Posted November 2008 Broadband project enhances eLearning in rural schools
		A growing number of rural and remote Queensland schools are enjoying greater access to the Learning Place thanks to an Australian government initiative aimed at enhancing broadband telecommunications infrastructure.

The Learning Place Access Enhancement Project is a Clever Networks program funded by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE). Under the project, 128 Queensland schools will have their bandwidth increased to a Broadband Digital Subscriber Line (BDSL) service over the next three years. This increased internet speed will improve their ability to access Learning Place environments and resources.

A consequential benefit will be to the schools’ communities as this BDSL service will also be available to local families and businesses that want to make use of the faster network speeds. One school praising the benefits of greater broadband access is Pilton State School in the Darling Downs region. Since receiving the upgrade last year, the school has been moving toward locating much of its teaching and learning program in virtual classrooms using the Learning Place.

A virtual classroom is a private online space that teachers can use to support student learning. It is accessible at all times via the internet. Through virtual classrooms, Pilton State School students have been taking part in group and individual learning activities; discussions boards, online chats with other students, blogs, wikis and WebQuests.

Principal Stuart Fuller says greater broadband access has encouraged independent and active learning behaviours among students. ‘The students have become more self-directed; working independently and taking greater responsibility for their own learning,’ he says.

Another great benefit of enhanced broadband capability is that students can access their work from home. “Parents have a positive view of this as it gives them a better understanding of what their children are doing at school and allows them to become more involved in classroom activities,’ Mr Fuller says.

For further information visit the Learning Place Access Enhancement Project homepage.