"In the last 10 years I have learnt a lot about the DEECD Notebooks for Teachers and Principals' Program [NTPP]. In no particular order is a summary of my learnings."
As you can imagine, conspiracy theories abound. The department lost its previous Mac loving secretary with the change of government, and many worry that the department techs, who have always tried to pretend Macs just don’t exist, are now having their way and trying to push them out of the system altogether.
But after a change to a conservative government that has a very poor track record when it comes to supporting public education, Victorian teachers are slowly awakening to a very different landscape. Perhaps the most rude awakening has occurred by way of the latest notebook lease offer from DEECD.
"The Acceptable Use Policy outlines appropriate use of the Department's Information, Communication and Technology resources. This policy applies to all users of the Department's ICT resources. "
"The Department has provided these templates to assist school communities to develop agreements as to what constitutes acceptable use of internet, Ultranet, netbooks and other online and digital technologies in their communities. These agreement are templates. Schools can add and/or delete information where necessary to make them relevant to their school environment."
"The Digital Learning Branch provides advice and manages a comprehensive suite of digital systems, tools and resources to support schools design and deliver contemporary curriculum and enhance outcomes for students. The key focus of the Branch is to influence schools to leverage the potential of investments in digital technologies, and embed their use into school practice."
As part of its continued focus on optimising technology in schools, the Victorian Government, with support from Apple, is examining how iPads can be best used in schools. In a classroom with 1-to-1 devices such as the iPad, contemporary ways of learning can be optimised. ICT-rich learning and teaching opportunities can increase student participation, engagement and achievement.
"eduSTAR.ISP is the centralised internet service for schools (see School email "S582-2009 Centralised Internet Services for Schools"). The service started from 1 January 2010. Netspace Online Systems has been selected as the central supplier for internet services to schools."