LAPTOP COMPUTERS DELIVERED TO TEACHERS

The statewide rollout of the Beattie Government’s $70 million Computers for Teachers program, which will deliver laptops to nearly all Queensland state school teachers, has begun.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford presented teachers at Albany Creek State School in Brisbane with their personal laptops today.

“Teachers at Albany Creek State School are among the first to receive their new teaching tools following a successful trial,” Mr Welford said.

“Under the program, every permanent teacher working two or more days a week in Queensland state schools and TAFE institutes will be provided with a computer.

“Around 7500 computers will be delivered to schools across Queensland for the first stage of the four-year program.

“The computers will provide teachers with the tools of trade they need to teach and engage with students, who see technology as a natural extension of their lives.”

Mr Welford said teachers at approximately 400 state schools would receive laptops by June 2008.

“Teachers at 40 schools should have their laptops by the end of the current school term, on 21 September,” he said.

“The first schools to receive their laptops are located in the following education regions – Greater Brisbane, Moreton, North Queensland, Far North Queensland, Mackay Whitsunday, Darling Downs, Wide Bay Burnett, Fitzroy Central West, Sunshine Coast and South Coast.

“This initiative has the potential to significantly enhance the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in schools and more importantly, improve learning outcomes for Queensland students.

“Our students have grown up in a digital world, so they expect to use ICT at school like they do at home.

“Giving teachers laptop computers will help them engage this digital generation like no other tool can.”

The 40 schools to receive computers this term are listed on the following page.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

Computers for Teachers – First Rollout

Darling Downs
Charleville State High School
Tara State College
Pozieres State School
Yuleba State School

Fitzroy Central West
Biloela State School
Frenchville State School

Far North Queensland
Aloomba State School
Balaclava State School
Upper Barron State School
Wonga Beach State School

Greater Brisbane
Albany Creek State School
Kedron State School
Kenmore State High School
Mt Gravatt Special School
Northgate State School
Park Ridge State School
Red Hill Special School
Taigum State School

Moreton
Boonah State School
Boonah State High School
Ipswich State High School

Mackay Whitsunday
Collinsville State School
Dundula State School
Marian State School
Swayneville State School

North Queensland
Bohlevale State School
Boulia State School
Clare State School
Macknade State School
Richmond Hill State School

South Coast
Woodridge State School
Woongoolba State School

Sunshine Coast
Burpengary Meadows State School
Caboolture Special School
Chancellor State College
Mt Sampson State School
Talara Primary College

Wide Bay Burnett
Alloway State School
Nanango State School
Maryborough Central State School