National and international research has shown that today, digital literacy is a key component of engaging individuals in lifelong learning and contributing to social inclusion.
Digital Literacy, Connecting communities through technology The Smith Family
Education Services Australia (ESA) is working on a number of projects aimed at alleviating the effects of social and education disadvantage using digital technologies for learning:
Notschool.net Australia
Notschool.net is an internationally successful home-based virtual learning program for 14-17 year olds most seriously disengaged from formal classroom learning.
ESA is working with schooling systems and partners to assess the feasibility of establishing Notschool.net in Australia in 2011.
Indigenous education and 21st century learning
ESA projects with Indigenous communities and educators have included:
Advice to the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation and BHP Billiton on the feasibility of improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for Martu (Indigenous) students across the WA Pilbara region though the use of engaging digital learning resources.
Australian Digital Learning Resources Network (formerly the Le@rning Federation) and the Scootle interface enabling access thousands of digital learning resources to Australian teachers and students.
- Further ESA projects with an Indigenous education focus
- ESA response to National Indigenous Education Action Plan
- Education Network Australia (edna) Indigenous education pages
Global education
The AusAid Global Education Website and Global education projects are maintained by ESA to increase the amount and quality of teaching of global education in Australian primary and secondary schools.
For more information on these projects contact ESA Inclusion project manager Mark Tranthim-Fryer.
