Technology an Important Learning Tool for Students

Media Release, The Hon. Julia Gillard, MP, 22 October 2009; The Financial Report, 23 October 2009

The Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Ms Julia Gillard, has released a report that investigates the importance of teachers’ understanding of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and its use to improve student-learning outcomes.

The University of Canberra’s Listening to Students’ and Educators’ Voices: Research Findings report was based on a survey of over 1000 students from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, and aimed to understand the expectations, experiences and requirements of students and educators.

It found that students believed that technology was a vital learning aid that provided teachers with a greater opportunity to tailor education to students’ needs and that it increased students’ motivation to learn.

The report also found that primary and secondary school-aged respondents considered social networking sites to be entertaining instead of being used as learning tools, a comment that tertiary-aged students disagreed with.

To access a copy of the report, visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website (PDF).

 

 

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