Auditor’s report confirms computer problems

By Bob Lipscombe

A performance audit by NSW's Auditor-General published this month reveals significant and continuing problems with the Department of Education and Training's (DET's) rollout of computers into schools in NSW.

The report, entitled Using Computers in Schools for Teaching and Learning, Department of Education and Training, follows up on a similar performance audit in 2000.

The report indicates DET has established an allocation guideline of one computer for every 8.3 students, with the aim of keeping 100,000 computers in school under warranty, noting, however, DET does not calculate the ratio of computers that are actually available to students. Interestingly, it also reports that DET "estimates" that there are another 35,000 computers complying with DET standards in schools funded through other sources. If these computers are counted, DET estimates that the ratio improves to one computer for every six students.

While the report acknowledges that "students and teachers have significantly better access to computers than was the case when we did our 2000 audit" and that "teachers and students are also increasingly using computers for teaching and learning", the report also points to a number of issues of significance to teachers.

These issues include:

• access in schools may be affected by infrastructure problems, lack of technical support and staff expertise
• some schools have old and unreliable electricity systems
• where schools cannot find the funds for the cost of cabling within the school, computers may be under-utilised
• in schools where downloading is unreasonably slow, frustrated teachers and students may stop using computers
• some schools report that they need on-site technical support, with remote and online support not enabling teachers and students to use computers to their full potential
• teachers are calling for professional development relevant to teachers and provided directly by DET
• the authors of the report could not find any information held by DET on how students with low academic success are coping with computer technology in schools.

In what is apparent to every teacher and been the subject of many representations by Federation to previous Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt and DET, the report clearly states it is important for DET to identify schools where problems exist, develop strategies to systematically address these, and improve access to information communication technology to enable all teachers to effectively integrate computers into their teaching.

Federation continues to pursue these matters with both Education Minister John Della Bosca and DET. In the meantime, members are reminded of the decision of the Federation's May meeting on technology in schools: "Where technology and/or professional development are inadequate, the Federation will support members who, in consultation with their Organiser, decline to complete tasks rendered impractical or unreasonable or who take action designed to compel the DET to fulfil its obligations."

Bob Lipscombe is the Senior Vice President.

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May 2007 contents