Computers for Teachers

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Phase 3 of the Computers for Teachers rollout is now underway, with Hewlett Packard 6530b laptop computers being delivered to eligible teachers. Teachers who need the functionality of Apple laptop computers should submit a business case application.

So far, more than 30,000 laptop computers have been delivered to teachers statewide in 1085 schools and 12 TAFE institutes. Wireless networking infrastructure has been installed in more than 1000 schools.

All state schools will receive Computers for Teachers laptops and professional development funding by the end of Term 4, 2009.

Overview

Every Queensland state school teacher with a permanent teaching load of 0.4 full time equivalent (FTE) is being provided with a laptop computer as a tool of trade. TAFE teachers are receiving laptop computers as well.

The roll out of computers is staged and integrated with the deployment of the Smart Classrooms Managed Operating Environment (MOE V2.0). Schools need to have MOE V2.0 installed before their teachers receive computers.

Schools are being provided with a basic wireless networking infrastructure, which they can choose to expand.

Most laptop computers delivered through the Computers for Teachers initiative have a three year life. At the end of their lifespan, the computers will be collected by the vendors that supplied them and replacements will be provided.

Access to professional development

An integrated program of professional development and training, involving a blend of online and face-to-face learning, is being provided.

The professional development and training involves two packages:

• Discovery Pack helps teachers use the ICT initiatives being rolled out. It also prepares teachers to apply for the ICT Certificate
• Digital Pedagogy Pack helps teachers get the most from ICT to support, enhance, enable and transform teaching and learning, including planning, assessing and reporting. It also prepares them to apply for the Digital Pedagogy Licence.

Undertaking these packages will help teachers:

• enhance their digital literacy
• engage the current digital generation of students
• personalise learning
• spark innovation in learning.

Timeline of key aspects

Government supports future generations

The Federal Government has further demonstrated its commitment to 21st century learning by delivering Round Two of the National Secondary School Computer Fund Initiative.

Visiting Caboolture State High School, Deputy Prime Minster Julia Gillard announced that Australian schools are set to receive a $141 million computer package.

Part of the Digital Education Revolution, this round will see more than
141, 600 new computers delivered to Catholic and independent secondary schools across the country.

A total of 363 schools in Queensland will benefit from the project in this round.

The project, costing a total of $2 billion over six years, also includes more than $300,000 for 26 schools in flexible funding for students with disability.

Since the initiative’s launch, the Rudd Government has approved funding for almost 260,000 new computers in state, Catholic and independent secondary schools across the country.

As previously announced, the Government will cover legitimates costs to install and maintain the new computers purchased through the National Secondary School Computer Fund.

It also provides for online curriculum material, professional development for teachers and development for web portals for parents.

At the conclusion of Round Two, including the supplementary process, all schools in Australia will have been given the opportunity to obtain funds to reach the target ratio of 1:2 computers to students.

For more information on the National Secondary Schools Computer Fund see the Digital Education Revolution website.

Need more information?

Computers for Teachers project team
T: (07) 3421 6677
F: (07) 3421 6433
E: computersforteachers@deta.qld.gov.au