
• achieving a ratio of 1:1 in students to computers throughout years 9 to 12 in all ACT public schools, and
• the successful implementation of the new virtual learning environment, Connected Learning Communities (cLc).

The cLc provides opportunities for learning previously unavailable to teachers and students. It incorporates podcasting, video conferencing, a digital portfolio and video on demand functions – and also allows parents to be more involved with their children’s learning, with a parent portal.

Another highlight of the annual report is the completion and commencement of a number of major public school infrastructure projects. These include the opening of two new schools, Gungahlin College and Namadgi School, and the commencement of construction of Harrison Secondary School.

2010-11 also seen the the completion of all the Federal Labor funded Building the Education Revolution (BER) projects in the ACT, on time and on budget. The ACT was the first jurisdiction in the country to complete all BER projects.

The completion of these important information technology and capital works projects in ACT public schools is yet another example of ACT Labor’s commitment to ensure our students emerge from school with the skills they need to live productive and happy lives in the 21st century.