SA schools’ digital strategy backed by $33m funding lift

The state government says low income families can expect it to deliver millions of dollars worth of devices and internet connections in “digital guarantee”.

More laptops and tablets and better internet connections for low-income families – as well as devices for teachers – will be provided to schools under a $33m funding increase promised by the state government.

And a new 15-person “digital guarantee unit” will be established by the Education Department, bringing together IT experts and digital curriculum specialists, to integrate digital learning and better prepare students for future jobs.

“It’s not enough for students to learn about computers or learn on computers,” Premier Steven Marshall said.

“It is essential that the learning experience across the full range of subjects integrates digital technology in a way that builds the skills needed in the modern workplace.

“We are seeing huge growth in the cyber, space and defence sectors in South Australia and the Marshall Liberal Government is committed to ensuring our students have every opportunity to gain the skills they need to a secure a job in these exciting areas.”

The need for high quality digital resources has been emphasised by remote learning being temporarily used to limit the spread of Covid-19.

However, the initiative goes further and is part of a broader digital strategy 2022-25 to be announced on Thursday.

Education Minister John Gardner.

Education Minster John Gardner said the strategy would build on the $130m investment in upgrading internet connectivity to all schools.

“We can now realistically pursue an ambitious, statewide strategy for excellence in digital education,” Mr Gardner said.

“Physically linking the fibre optic network to our schools and preschools, and securing high-speed, high-quality alternatives for the handful where that wasn’t possible, is a legacy that will support generations of students to come.

“Technology opens up a world of possibilities and delivers better outcomes for our students.”

Some $23m of the funding will go toward devices and connectivity for families “where cost is a barrier”.

“We expect all our high school students will need access to appropriate devices for both learning at school and at home and this strategy will enable this to happen,” Mr Gardner said.

The digital guarantee unit will train and support teachers and ensure they each have “a quality device to support their work”.

The strategy promises that all staff will have an appropriate personal device by 2023.

The department will assist schools to reduce costs by bulk-purchasing power.

Now, most schools do supply devices to teachers “but there is not a consistent approach”, a department spokesman said.

In the 2018-19 budget, the government scrapped a $70m program announced by the previous government to provide laptops to all year 10 students in government schools.

Underdale High school students Quinn McMorrow and Isla Mitchell go digital under guidance from year level leader Peter Savvas. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Underdale High School principal Mary-Lou Michael said more funding would be “fantastic”.

“If we want students to take up 21st century opportunities they have to have access to the digital world,” she said.

“Otherwise we will be shutting the door on a whole of kids with bright minds.”

Year level leader Peter Savvas was among several teachers proficient in technology and eager to help students, she said.