Focus Firmly On Computer Literacy
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday February 18, 1998
IT'S fingers on the keyboards rather than noses to the grindstone for NSW school students this year.
As part of their preparation to enter the workforce in a new millennium, they will receive strong and ongoing support in the area of computer literacy.
The recent merger of the former Departments of School Education and TAFE NSW into the Department of Education and Training is expected to ensure greater integration and co-ordination of curriculum and technological support services to schools.
As part of the drive to make computer literacy a priority for 1998, the Minister for Education and Training, Mr Aquilina, has informed NSW universities that all new teachers should be proficient in the educational use of computers by 2000.
In the schools, students will be encouraged to become familiar with computers and to regard them as normal, everyday, educational tools.
As a further means of improving the ability of teachers and students in the area of technological education, all the department's schools are now connected to the Internet.
Each school will have a trained Internet co-ordinator, as well as the benefit of the appointment of 40 district technology specialists to provide technology advice and support to schools at the local level.
A spokesman for the Department of Education and Training said a large number of schools, as well as the department itself, had won major awards for innovation in technology in both administration and teaching and learning.
`This is an indication of the strength of the department as a leader in technology,' he said.
Other key points about technology education for 1998 include:
* All schools have access to a range of curriculum materials which support teachers implementing technology in their day-to-day teaching across all key learning areas.
* A vocational content endorsed course in Information Technology will be available to a select number of schools in 1998, giving Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to develop industry recognised skills.
* The distribution of more than 55,000 computers to schools by June, 1998. All computers are leased and will therefore be upgraded every three years.
* Training of 15,000 teachers to increase confidence and proficiency with technology. The training, which will be completed in mid 1999, includes a course for K-12 teachers in educational uses of technology in all subjects, as well as comprehensive Internet training.
© 1998 Newcastle Herald
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