A LAPTOP COMPUTER FOR EVERY TEACHER

The Beattie Government will invest $70 million over the next four years to provide every teacher in a Queensland state school or TAFE institute with their own laptop computer.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the funding recognised that it was essential that every teacher had a computer to equip them for teaching and learning in today’s classrooms.

“Every permanent teacher working two days or more per week in our state schools and TAFE institutes will be provided with a dedicated laptop computer for their classroom,” Mr Welford said.

“Our teachers are setting the example for students in the classroom in the use of new digital technology.

“They are showing students how to use the technology to improve their learning capacity, but in many cases, they don’t have computers themselves.

“Often teachers have to rely on a small number of shared computers in staff rooms.

“Now, each teacher will have their own computer for lesson planning, digital presentation of lessons and student assessment and reporting.”

Mr Welford said the significant funding commitment followed last year’s $3.5 million trial of personal laptop computers by more than 1500 teachers in the Ipswich and Cairns areas.

“The trial was conducted to determine whether exclusive access to a computer helped teachers enhance their teaching practices and boost student learning,” he said.

“The trial was an outstanding success with teachers reporting back that the computers had become an essential part of their classroom teaching and lesson preparation.

“We won’t just be providing computers for teachers – part of the funding commitment is also for professional development to ensure teachers get the most out of the technology.”

Funding for the Computers for Teachers program will start with $10 million in 2007-08 and increase to $20 million per year thereafter.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985