Glitch In School Computer Plan

Newcastle Herald

Friday June 13, 2008

By FRANCES THOMPSON

HUNTER secondary schools will get more than 9000 new computers under the Federal Government's digital education program but teachers say state schools will have to wait longer for them than private schools.

NSW Teachers Federation deputy president Bob Lipscombe said yesterday no NSW public high school would get the computers until next year.

"This contrasts with eligible private schools, where students are likely to start using the new computers within a matter of weeks," Mr Lipscombe said.

He said the NSW Department of Education and Training planned to "centrally manage" the computer roll-out.

The Catholic San Clemente High School at Mayfield will get 117 new computers under the program.

Principal Tony Kelly said he expected delivery of the equipment in six to eight months.

"There's no way in the world we could have afforded to pay for [the computers]," Mr Kelly said yesterday.

Hunter Region MPs announced successful applicants for the computer funding yesterday. More than 2400 computers will be shared by 14 schools in Newcastle, while 1600 will be sent to 12 Lake Macquarie schools.

Fifty-six Hunter schools applied successfully for the first round of grants.

Member for Charlton Greg Combet wants to ensure classrooms will be able to handle the technology.

Mr Combet said Lake Macquarie's high-speed broadband coverage was not even and he had discussed improvements with Telstra.

"What this [the program] will drive is the availability of digital technology in schools," Mr Combet said yesterday.

He said schools would also need to be able to accommodate the computers.

Mr Combet said the Government had budgeted $1000 for each computer.

Money saved in the bulk buy of the computers by the NSW Department of Education and Training would go towards improving the classrooms in which they would be used.

"It is a condition of funding," Mr Combet said.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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