Online learning resources fill disaster need

16 February 2011

Children and teachers living in flood and cyclone-affected parts of Queensland are utilising the power of eLearning to keep up-to-date with their schoolwork.

Students from across the state are able to access the department's new eClassroom website - supporting those who may have been disrupted or cut off by natural disaster.

eClassroom offers password-free access to a range of resources, activities and programs across all year levels.

Department of Education and Training Assistant Director-General, Information and Technologies, David O'Hagan said eClassroom ensured students affected by the floods or cyclone can continue learning without being at school.

'It provides students, their parents and/or guardians with easy access, flexibility and choice of resources to support learning,' said Mr O'Hagan.

'The eClassroom has been designed by Education Queensland teachers and initially focuses on the core subjects, mathematics, English and science.'

The options include:

resources (self-paced learning objects by year level)
activities (self-paced structured lessons by year level)
programs (self-paced vodcasts or daily scheduled multimedia events).

A temporary toll free Learning Helpline (1800 350 714) has been set up for teachers, parents and guardians who require assistance on how to use the eClassroom.

'There are dozens of resources for Prep to Year 12 students to work through at their own pace,' Mr O'Hagan said.

A special collaborative project room called Healing words - Helping hands is also available for all state school staff and students to share their experiences and how they supported their community.

State school teachers can also set up virtual classrooms, which are teacher-led online classrooms.

'This is a great initiative and one we really hope our students and teachers will make the most of during this difficult time,' Mr O'Hagan said.