New technologies have changed nearly every aspect of modern life and it is essential that students are prepared to face the ever-changing world of the 21st century. Abbotsleigh has been providing quality IT services for many years in a wide variety of forms, including virtual classrooms through AbbNet 2.0 and video conferencing.

 

Teachers and students have enjoyed access to an extensive range of online services, both within and outside of the classroom; services that have proven very beneficial for the enhancement of our girls’ learning.

 

Substantial access to IT affords teachers and students access to local and international online networks where they can communicate with colleagues, exchange work, develop research, and function as global citizens.

 

As part of the Federal Government’s Digital Revolution, Years 10 and 11 girls were given the opportunity to trial one-to-one laptops (one student, one machine) during 2009 and 2010. This trial provided the School with an opportunity to expand access to IT in a well-researched manner. Informed by the trial’s success, the School has extended the take home program to Years 7-12 in 2012 as well as providing a large number of laptops for Junior School girls to access while at school.

 

The laptops will continue to have enormous benefits for teaching and learning. The increase in access to IT will bring time and cost efficiencies and an opportunity to re-invent learning spaces, as well as better teaching practices.