Technology boost will connect teachers with students

16/12/04
Western Australia's public school teachers will take another technological step forward next year, with the arrival of new laptop computers and further development of a ground-breaking computer network that will link teachers with students at school and at home.
Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter announced today that the Gallop Government would spend millions of dollars improving information technology in public schools and providing thousands of teachers with the new upgraded laptops.
"More than 10,000 public school teachers will receive new-model notebook computers next year, as part of the State Government's ongoing $37million Notebooks for Teachers Program," Mr Carpenter said.
"We will also provide $3.45million to further develop the 'Learning Gateway', an on-line education network that will eventually link teachers with their students and families."
The Minister said the notebook for teachers program and the Learning Gateway were both part of the Gallop Government's $200million Education to Community strategy (e2c).
The e2c strategy aimed to give students and teachers improved access to modern computer technology.
Mr Carpenter said teachers who already had subsidised laptops would have access to the new computers at a reduced cost.
"Teachers re-enrolling in the notebooks for teachers program next year will pay only $5 a week, down from the existing $7.30 a week," he said.
A review of the notebooks for teachers program had provided positive feedback and the State Government was keen to build on the success already achieved.
In December 2001, the Gallop Government began providing state-of-the art notebook computers for teachers, an unfunded commitment of the former Coalition Government.
"The previous Government negotiated the deal with the teachers in their last wage agreement but did not fund it," the Minister said.
"Through responsible economic management, the Gallop Government was able to come up with the funds to implement this important initiative.
"More than 14,000 teachers have joined the program which provides them with low-cost, subsidised access to notebook computers complete with software, network access, training, insurance and support."

Minister's office: 9213 6800