Classrooms across Victoria will soon surpass the modern office thanks to a $7 million wireless access point upgrade to all Victorian Government primary schools, the Minister for Education, Bronwyn Pike, revealed today.
Ms Pike said up to 7,300 wireless access points (WAPs) – delivered to schools this month – are set to boost network coverage and capacity for students who access the web.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to provide schools with access to the very best modern technology,” Ms Pike said.
“We have already delivered on our commitment to connect Victorian government schools to unprecedented broadband speeds through the $89.3 million VicSmart initiative.
“Schools across the State already enjoy 10-megabits-per-second broadband speeds demonstrate Victoria’s leadership in the provision of high-speed bandwidth to schools.”
The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the wireless upgrades were an exciting initiative for primary schools.
“Students are becoming increasingly tech-savvy thanks to the Brumby Labor Government’s unprecedented investment in technology in the classroom,” Ms Tierney said.
“This investment in wireless upgrades for schools will give students fantastic access to internet across school grounds, allowing whole classrooms of notebooks to access wireless internet at once and students to take their learning outside the classroom,” Ms Tierney said.
In addition to the latest wireless upgrade in primary schools, Ms Pike said specialist school technicians are receiving training in planning and optimal placement of the new equipment in the classroom. The rollout is expected to be completed by early 2010.
“Our schools are at the forefront of new technology to equip them with 21st century skills for 21st century jobs,” Ms Tierney said.