Information and communications technologies

If your school is using old software then hope is in sight.

Starting in January, Microsoft and the Ministry of Education will provide all state and integrated schools with copies of Microsoft Office, Works, Windows and Back Office.

This will give all students and teachers access to the latest software.

This initiative has been announced as part of the information and communications technologies (ICT) strategy for 2002-2004.

The ICT strategy identifies the need for technology education in all essential teaching areas, including the arts, health, languages, maths, science and social sciences.

The ICT strategy also includes teacher training with fifty-one ICT professional development clusters at present running.

These clusters are used to improve teachers' understanding of the role of ICT in teaching and learning. An ICT help desk will also begin operation in January 2002.

The vision for ICT is for all students, irrespective of their backgrounds, to:

* Develop knowledge, understandings, skills, and attitudes.

* Participate fully in society.

* Achieve in a global economy.

* Have a strong sense of identity and culture.

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