South Australian children will now be able to learn the skills they need for future jobs thanks to a new $33 million investment that is part of the South Australian Government’s nation-leading Digital Strategy for public schools and preschools. 

The creation of a new specialist Digital Guarantee Unit will aid the strategy, making up of curriculum specialists and ICT experts who will provide holistic support for schools to meaningfully integrate digital technology into the students’ lessons. 

The Digital Guarantee Unit will also be responsible for delivering equity in students’ access to technologies, with $23 million invested in improving access to devices for the children, as well as providing home-based internet solutions for families. 

Digital capacity within the teaching workforce will also be prioritised by the Digital Guarantee Unit. This will be done through tailored training and support to ensure all teachers have a quality device to support their work. 

Premier Steven Marshall said the Digital Guarantee Unit will support schools to use technology to its maximum effect in all learning areas, improving student outcomes and preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow. 

“The Marshall Liberal Government is focussed on delivering South Australian children the skills they need to secure the jobs of the future right here in SA and digital literacy is increasingly a marker of employability in the key growth areas of our economy,” Premier Marshall said. 

“It’s not enough for students to learn about computers or learn on computers. It is essential that the learning experience across the full range of subjects integrates digital technology in a way that builds the skills needed in the modern workplace.”

Seeing the huge growth in the cyber, space and defence sectors in South Australia, the South Australian Government is committed to ensuring that local children have every opportunity to gain the skills they need to secure a job in these areas. 

By blending experts in the fields of curriculum and ICT, the Digital Guarantee Unit will give schools and teachers a central point of advice and support covering what technology to use and how to use it most effectively to improve student outcomes. This includes using technology in a way that is safe, balanced and age-appropriate.

This new investment adds on the $130 million investment to upgrade internet speeds in local schools.

Minister for Education John Gardner said the government’s ambition is possible because of the work done over the past three years to deliver a fast, reliable internet connection to every public school in the state.  

“Technology opens up a world of possibilities and delivers better outcomes for our students. We expect all our high school students will need access to appropriate devices for both learning at school and at home and this strategy will enable this to happen,” Minister Gardner said.

“Digital literacy is critical for success outside of school and our vision is that all South Australian children and young people are ready to learn and work in the digital world.” 

Source: Premier of South Australia Media Release

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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