Page 4012 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
What are we doing to make sure that our students remain on top of STEM training? I refer members opposite to our commitment to a centre of excellence in science, technology, engineering and maths that will be established at the Caroline Chisholm School.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, what resources are directed to ACT public schools to ensure that all students have appropriate computer skills and access to appropriate ICT equipment?
MS BURCH: ACT public education has strong access to ICT resources and support through their teachers—and recognising that this report went across government and non-government schools. Here in the ACT we are undertaking significant change in the way technology is assessed and delivered across our schools to make it easier for teachers and students alike to integrate ICT across the curriculum.
The directorate has been supporting teachers in developing their skills by leading the nation successfully in implementing simple to use platforms like Google apps for education. Teachers can now integrate a range of ICT tools directly into their classroom. We indeed have a significant uptake across our schools of Google apps education. I think we are leading the nation on that. We also have the fastest wireless speed times across our schools to make sure all our students in all our schools have good access to ICT.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, how many schools have dedicated teacher-librarian positions and/or ICT teachers with the necessary skills to teach students ICT subjects?
MS BURCH: I will have to take on notice the number of teacher-librarians in schools because local schools make decisions about what additional resources they want to have in their schools, but we have made a dedicated and a firm commitment to provide upskilling and teacher training so that they can deliver on these curricula. We are at the forefront of delivering on the Australian curriculum. We are at the forefront of Google apps for education and, as this report identifies, we remain strong and above the national average.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Apart from Google apps, minister, what are you doing to address this decline?
MS BURCH: The education council advisory group is looking at how are our students smart citizens on the internet and with regard to information technology. On that committee we have the e-commissioner. We have also got representatives from—
Mr Smyth interjecting—
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video