❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about bandwidth and tech support for regional students during the shift to remote learning due to COVID-19. The Minister acknowledges the issues and outlines mitigation strategies, but hasn't consulted with the Minister for Regional Development.
AnsweredQoN 360Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CORONAVIRUS —
SCHOOLS — REMOTE LEARNING
360. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the Minister for Education and
Training:
I refer to the ongoing impacts of
COVID-19 and the move to provide access to education through remote learning
and distance education.
(1) Is the minister aware of the
bandwidth and connectivity issues in regional areas?
(2) If yes to
(1), how does the minister intend to mitigate these issues so that regional
students are not disadvantaged?
(3) How many
dedicated technology support people will be appointed to support principals and
teachers in developing their online resources in regional areas in term 2?
(4) Has the
minister spoken to the Minister for Regional Development about a rollout of
regional telecoms improvements to ensure baseline connectivity for students?
SCHOOLS — REMOTE LEARNING
360. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the Minister for Education and
Training:
I refer to the ongoing impacts of
COVID-19 and the move to provide access to education through remote learning
and distance education.
(1) Is the minister aware of the
bandwidth and connectivity issues in regional areas?
(2) If yes to
(1), how does the minister intend to mitigate these issues so that regional
students are not disadvantaged?
(3) How many
dedicated technology support people will be appointed to support principals and
teachers in developing their online resources in regional areas in term 2?
(4) Has the
minister spoken to the Minister for Regional Development about a rollout of
regional telecoms improvements to ensure baseline connectivity for students?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) Yes.
(2) A
comprehensive rollout of bandwidth increases for schools has been underway
since last year and the department is continuing to work on solutions for
regional and remote areas where infrastructure is limited. Alternative
arrangements such as physical work packages will be made available for students
where required so they are not disadvantaged.
(3) Many schools
are well advanced in the use of technology, and where resources are not available
we are ensuring students have access to printed work packages. The Department
of Education will be providing comprehensive technical support to all schools
through its customer service centre, as well as access to specialist advice on
online teaching and learning.
(4) No.
some notice of the question.
(1) Yes.
(2) A
comprehensive rollout of bandwidth increases for schools has been underway
since last year and the department is continuing to work on solutions for
regional and remote areas where infrastructure is limited. Alternative
arrangements such as physical work packages will be made available for students
where required so they are not disadvantaged.
(3) Many schools
are well advanced in the use of technology, and where resources are not available
we are ensuring students have access to printed work packages. The Department
of Education will be providing comprehensive technical support to all schools
through its customer service centre, as well as access to specialist advice on
online teaching and learning.
(4) No.
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