iPods and digital learning devices are coming to Victorian Government classrooms thanks to almost $200,000 in Brumby Labor Government grants.
Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad today congratulated Tyrell P-12 College, Ultima Primary School, Woorinen District Primary School and Nyah District Primary School which received a total of $18,000 in technology grants from the Innovating with Technology program.
“The Brumby Labor Government is building a better education system by combining a bricks and mortar rebuilding program with new technology in the classroom,” Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said.
Ms Broad said students at Tyrell P-12 College, Ultima Primary School, Woorinen District Primary School and Nyah District Primary School will soon be using the latest digital learning technology in their classrooms.
“Education is the Brumby Labor Government’s number one priority and these technology grants are another exciting way that we are ensuring students develop 21st century skills for 21st century jobs”, Ms Broad said.
“Students are sophisticated users of information and communication technology in their day-to-day lives and they enjoy using these technologies in the classroom too”.
32 Victorian government schools will receive grants of $3000 each to investigate the impact of handheld devices, such as iPods and mobile phones, on student performance by extending learning beyond the classroom and putting students at the centre of their own learning.
18 rural and remote schools will receive grants of $5000 each to investigate the collaborative use of online spaces on teaching and learning, strengthening rural networks and improving educational opportunities for rural students.
“The Brumby Labor Government is investing more than $150 million annually on information and communication technologies to make sure government schools remain at the forefront of a rapidly changing digital world”, Ms Pike said.
“Government schools have also been provided with free internet this year – saving schools an estimated $9.5 million from their school budgets”.
The Innovating with Technology grants would allow schools to be part of research into the value and effectiveness of using the latest technologies in schools to stimulate innovation, support student engagement and foster collaboration.
The research will be carried out in terms two, three and four this year.