Australia

Computer Instructional Learning (CIL)
In combining IT and IE (Information Environments), Australia based Kids Excel Educational Publications Pty Ltd have created CIL (Computer Instructional Learning) educational courses, aimed at students with learning disabilities and developmental delay, non-English speaking students studying English as a Second language, and music students. These courses excite and stimulate learning through hands-on participation, delivered via a combination of audio visual technology, including an interactive whiteboard, or ‘Learning Station’. This learning technology enables students to interact more effectively with other students and teachers, thereby developing and enriching social, communicative and knowledge skills.

The technology also caters to students with disabilities who require a more one on one teacher paradigm through the individual Learning Station and in-home programmes. As vivid images and text are projected onto the screen, students are encouraged to interact with the Learning Station. By touching the screen they are able to change words, move images, select, improve, draw, write, design, classify and structure. Also, the learning of English as a Second Language can be greatly enriched, as English becomes real in "living worlds" projected onto the screen. Other CIL applications also include Music Education, enrichment education and currently development of mathematics and reading programmes.

Much interest has been shown in the CIL courses and currently UNICEF and the World Bank are considering placing the courses into underdeveloped countries.

Beanbag Net Centres for disadvantaged youth in Australia
The Inspire Foundation, a non-profit Internet-based organisation that helps disadvantaged youth improve their lives and career prospects by using ICTs, has partnered with Coca-Cola and Microsoft Australia to establish ten “Beanbag Net Centres”, benefiting an estimated 80,000 young Australians in poor urban areas. Set up in youth-friendly community centres around the country, the centres provide free Internet access facilities, IT and Internet training, and the opportunity to develop a local website that enables young people to add content relevant to them and to others in their area. In fact the project was developed in direct response to a national survey of young people’s access to technology, which highlighted the need for programmes that specifically address issues of access, training and appropriate local content for young people living in urban areas throughout Australia.

The Beanbag Net Centres ensure that these young people are engaged with the Internet, helping both to build their self-esteem and to improve their skills. In 2003, the initiative continued with the launch of five new Beanbag Net Centres, as well as ongoing training and development at existing Centres.

Technology for Learning: Students with Disabilities
Made possible by a grant from the Commonwealth Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, this national project was undertaken with the aim of contributing to the body of knowledge about the impact of computer-based technology on students with disabilities in Australia. The students involved in this project participate in the full range of educational options at primary and secondary levels and in metropolitan, regional and geographically remote settings. They are supported by committed teachers, classroom assistants, principals, technology support personnel, parents, school councils and a range of professionals. The three education sectors (government, Catholic and independent) are represented within this project, as are students with differing disabilities and learning needs.