The document discusses how technology is changing classrooms in Australia through the Digital Education Revolution Initiative. This $2.2 billion initiative has equipped over 10,000 schools with digital reporting systems, interactive whiteboards, tablets, and other technologies. These technologies allow students to more easily access information, engage with lessons through interactive tools, and communicate with teachers and peers. Studies show that these technologies help students learn more efficiently and effectively. The initiative has transformed how students in Australia learn and is ongoing to bring all schools up to current technology standards.

1. How Technology Is Changing Classrooms In Australia
Australia is no longer sitting in the “dark ages” of chalked-up chalk boards and transparency
projectors. Instead, they are upgrading to digital reporting systems, interactive dry erase boards
and even distributing tablets to their students for work assignments.
None of this would be possible were it not for the 2.2 billion dollars that has been pushed into
the education system through the Digital Education Revolution Initiative. Since the rollout,
more than 10,000 schools in Australia are now equipped with the MySchool software system
allowing teachers, parents and students to better access their grades, assignments and even
handle communication through emails and/or messaging.
It has been proven time-and-time again, that technology can help students learn more, faster
and more efficiently. Devices that help students interact and engage in their studies tend to
lead to better retention of information. For example, using tablets such as iPads and Galaxy
TAB’s allow the students to quickly access information that at one time could take hours to look
up. Beyond that, apps that have been designed for students and teachers are much more
advanced, while being very inexpensive and sometimes even free.
Of course, tablets are just the beginning. Other classroom advancements changing the way
students learn include digital whiteboards and interactive internet sessions through mediums
such as Skype. The digital whiteboards allow the students the opportunity to gather the
teachers notes with a single click and print, while interactive study sessions allow the students
the ability to speak with instructors even when they are thousands of miles away.
All of these advancements have changed the way students in Australia are learning. Were it not
for the Digital Education Revolution Initiative, it is very likely that these students would not be
anywhere close to where they are now.
This is only the beginning as the Digital Education Revolution Initiative intends to fully equip all
of the schools in Australia with the most current of technologies, helping students learn better
and preparing them for use with “real world” devices.
Emily Ko – Reaching Teachers Australia