ACS Calls for National ICT Education Policy

Thursday 11 July 2002 - The Australian Computer Society has called for Federal and State Governments to cooperate on developing a national ICT Education policy.

Speaking in Hobart last night on the eve of the Australian Council for Computers in Education conference, ACS National President Richard Hogg told educators Australia needed a consistent approach within the school system that accords with national requirements and standards for curricula, knowledge and skills.

"We need a policy that sets out minimum standards for the infrastructure and resources provided to teachers, as well as a consistent approach to curriculum throughout both primary and secondary teaching levels for all of Australia," said Mr Hogg.

"These standards must cover how technology is applied within schools to aid the learning process, whether it be in Year 4 English or in Applied Computing at Year 12 level.

"Does a high school in Launceston or remote NSW offer the same teaching standard and curricula as one in Melbourne or even Hobart? To my understanding, probably not, and yet they must if we are serious about providing our next generation with the skills and knowledge they will need to function effectively."

Mr Hogg said he believed most Government Ministers would agree on the importance of ICT Education, but he said that acknowledgement needs to translate into action to ensure Australia is equipped and ready to take its pace in the Knowledge Age.

"The ICT industry is unlike any other in terms of its dynamic nature, but the rate of change is such that inaction will see us left behind as more competitive nations move forward and we miss out on the first mover advantage in how technology applies to education.

"If we are to succeed in this critical area, it will require major stakeholders like Government, the education sector and the industry to co-operate more effectively and to set and meet some aggressive targets in the short to medium term.

Mr Hogg stressed it was critical that ALL school students received a minimum level of skills and competence in computers.

"There is no industry sector today that does not rely heavily on technology to enable it to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. Regardless of whether they plan to do a trade, engage in tertiary studies or move straight into a job, students must have a knowledge and understanding of computers in order to hold their own in the world today."

Mr Hogg also announced plans by the ACS to commission a study to benchmark international experiences with ICT education in the school sector.

"If we can learn from what other countries are doing, so much the better, and certainly the more information we have about what is happening overseas will help both the industry and government in developing policies and strategies to move this issue forward."

This media release is available on the ACS Web site at http://www.acs.org.au/news/110702.htm

ENDS

About the Australian Computer Society: The ACS is the recognised association for information technology (IT) professionals, attracting a large and active membership from all levels of the IT industry and providing a wide range of services to its 16,000+ members. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the public voice of the IT profession and the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the IT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of IT. See the ACS Home Page for more information.

Media Enquiries:

Richard Hogg, ACS National President, Tel: (0408) 549 531, Email: richard_hogg@acslink.net.au

Caroline New, PR Consultant, Tel: (02) 9555 1986 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au