November 14, 2012
Eleven South Burnett schools have been given tablet computers as part of the State Government’s $3.5 million eLearning for Special Needs Students’ initiative.
Schools in the Nanango and Callide electorates to receive the tablets include Cherbourg SS, Goomeri SS, Kilkivan SS, Kingaroy SHS, Kingaroy SS, Murgon SHS, Murgon SS, Nanango SHS, Nanango SS, Proston SS and Taabinga SS.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the State Government had provided more than 7000 e-tablets for Queensland State schools with special education programs.
“This election commitment is opening up a whole range of new learning possibilities for students with a disability,” she said.
Mrs Frecklington said the assistive features of e-tablets had enormous potential for students with a disability, helping them to communicate and learn.
“Children who are unable to speak can type words and have the e-tablets verbalise their thoughts,” she said.
“Other students use eye movement to operate the technology, making communication and learning much easier for those who have severely restricted physical mobility.
“Students have greater independence, more input into their learning, and are initiating and expressing their thoughts through this technology.”
Mrs Frecklington said the eLearning for Special Needs Students’ initiative followed a successful trial.
“Feedback from teachers and parents was that this technology provided significant benefits for students, including improved student engagement,” Deb said.
“Other trials interstate and overseas have also demonstrated how special needs students have achieved better outcomes at school through the use of e-tablet technology.”
[UPDATED 4:30pm]
