A new platform to create virtual classrooms can now be used by all South Australian public school teachers, as the State Government steps up its support of flexible learning in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The service, enabled through the Cisco Webex platform, allows teachers to create their own individual online learning space to deliver live video lessons and learning content for their class.
The initiative is an expansion of the State Government's partnership with Telstra to deliver high-speed internet to every government school across South Australia.
Use of the platform, which is available to all public school teachers, will complement the Our Learning SA website and hard copy materials that schools are already using to support learning between the classroom and home.
Education Minister John Gardner said the Government is supporting our educators at this challenging time to deliver learning for students who are both in the classroom and at home.
"In response to the coronavirus pandemic, we are making continued learning between the classroom and home easier for South Australian teachers and their students," said Minister Gardner.
"It is vital that there are a range of educational solutions available for our school communities.
"Virtual classrooms are the next step to giving teachers greater involvement in their students' days if they are not at school.
"The coronavirus pandemic is throwing up complex challenges, and we hope that introducing platforms like Webex can help to keep learning simple for our students.
"Together with the Our Learning SA website, and hard copy learning materials, virtual classrooms will help ensure that all South Australian students have access to learning from the curriculum.
"This announcement forms part of the State Government's strong plan to minimise the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on South Australians.
"I would like to thank both Cisco and Telstra for their rapid response in helping us establish this platform for South Australian schools and families."
Adam Oliver, State Manager for Telstra Enterprise said that online learning was becoming vital in the current environment.
"Online learning in the current situation is key to ensuring the continuation of learning for students in South Australia. Telstra is pleased to have partnered with the Department and Cisco to enable this platform," said Mr Oliver.
Ken Boal, Cisco Vice President for Australia and New Zealand welcome the partnership.
"Cisco is pleased to partner with the South Australian Department for Education to support the shift to virtual learning and remote working, and continue to provide access to high quality education," said Mr Boal.
For more information on delivering home learning for you child visit education.sa.gov.au/ourlearningsa.
