The implications of the NBN to the schools of regional Queensland, and how the NBN can be used to foster new development in potential regional schools

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Problem Statement1

Purpose of the Study2

Aims and Objectives2

Research Question2

Rationale of the Study3

Scope and Significance of the Study3

Reliability and Validity4

Ethical Concerns4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5

Effective instruction and technology in curriculum5

Broadband technologies5

The digital education revolution6

Government support and industry e-learning6

Applications and key factors for online education7

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY8

Research Design8

Sample of Participants8

Instrument9

Data Collection9

Data Analysis9

Projected Time Table10

REFERENCES11

APPENDIX A12

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Technology has positively affected the student's achievements and learning in every field and stage of learning. The students have benefited from the technology from Pre School to university. A class in which the medium used for lectures is technology oriented like interactive video sessions improves the student learning in the long term. It has been also been observed that the students academics skills are also improved if the students are exposed to the technology in their class (Barbour, 2008). However, apart from the technology use in the class, there are many other things which affect the student learning. These factors include the teacher's role, the student's characteristics and the software used.

Problem Statement

The NBN could revolutionize education in Australia. However, this requires coordination of education resources and planning. However, at present those education sectors are handled in a fragmented way, with duplicated underused facilities. On the other hand, the different education sectors are duplicating the work needed for both online learning and for physical infrastructure, with the federal and state governments paying for this unnecessary duplication. It should be noted that the NBN represents a risk, as well as an opportunity. Not only will the NBN allow Australian students to enroll in Australian courses online, but they can equally choose to bypass Australian institutions and enroll in overseas courses (Butterworth, 2007).

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to determine the implications of the NBN for the schools of Queensland region, and how this initiative can be used to foster new development in potential schools in the area. This study explores the effects of technology on education sector in Australia.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of this particular study will be to:

Highlight the importance of e-learning in Australian education context

Discuss the impact of NBN's implementation in regional schools in Queensland, Australia

Elaborate on the factors that have influenced the implementation of NBN framework in Queensland's schools.

Research Question

The research questions for this study will be:

RQ1: What is the nature and extent of e-learning and technology integration in Australian public schools?

RQ2: What steps have been taken by the Australian government in connection with the development of online education in Australian secondary schools?

RQ3: How secondary schools in Australia have fared after the implementation of NBN initiative by the Australian government?

Rationale of the Study

Today, with the advent of information technology, teachers are encouraged to use myriad of techniques to use computer-aided instructions, not only for mathematics but for other subjects as ...