Published
30 August 2011
Ministers
Touch-technology revolution sweeping WA public schools to assist disabled students
Education Minister Liz Constable today announced the first 150 schools to benefit from $4million funding to boost the provision of learning technology in schools.
Education Minister Liz Constable today announced the first 150 schools to benefit from $4million funding to boost the provision of learning technology in schools.
Dr Constable today said the State Government was spending $4million over four years to install new interactive whiteboards in classrooms. This funding would further assist Western Australian schools - already regarded as leading the way nationally in the use of assistive technology - to help students with disabilities learn.
Speaking at South Ballajura Education Support Centre, the Minister said the proven technology was benefiting students immensely, and particularly those with special needs such as autism and intellectual disability.
"The technology allows teachers and students to physically interact with education software programs on a large whiteboard screen," Dr Constable said.
"Students with autism are highly visual and the technology allows teachers to run image-based programs on the screen. Students can use a pointer to move and drag information around the screen.
"At South Ballajura Education Support Centre, teachers are using the technology to help their students develop spelling and numeracy skills using visually-based programs."
Typically, the technology works by connecting the whiteboard to a computer and a projector by a USB cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth. The whiteboard display simulates a computer mouse and keyboard and is operated by using a special pen or by finger touch.
Centre for Inclusive Schooling senior consultant Hillary Epton said other States aspired to Western Australia's service delivery model to help students with special needs learn through the use of technology.
"The use of interactive whiteboards by teachers means assistive technology can easily be integrated into the classroom, so it becomes more inclusive," Ms Epton said.
The South Ballajura Education Support Centre is one of the 150 public schools in the first year of the program, to receive funding.
The announcement comes as the More Than Gadgets: Assistive Technology Tools for Access and Learning Conference runs in Fremantle.
United Kingdom educational technology expert and former teacher John Crick is presenting a keynote address on the topic of Assistive Technology Doesn't Just Happen. Mr Crick has wide-ranging experience in software, the creation of reading and writing tools, assistive technology and curriculum content for students with disability.
The Minister said the State Government had allocated $578million for capital improvements and works in public schools across Western Australia in the 2011-12 financial year.
"The Government is committed to providing high quality school environments for Western Australia's public school students," she said.
Minister's office - 9222 9699
WA public schools to receive new interactive whiteboard funding
Adam Road Primary School
Allendale Primary School
Amaroo Primary School
Ashfield Primary School
Atwell Primary School
Australind Primary School
Avonvale Primary School
Balcatta Primary School
Balga Primary School
Ballajura Primary School
Bambara Primary School
Bassendean Primary School
Beachlands Primary School
Belmay Primary School
Bentley Primary School
Binnu Primary School
Bletchley Park Primary School
Bramfield Primary School
Broomehill Primary School
Bruce Rock District High School
Brunswick Junction Primary School
Bunbury Primary School
Cannington Community College
Carcoola Primary School
Carey Park Primary School
Carnarvon Primary School
Castletown Primary School
Clifton Park Primary School
Cloverdale Primary School
Collier Primary School
Coolbinia Primary School
Cooloongup Primary School
Cranbrook Primary School
Currambine Primary School
Dawson Park Primary School
Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School
Doubleview Primary School
Dryandra Primary School
East Carnarvon Primary School
East Fremantle Primary School
East Kenwick Primary School
East Maddington Primary School
East Manjimup Primary School
East Waikiki Primary School
East Wanneroo Primary School
Edney Primary School
Endeavour Primary School and Education Support Centre
Esperance Primary School
Falls Road Primary School
Geraldton Primary School
Gladys Newton School
Glen Huon Primary School
Gosnells Primary School
Greenfields Primary School
Grovelands Primary School
Hampton Park Primary School
Hannans Primary School
Herne Hill Primary School
Hillarys Primary School
Hilton Primary School
Huntingdale Primary School
Jandakot Primary School
Jurien Bay District High School
Kambalda Primary School
Katanning Primary School
Kensington Secondary School
Kingsley Primary School
Kojonup District High School
Koondoola Primary School
Lake Monger Primary School
Leeman Primary School
Marangaroo Primary School
Meekatharra District High School
Merriwa Primary School
Mirrabooka Primary School
Morawa District High School
Mount Barker Community College
Mount Manypeaks Primary School
Mount Tarcoola Primary School
Mullewa District High School
Muludja Remote Community School
Mundijong Primary School
Nannup District High School
Narrogin Primary School
Nollamara Primary School
Norseman District High School
North Balga Primary School
North Dandalup Primary School
North Parmelia Primary School
North Tom Price Primary School
Northampton District High School
Nulsen Primary School
Nungarin Primary School
Orange Grove Primary School
Perenjori Primary School
Pinjarra Primary School
Port Kennedy Primary School
Quairading District High School
Queens Park Primary School
Rangeway Primary School
Rawlinson Primary School
Richmond Primary School
Rockingham Beach Primary School and Education Support Centre
Roleystone District High School
Salmon Gums Primary School
Samson Primary School
Sawyers Valley Primary School
Singleton Primary School
South Ballajura Education Support Centre
South Ballajura Primary School
South Bunbury Primary School
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