QUEENSLAND’S 93 Catholic secondary schools have been encouraged to apply for funding under the federal government’s National Secondary School Computer Fund, which aims to provide a computer for every student in Years 9-12 over the next four years.
All Australian secondary schools are eligible for up to $1 million to purchase equipment such as desktop computers, laptops and interactive whiteboards.
Queensland Catholic Education Commission executive director Mike Byrne said the first round of funding -$100m by June 30 – would be allocated to schools most in need of technology equipment.
“Schools are required to submit an audit of their existing computer-to-student ratio by February 5 and this will be the key criteria used by the government to allocate funds in the first round,” Mr Byrne said.
“Readiness of schools to operationalise the new equipment, including suitable rooms, power, broadband connectivity, staffing etc is also likely be taken into account.”
Schools eligible for first round funds will be identified by the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) by February 15 and invited to apply for funding that is to be delivered to school authorities by June 30.
Mr Byrne said the Commission was working closely with the National Catholic Education Commission and DEEWR officials to ensure Catholic schools had access to all the information necessary to meet the tight timelines.
Mr Byrne said while teaching and learning through technology has been a priority in Catholic schools for some time, the additional resources will assist more rapid advancement in this area.
All schools are expected to receive funding before the program expires in June 2011.
