TECHNOLOGY and how it helps – and potentially hinders – school students has been among the topics at a Tamworth forum hosted by the state’s P&C Federation.
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The event was held at Hillvue Public School and aimed at increasing parent and community engagement in local schools.
Angela Martin, from Mullaley, is the New England region’s councillor on the federation, and said the forum attracted interest from parents in Tamworth, Armidale, Quirindi and Wee Waa.
She said it was an opportunity for them to hear from department of education representatives, including Public Schools NSW executive director Frank Potter, about reforms to public education in the past four years, .
Mrs Martin, who has been in the role for the past seven months – since the shake-up of the federation’s structure by education minister Adrian Piccoli – said it was a challenging time for everyone.
“There is just so much changing in education at the moment,” she said.
The increasing use of technology in the region’s schools was a hot topic for parents, Mrs Martin said, with questions about the new Bring Your Own Device policy, where schools, in consultation with their communities, can allow students to bring their own personal mobile electronic devices into the classroom.
Mrs Martin said the evidence suggested students were more engaged with their learning under this policy, but some parents were justifiably concerned.
“They’re questioning the distractions that can be posed by these devices ... and some are worried about the overloading of students with all this technology,” she said.
“There hasn’t been a lot of consultation to date (on the policy), so a forum like this is a good chance to gauge parent reaction.”
The issue also raised the inequity between regional and metropolitan areas when it came to internet speeds.
“It really is critical out here. In the 21st century, I firmly believe, you’re only as strong as your internet connection – it’s that important,” Mrs Martin said.
Funding for disabled students was also discussed, and the ongoing stalemate between the commonwealth and states over the Gonski funding cuts continued to be raised, Mrs Martin said.
At the federation’s AGM last week, she said representatives reaffirmed their position on the Gonski reforms, calling on the federal government to reinstate the final two years of the funding agreement.
It was also agreed that the federation continue to support the role of small schools in NSW and oppose a suggested model whereby a number of small schools may share the one principal.
“That’s a very firm ‘no’,” Mrs Martin said.
