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

[Marghanita da Cruz]

Jan Whitaker wrote:
> At 06:11 PM 29/03/2008, Bernard Robertson-Dunn wrote:
>> "The Rudd Government has refused to commit to funding the ongoing 
>> costs like broadband access, rewiring and adding power outlets, higher 
>> electricity bills, air-conditioning, security, insurance, maintenance 
>> of the network and hardware," said Brett Mason, the shadow 
>> parliamentary secretary for education.
>>
>> "These are not insignificant costs; the cost of rewiring a school to 
>> accommodate new computers will be over $100,000 for the average school."
>>
>> The president of the NSW Secondary Principals Council, Jim McAlpine, 
>> has written to principals advising them to hold-off on responses to 
>> the Government's online survey about what they need to achieve the 
>> promised digital revolution.
>>
>> "The [council] is currently in consultation with the Department of 
>> Education and Training to establish the best possible approach to 
>> achieving the digital revolution in our schools," he wrote. While most 
>> of you will have received letters from the Commonwealth asking you to 
>> start completing online submissions, there are dangers in jumping in 
>> too early."
>>
>> -- 
> 
> 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. There are probably a few changes since then, like the increase in 
> wireless networking, but other things are going to be pretty consistent 
> like power outlets, desk/table layouts, effects of windows, etc. Another 
> aspect often overlooked is the need for a place for teachers to adapt 
> their curriculum and help each other and through professional development.
> 
> The associated resource library: 
> http://pre2005.flexiblelearning.net.au/clicks/res_libr/
> has a Best Practice Principles and Guidelines document that is a way to 
> do facilities planning.
> 
> If anyone has access to the Minister or state ministers, [I wrote to her 
> just after the election and didn't get too far], feel free to forward 
> the references. The work was pretty comprehensive and I'd like to see it 
> get some use besides in TAFE.
Jan,

 From what I have seen of the flexible learning stuff, it seems to be a solution 
without a problem. They are into promoting the use of new technologies etc... 
probably trying to promote cheaper teaching models. Also, these are adult 
environments and probably like Universities assume the student supplies their 
own equipment.

Schools are quite different. Though I have also heard that there are some issues 
around places in TAFE for combined School/TAFE studies, for those not wishing to 
complete Year 12.

Marghanita
-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
http://www.ramin.com.au
Phone: (+61)0414 869202