Leaflets put Web Services workload in print

Web Services materials arriving in schools should not be distributed, writes JENNIFER LEETE.

The Department of Education and Training has recently begun distributing a large package of materials relating to Web Services. Schools from across the state have reported receiving them and it seems only a matter of time till the package arrives in every school.

The package for schools includes leaflets for students and parents, as well as for staff. In addition there are posters, a booklet for students called Cyber-smart Kids -- on line and a large ring binder which is a Web Services manual for schools. It seems there are enough leaflets for every student.

Copies of the materials have been sent into the Federation by members. The leaflet for students and their parents is particularly revealing because it contains repeated references to the fact that the use of email by students will be "set up" and "closely supervised" by teachers. For example, it tells parents that the use of "chat can be set up only by teachers who closely supervise discussions".

Any member who has not previously had concerns about the workload issues involved would certainly have them after reading the student leaflet.

In accordance with the Federation's ban on Web Services all members are advised that the materials should not be distributed to students. Schools are advised to put the materials into storage until advised otherwise by the Federation.

Federation's concerns about Web Services including insufficient technology support, workload, the potential for cyber harassment of teachers and training and development still have not been adequately addressed.

On another technology issue, Federation's ban on the Year 10 Computing Skills Assessment test is being overwhelmingly supported by schools.

Members in schools or TAFE colleges who require assistance with either of these issues should contact their Federation Organiser.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

For further information

September 2005 contents