Parkhurst embraces 21st century learning

Little over 18 months ago, Parkhurst State School was a completely different place.

There was no computer server, a high student to computer ratio and the school's teachers had very few skills in the area of ICT.

Fast forward to the present day, and the Rockhampton school is the recipient of a 21st century technological overhaul - all of which began back in November 2007.

'We have experienced a major paradigm shift in the way we approach and do things here, and it's happened so quickly,' said Principal Lyle Walker.

'Every classroom now has an interactive whiteboard, a data projector, digital cameras, and we now have our own Music Innovation Centre and computers - complete with MOE.'

'It's an amazing boost to the school's infrastructure and resources.'

With emphasis on up-skilling all teachers,' Parkhurst State School has developed the motto 'Tomorrow's Teaching and Technology Today'.

Working together, the team now boasts onsite Pedagogical Licence facilitators, OneSchool mentors, Digital Content crew members and several licence holders.

Thanks to regular professional learning opportunities and encouragement for teachers to work together, the school is set to further show that they are leaders in ICT.

'One teacher has gone from ignoring computers to being a leader of professional learning for colleagues,' said Mr Walker.

'Staff have quickly experienced a confidence boost and are now competent in sharing their practices while utilising new technologies.'

'In a very short time we have emerged as a 21st century learning community, engaging staff and students with productive pedagogy.

'We now have visitors entering the school gates to see ICT in action in the classroom.'