[LINK] Rudd's vow, but cost of computers to hit states

[Tom Worthington]

At 08:06 PM 29/03/2008, Jan Whitaker wrote:
>... have a look at the info in: 
>http://pre2005.flexiblelearning.net.au/clicks/index.htm
>This is a research project and report I led in 2002 that outlines a 
>slew of issues involved in adapting a school environment for high 
>computer use.  ...

Excellent report. As you say, there have been a few changes since 
then with the technology, but I suspect that curriculum and 
professional development problems are even greater, due to the 
increased expectations.

One comment in "Report on principles and guidelines for best practice 
rule Challengeable Assumptions about ICT and facilities management" 
is "a VET institute designed their new library with totally 
electronic information.
Few came. Books were added to the library. People came. " 
<http://pre2005.flexiblelearning.net.au/clicks/res_libr/bestprac/pt2_s1.htm>.

In the last year I have noticed academic libraries clearing printed 
materials from the most accessible parts of their buildings, replaced 
by rows of computers. I suspect this is mostly the librarians 
responding to customer demand, rather than forcing the change on 
students. If this continues, librarians could well end up running 
most of the education spaces at TAFEs and universities. Apart from a 
few special purpose scientific labs and a few remaining large lecture 
theatres, everything else could be replaced by general purpose 
computer equipped rooms 
<http://www.tomw.net.au/blog/2008/03/hi-tech-conference-training-and.html>.

There have been some technological changes which make this easier, as 
for example, LCD screens are less subject to reflections from windows 
and lights than CRT screens were, allowing more flexible room 
arrangements. WiFi and systems such as EduRoam make networking 
easier. But more could be done to minimize the cost of desks and 
powerpoints <http://www.tomw.net.au/blog/2008/04/classroom-design.html>.



Tom Worthington FACS HLM tom.worthington at tomw.net.au Ph: 0419 496150
Director, Tomw Communications Pty Ltd            ABN: 17 088 714 309
PO Box 13, Belconnen ACT 2617                      http://www.tomw.net.au/
Adjunct Senior Lecturer, ANU