A virtual refresh of science education
Professor Adam Shoemaker
A new approach to science education will use the National Broadband Network (NBN) to help engage students across the country in emerging fields such as nanotechnology, astrophysics and pharmaceuticals.
The NBN Virtual School of Emerging Sciences (NBN VSES), a partnership between Monash University, the John Monash Science School (JMSS) and Pearson Australia, was announced today as part of the Federal Government's NBN-Enabled Education and Skills Services Program.
The NBN VSES will allow Year 10 students from around Australia to connect with leading experts from Monash, undertake open-ended experiments and work collaboratively with peers around the country. As the NBN is expanded, the program will be opened up to regional areas.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker said that by utilising the newest technology, the NBN VSES would allow high school students to actively apply their curiosity about science.
"It's programs like the NBN VSES that are going to reinvigorate young people's interest in science and so encourage the next generation of Australian scientists," Professor Shoemaker said.
"We will give students the tools to investigate real-world problems with the help of experts and resources that they would not normally have access to in the school environment."
Principal of JMSS, Peter Corkill, said the school‘s innovative science curriculum would excite and spark the curiosity of young people and assist in the professional development of participating high school teachers.
"JMSS has engaged other schools and their students in highly successful collaborative science education programs, an experience that will prove invaluable in establishing the NBN VSES," Mr Corkill said.
The NBN VSES will build on the existing partnership between Monash and Pearson, the world's leading learning company, which offers a range of learning resources including textbooks, online content and integrated systems.
CEO of Pearson Australia, David Barnett, said the company would work with NBN VSES partners to develop the virtual, collaborative learning spaces necessary for the program to be effective.
"Pearson Australia is delighted to be involved in this project as we feel that it breaks new ground in terms of science teaching in Australia. It’s also a great example of how technology can enhance and personalise the student learning experience," Mr Barnett said.
“We look forward to seeing a growing community of inspired young scientists in Australia.”
The NBN VSES received $2 million in Federal Government funding, with a further $2 million in funds and in-kind provided by partner organisations, including the Australian Science and Mathematics School, Gungahlin College, Tasmanian eSchool, Willunga High School and Cisco Systems Australia.
For further information contact Emily Walker, Monash Media and Communications on +61 3 9903 4844 | +61 428 277 308 or emily.walker@monash.edu.
The NBN - Enabled Education and Skills Services Program is brought to you by the Australian Government.
