Staying in the Picture

Policies and directions - technology and innovation in education

Victorian policies and directions

• The eLearning planning guide (2009) – is a document that supports Victorian government schools to make eLearning planning an integral part of their School Strategic Plans and Annual Implementation Plans. For a copy of the guide, see: eLearning Planning
• ICT and Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) - Information about the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) domain, including ; For detailed information see: Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Domain
• Innovation: Victoria's Future. This Innovation Statement promotes putting innovation to work to meet the climate change challenge, protect the environment and ensure the ongoing capacity for long term growth in the state of Victoria. ICT and ICT skills underpin Victoria’s ability to be competitive, productive and sustainable. For a copy of Innovation: Victoria’s future, see: Innovation Statement - Business Victoria

Commonwealth policies and directions

• The Digital Education Revolution (DER) -The Digital Education Revolution (2008-2014) is a $2 billion Australian Government's program aiming to contribute to sustainable and meaningful change to teaching and learning in Australian schools that will prepare students for further education, training and to live and work in a digital world. The funding is to provide for: 1) the National Secondary School Computer Fund, 2) Fibre Connections to Schools initiative, 3) access to teacher training in the use of ICT, 4) online curriculum tools and resources to support the national curriculum and conferencing facilities for specialist subjects such as languages, 5) the development of online learning and access that will enable parents to participate in their child’s education, and 6) develop support mechanisms to provide vital assistance for schools in the deployment of ICT provided through the National Secondary School Computer Fund. For more detailed information, see: Digital Education Revolution - DEEWAR
• Contemporary Learning - Learning in an Online World (2007-2010) – is a document that recognises the role that ICT plays in contemporary learning. It also highlights the ways that ICT contributes to contemporary learning practices. The innovative application of technology is effective in supporting key elements of learning such as: 1) personalisation, 2) negotiation and risk taking, 3) critical, creative and reflective thinking, 4) problem solving knowledge creation and management, 5) interactivity, 6) communication and collaboration, 7) local and global networking, 8) motivational learning, 9) assessment. ICT also has the potential to increase the options, access, participation and achievement for all students. It can enhance the education experiences for students who: 1) live in rural and remote locations, 2) have individual learning needs, 3) have physical disabilities, 4) risk disengagement from schooling.
• The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians sets the direction for Australian schooling for the next 10 years. The Goals were developed by Education Ministers in collaboration with the Catholic and independent school sectors. The core goals are: Australian schooling promotes equity and excellence; All young Australians become successful learners; Confidence and creative individuals; and Active and informed citizens. For a copy of the Melbourne Declaration, see: Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians - MCEETYA