Kogan Blog
Rudd ‘Education Revolution’: Is it happening?
Posted on .Kevin Rudd’s key election promise (in 2007) that every Australian student in years 9 - 12 should have access to their own computer remains in limbo almost two years after the government was elected. I want EVERY Australian student from prep to Yr 12 to have a netbook.
The ‘Education Revolution’ is attracting increasingly harsh criticism as the weeks roll by with debate focused on how technology can enable students to reach their full potential.
I firmly believe technology can play a major role in helping Australia offset a shrinking pool of teachers and education resources by giving students access to a multitude of quality online learning tools with faster broadband and better technology.
In the age of Google and open source, never has access to information been freer or easier. This empowers people to take greater control over how they equip and educate themselves for life. Personally, the most valuable lessons I’ve learned were through using Google to research my own interests, develop my understanding of business and build Kogan.
A simple Google search can help anyone tap in to the millions of free resources that allow people to download books, videos and journals. The education sector could save millions every year, as well as help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions by making more use of the internet as a platform to share information. Students could do their homework in a 100% digital format and cut our nation’s waste dramatically.
I believe every Australian student should have their own netbook. More affordable and accessible technology will result in a smarter and more productive nation and help students maximise their potential.
When I was at school, I would have much preferred to carry all my educational needs on a 1kg netbook than lug around a 20kg backpack filled with books.
With access to their own netbook and the internet, the current generation of school children would enter a new era of education that will give them a greater role in guiding their future.
How do you think Mr. Rudd’s ‘Education Revolution’ is going? With the national broadband and internet filter issues sparking passions, I am also curious about people’s views on the state of the nation’s technology.
I think Australia is far behind from being a ‘world leader’ in access to technology and needs to do more. It’s interesting to see that the organisation behind One Laptop per Child (OLPC) has even taken to supplying needy communities in Australia – work in developing nations. Other major brands have also started aggressively marketing their IT equipment to school kids in an effort to meet Australia’s growing appetite for technology.
For the those with kids or any teachers out there, what impact do you think accessible technology can have on a child’s education?
Ruslan