Remote Schools Visit
Visits to remote schools commenced in the first week of
term. To date the feedback has been positive with the visiting
technicians able to fix outstanding problems and provide
general support and advice on computing services. It is
anticipated that the service will increase in value as the
technicians acquire a better understanding of the circumstances
at each site and develop relationships with school staff.
The site technicians are required to complete a site report
highlighting any issues for follow up and recommendations
for improvement in computing facilities and the LAN. These
reports are being reviewed by the remote services project
team headed up by Jeff Watson (899 93508) who will be contacting
schools and assisting with plans for the upgrading of the
services where required.
Principals and ICTCs are encouraged to ring Bob Creek
(bob.creek@nt.gov.au)
on 0401118716 for any feedback on the Remote Site visits.
The schedule for remote site visits can be viewed at:
http://rcs.csg.com.au/flight-schedule.php
National Secondary Schools Computer Fund
The Commonwealth Government has announced, as part of
its Digital Education Revolution, that it will invest $900
million, over 4 years, through a National Secondary School
Computer Fund to improve secondary school student access
to world class information.
The fund will provide for new or upgraded information
and communications technology (ICT) for secondary school
students in years 9 to 12. Schools will be able to apply
for up to $1 million from the Fund dependant on enrolment
and need and they will be able to purchase computers, interactive
whiteboards, data projectors, digital cameras and other
technologies.
All schools will be able to apply for assistance under
the fund.
The first $100 million from the fund will be directed to
the most needy schools by June 2008.
Student computer ratios have been collected from NTG secondary
schools and forwarded to the Commonwealth Department of
Education, Employment and Training, (DEEWR). They are in
the process of identifying the Territory secondary schools
that will be offered assistance in the first round.
DEEWR will contact the nominated schools and invite them
to lodge an application for the receipt of the first round
funds. Further opportunities for school funding will be
offered in subsequent rounds where all secondary schools
will have an opportunity to apply. IT Services will contact
all schools nominated in the first round of grants to assist
them with their application. The contact officer is Jeff
Watson (899 93508).
eLearning Consultants
We are pleased to announce the commencement of four new
eLearning consultants attached to the group schools.
Libby Smith: Top End Group School
Kelly Donald: Katherine Group School
Kym Urquhart: Lasseter and Tanami Group Schools
Emma Barham: Sandover and Barkly Group Schools
The consultants will be on the road travelling to remote
communities for most of the term with group school staff.
They can assist you with the integration of information
technology into their everyday teaching practice, ideas
for teaching on Interactive Whiteboards, using freeware
resources across the curriculum and online projects for
literacy development amongst many things. Make the most
of the opportunity when they are visiting.
STARS Project
There was a terrific response to the tender for STARS (Satellite
to All Remote Sites) and after careful consideration a short-list
of 3 tenderers presented their cases to the evaluation team
last week. The team are confident that all solutions offered
will provide an improved internet service for schools and
distance education students. We expect the earth station
and hub service to be commissioned by August and school
users connecting to the new service progressively from this
date.
IDL
Three Western Bulldogs players broadcast live over REACT
from the NTOEC IDL studio last Wednesday. Schools working
with NTOEC and Schools of the Air students from Alice and
Katherine enjoyed getting hot tips from the players.
NT Virtual School (NTVS) has launched a Japanese class
hosted by Darwin High School with students from Darwin High,
as well as 3 other high schools, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and
Tennant Creek. The course consists of interactive lessons
using the REACT software via schools existing networks enhanced
by follow-up activities delivered using e-space. Interest
in the course has exceeded demand and NTVS are looking for
a second site.
ICTCs at schools where REACT is being used are welcome
to attend a technical information session about REACT. This
would be delivered via REACT during the week starting 3
March (Week 6) and will include basic troubleshooting for
ICTCs. Could interested persons please email margaret.littler@nt.gov.au
with their details (name and school) and days and times
that would best suit them (please supply 3 options)
SAMS
Just a reminder that SAMS Operators were sent correspondences
on SAMS updates as follows:
Please ensure that all schools have done these by now.
Additional reminder that schools should not manually edit
any of the Compulsory UDIs in SAMS. If in doubt, please
ring the SAMS team on 8999 3531.
New Schools IT Services Contract
The new contract for school IT support services provided
by CSG, commenced on the 28th December 2007 and the school
site visits by technical support staff have commenced. The
visits to remote schools are underway and proving helpful
to ICTC’s.
The range of services provided under the new contract include:
