New research shows technology is vital to 21st Century learning

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today released new research showing students’ perceptions and expectations of learning with information and communications technologies (ICT).

The research was undertaken to improve teachers’ understanding of how ICT may be used to improve learning outcomes. More than 1000 students from primary and secondary schools, vocational education and training institutions and universities were surveyed.

Listening to Students’ and Educators’ Voices: Research Findings found that students believe technology is a vital learning aid as it can provide access to detailed information, opportunities to practice for tests, help with maths and development of problem solving skills.

The research also found ICT offers more opportunities to tailor education to meet students’ needs and increase their motivation to learn.

Increasing the ICT capabilities of educators is a key element of the Rudd Government’s $2.2 billion Digital Education Revolution (DER).

The DER provides for online curriculum resources, high speed broadband to schools, professional development and computers for schools under the National Secondary School Computer Fund.

Through the DER, the Government is funding and leading anInformation and Communications Technologies Workshop Programto teachers and school leaders with professional development in ICT, especially in rural and remote areas.

More than 15 workshops have already been held in regional, rural and remote locations in Newcastle (NSW), Warrnambool (Vic), Mt Isa (Qld), Kalgoorlie (WA), Port Pirie (SA), Alice Springs (NT) and Launceston (Tas).

The aim of the DER is to put in place sustainable and meaningful changes to teaching and learning practices in Australian schools that ensure students are prepared for further education and training, living and working in a digital world.

TheListening to Students’ and Educators’ Voicesproject, produced by the University of Canberra, will also contribute to a better understanding of the best ways to incorporate ICT into learning.

TheListening to Students’ and Educators’ Voices: Research Findings is available on the Digital Education Revolution website.