[English] 'Delivering a Digital Education Revolution'

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

The Hon Julia Gillard MP
Minister for Education

04 February, 2008  Media Release
 
<http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/mediacentre/MinisterGillard/Releases/Delive
ringaDigitalEducationRevolution.htm>

Delivering a Digital Education Revolution

The Minister for Education has today written to all Australian secondary 
school principals inviting their participation in the Rudd Government’s $1 
billion Digital Education Revolution. 

The Digital Education Revolution will dramatically change classroom 
education by ensuring that all students in years 9 to 12 have access to 
information and communication technology.

The Rudd Government believes that every Australian child deserves a world 
class education.

To be able to compete globally, Australia needs a world class education 
system.

This includes investing in our school infrastructure – including computers 
in schools and trade training centres, investing in our teachers and 
establishing a national curriculum.

The first $100 million of the National Secondary School Computer Fund will 
be directed to the schools most in need by June 2008. 

The Rudd Government will also invest $100 million over four years as a 
contribution to the provision of high-speed fibre-to-the-premises 
broadband connections to schools.

To identify the needy schools a preliminary audit is being undertaken by 
state and territory government education departments, the Associations of 
Independent Schools and the Catholic Education Offices.

The audit will identify the existing number of computers in each school to 
facilitate the commencement of the application process for the neediest 
schools in early March, with applications closing in early April 2008.

Applications for the second round will be open to all Australian secondary 
schools in July 2008. 

The Minister encourages all secondary schools to participate in the survey 
and to apply for funding when the application processes open.

Further information on the Digital Education Revolution, including the 
National Secondary School Computer Fund, is available at: 
http://www.digitaleducationrevolution.gov.au/

Media Contact: 
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberley Gardiner 0434 159 842 

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Cheers people
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia