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 State Member for Cranbourne, Jude Perera 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," Mr
Perera 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" Mr Perera 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," Mr Perera said.
