New Clever Network project will enhance educational experience for more than 7000 Queensland students
101/07
Monday 30 July 2007
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan today announced that schools in Queensland will benefit from funding of $4.9 million to provide enhanced access to the Learning Place, Education Queensland’s e‑learning environment for schools.
“This funding is being provided to the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts as part of the Australian Government’s Clever Networks program,” Senator Coonan said.
“The funding will be used to establish the Learning Place Access Enhancement project, which will enhance current broadband telecommunications infrastructure and improve the educational experience for more than 7000 students across regional and remote Queensland.”
“The Learning Place Access Enhancement project will target 128 schools to improve their access to Learning Place services.”
“Launched in 2002, the Learning Place provides Queensland schools with a comprehensive e-learning environment consisting of quality digital resources, courses, collaborative e-projects and online communication tools.
“It also supports collaborative learning for students and teachers at local, national and international levels, and provides them with access to stored resources.
“The Learning Place Access Enhancement project builds on the Northern.net@qld initiative, which was funded through the Australian Government’s Co-ordinated Communications Infrastructure Fund.
“Clever Networks is a $113 million Australian Government program that will see improved delivery of services in regional, rural and remote Australia through innovative broadband projects,” said Senator Coonan.
Successful projects to receive Clever Networks first round funding will include virtual healthcare, remotely accessible interactive education services, and delivery of integrated state-wide emergency services.
More information about specific projects will become available as each successful negotiation is concluded.
To find out more about Clever Networks, visit www.dcita.gov.au/clevernetworks
Media Contact: Helen Moreland 0403 467 150