For more see: Virtual world opens new doors
VIRTUAL learning may not deliver all the hoped-for benefits to country kids because access to technology is still lagging in the bush and it is largely about content and not information skills, one education expert says.
Assistant Professor at the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Education, Science, Technology and Mathematics, Philip Roberts said the reality was many remote areas had low bandwidth so could not use technology in the way that was taken for granted.
“There seem to be a number of paradoxes - we say it is a great opportunity for rural kids but why then do we still have schools for city kids,” he said.
“If it is so good, why isn’t it the model for all?
“Perhaps it is a case of the second best option for country kids being rationalised and justified.”
Mr Roberts said virtual learning could also fall into the trap of being about content and not information skills, such as locating, organising and synthesising knowledge.
