Launch of WALINK electronic learning programs

27/9/93

A major expansion of high-technology methods of delivering education and training is underway in Western Australia.

By the start of the 1994 school year electronic learning programs will be available across Western Australia in 30 different centres.  These range from Ravensthorpe and Lake King in the Great Southern, through to Halls Creek and Kununurra in the North-West, and the South-West region.

Education, Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore today launched the WALINK Network - previously know as the Telecentre Network, or Network Learning Centres.

Mr Moore said that new telecentres would open in the Murchison, at Meekatharra, Mount Magnet and Carnarvon, for the start of the 1994 academic year.

WALINK was jointly funded by the State Department of Employment, Vocational Education and Training (DEVET) and the Federal Department of Primary Industries and Energy.  There was also extensive input from local communities, which would eventually be responsible for WALINK's management and resourcing.

The launch, in the form of an hour-long videoconference involving Mr Moore, Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan, a number of Perth academics and about 80 co-ordinators from regional centres, coincided with the start of a four-day seminar in Merredin for WALINK operators.

Mr Moore said WALINK used satellite links, videoconferencing and other communications technology such as telematics, facsimile and electronic data systems to take education and training to country people.

Currently about 20,000 adults were enrolled with TAFE outside the Perth metropolitan area, in addition to the more than 6,000 country students undertaking external studies at the State's various universities.  Many of these depended on WALINK centres.

"The WALINK Network provides students and unemployed people in the country, access to vocational education and training through the TAFE network and university courses provided by institutions in Perth," Mr Moore said.

"Western Australia is acknowledged as the leading State in Australia in using the latest information technology to service people in isolated regions.  Our progress in this field is being keenly watched by other Australian States and even by other countries."

WALINK had also encouraged enterprising country people to start their own local electronic data-based businesses.

Other applications included training and development programs and information transfer for rural businesses and Government departments.

Farmers could access education, training and information, professional practitioners could stay in touch with the latest developments and local retailers could place customer orders and receive new product information.

Media contact:  Ross Storey 321 1444 / 222 9595