Living in the tropical north has many advantages but the tyranny of distance for those living outside the major cities often means remote schools and communities miss out on services and information available in the larger centres.

Covering schools from Cardwell to Thursday Island, Drew Dundas, the Far North’s full-time Learning Place Mentor was well aware of the need to improve communication pathways between remote schools and career related industries.

After ten years teaching in Cooktown, Drew recognised a real need to provide students with quality information about their career options and directions. With the view to creating an inter-agency link, Drew approached Mick O'Riley, a regional-based Defence Force Recruitment Officer and proposed the concept of using Education Queensland’s on-line learning program to allow him to communicate directly with schools. The idea was well received and Mick now uses Ed Qld’s Learning Place to host an ‘Army, Navy, Airforce – The Edge’ project room which permits communication between Weipa, Cooktown, Thursday Island, Mick, guidance officers and parents. Communal access to questions asked and Mick’s subsequent responses ensures even more information is shared with the participants.

Drew stressed the on-line format did not replace the face-to-face visits which Mick already made to schools. However as such visits were often limited to an hour per class, the actual time shared between agency and individual was minimal. Now the on-line project rooms offer opportunities for students and parents to ask ‘pre’ and ‘post’ visit questions directly to the recruitment officer about careers in the defence forces.

Drew has also recognised how on-line project rooms complement existing school to industry links. On the Atherton Tableland’s and throughout Cape York students are required to organise work experience in and around Cairns but this often incurs significant STD phone charges. Now students are able to make arrangements and ask pre-work questions on-line. Issues relating to required dress standards, work times and employer expectations can be discussed and students have an on-going opportunity to communicate on-line for feedback. Similarly, Drew is working with school-based trainees, Vocational Education Officers, and employers on the best use of this facility for their needs.

“I see project rooms opening the lines of communication between employees, industry and trainees,” he said.

By providing greater communication for agencies and industries, Drew’s application of Education Queensland’s on-line communication tools complements the issues identified in the Education Training and Reforms for the Future (2002). He summarises his program as

“Helping students get ready for work and or future study as well as developing their skills in information-technology and computers.”

For more information on Drew’s work contact him at adund3@eq.edu.au